Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

On Oct. 4, Catholics celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, honoring the life and legacy of one of the Church’s most beloved saints. He is known for his love of nature, humility, and dedication to living the Gospel. St. Francis’ impact transcends the Franciscan order he founded and resonates deeply within the heart of the Church.

St. Francis was born into a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy, in 1181. He underwent a remarkable transformation following a series of spiritual visions. A pivotal moment came when he heard Christ’s voice during prayer, urging him to “rebuild my Church.” In response, he renounced his material wealth to embrace a life of poverty, humility, and service to others.

In 1209, he established the Franciscan Order. Formally known as the Order of Friars Minor, the order bears a mission rooted in simplicity and charity. St. Francis beautifully illustrated his love for all creation through his teachings and actions, including creating the first live Nativity scene in 1223, which made the message of Christ’s birth accessible to everyone.

After a life dedicated to faith and service, St. Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226. Just two years later, in 1228, Pope Gregory IX canonized him. Gregory recognized his profound impact on the Church and the world. His legacy continues to inspire countless followers who seek to embody his values of humility, peace, and stewardship of creation.

Carrying on St. Francis’s mission through Laudato Si’

In 2015, Pope Francis released the encyclical Laudato Si’, which echoes the teachings of St. Francis by calling for a renewed commitment to caring for our planet. This document emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation and urges us to recognize our responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. Inspired by St. Francis’ reverence for nature, Laudato Si’ invites us to engage in a global dialogue about environmental issues, encouraging action rooted in compassion and respect for God’s creation.

As we commemorate St. Francis on this special feast day, let us reflect on his extraordinary life and consider how we might incorporate his spirit of compassion and stewardship into our own lives. Whether through acts of service, reverence for the natural world, or participation in cherished traditions, this is an opportunity for Catholics to draw inspiration from a saint who truly lived the Gospel message.

Ways to Celebrate St. Francis’ Feast Day

Catholics can celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in several meaningful ways:

• Attend Mass: Participating in Mass allows Catholics to reflect on the Gospel values that guided St. Francis’ life.
• Volunteer: Following St. Francis’ example of service, Catholics can volunteer at shelters, food banks, or community outreach programs.
• Enjoy Nature: Spending time outdoors in appreciation of God’s creation reflects St. Francis’ deep respect for the natural world.
• Pray the Prayer of St. Francis: Reciting his famous prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” can help Catholics invite his spirit of peace and humility into their lives.

Traditions and Symbols Associated with St. Francis

St. Francis’ feast day includes rich traditions and symbols:

• Blessing of Animals: Many parishes offer Blessing of the Animals ceremonies on St. Francis’s feast day. Parishioners can bring their pets to receive a blessing.
• The Tau Cross: St. Francis often used the “Tau” cross, a T-shaped symbol representing his commitment to simplicity and devotion to Christ.
• Simplicity and Humility: Images of St. Francis often depict him in simple clothing or barefoot. Modeling humility reflects St. Francis’s life of poverty and dedication to following Christ.

Why Pray for St. Francis’ Intercession?

Many Catholics seek St. Francis’ intercession for peace, healing, and a deeper appreciation of God’s creation. Those who struggle with anxiety or environmental concerns or who wish to live more humbly often turn to him in prayer, inspired by his example of a life devoted to God’s love and service.

The Blessing of the Animals

One of the most cherished traditions on the Feast of St. Francis is the Blessing of the Animals . This traditions reflects his love and respect for all living creatures. Catholics around the world bring their pets to parishes for special blessing ceremonies. This is an opportunity to recognize and thank God for the joy and companionship animals bring into our lives.

Those interested in having a pet blessed should check with their local parish for details about any upcoming events. This celebration offers a unique way to honor St. Francis’ spirit of love and care for all God’s creatures.

Honoring St. Francis of Assisi reminds us to embrace simplicity, compassion, and a deep respect for all of God’s creation. By embodying these values in our daily lives, we can make a meaningful impact on our communities.

Featured Image: Statue of St. Francis of Assisi at Green/Natural Burial Section at
Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, Mahwah, NJ