St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi is a Catholic saint who is known for his love of poverty and devotion to God. He is the founder of the Franciscan Order and is considered one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church.

Francis was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy cloth merchant named Pietro di Bernardone. Growing up, Francis lived a lavish lifestyle, enjoying the pleasures of wealth and social status. However, as a young man, he began to feel a calling to a different way of life.

In 1205, while he was serving as a soldier in a battle against the city of Perugia, Francis was taken prisoner and spent a year in captivity. During his time in prison, he had a profound spiritual experience that led him to renounce his wealth and embrace a life of poverty.

After his release, Francis returned to Assisi and began to live a life of poverty, dedicating himself to serving God and the poor. He began to attract a group of followers, who shared his love of poverty and desire to serve God. This group eventually became the Franciscan Order, a religious order of men dedicated to serving the poor and spreading the Gospel.

In 1209, Pope Innocent III approved the order, and Francis and his followers began to spread the message of poverty and love throughout Italy. They became known for their simple habits and their willingness to live in poverty, and many people were drawn to their message.

Francis’ message and way of life also attracted many critics, he and his followers were often persecuted and imprisoned by the Church. Despite these difficulties, Francis continued to spread the message of love and poverty, traveling throughout Italy and beyond, preaching and helping the poor.

Francis’s devotion to God and his simple and humble way of life made him a beloved figure among people. He had many followers and his teachings continue to inspire people till this day. Many churches and organizations, including the Franciscan Order, continue to follow the teachings of Francis.

Francis was canonized as a saint in 1228, just two years after his death, by Pope Gregory IX. Today, he is celebrated as the patron saint of animals, the environment, and of Italy, and his feast day is celebrated on October 4th. And is widely regarded as one of the most revered figures in Christianity.

 

The Life of St. Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis, the Seraphic, “the poor man of Assisi” was born at Assisi, in 1182, of a rich merchant family. Because, even in earliest years, he distributed all his substance upon the poor, his father insisted that he renounce every right to an inheritance. This Francis did with great joy of spirit in the presence of the Bishop of Assisi. Thenceforth his life was one of poverty, of humility, of aiding the poor and afflicted. He was not content until he gave himself to the care of the lepers, consoling them in their sufferings.

Rebuild My Church

One day, about the year 1206, Francis entered the neglected chapel of St. Peter Damian, and poured out his soul before the crucifix. Gazing with tearful eyes upon the cross, he heard a voice from the crucifix answering him: “”Go, Francis, and restore My house which is falling””. The Saint was filled with fear, dreading that he might be the victim of an illusion. But the same voice from the crucifix repeated, “”Go, Francis, and repair My house which is fall ing into ruins””. Then his fear redoubled and he asked himself from whence came this mysterious voice. A third time the crucifix answered, “”Go, Francis, restore My house which is falling into ruins as you see.”” Francis’ soul was filled with ineffable joy, as he re realized that it was God Who spoke to him from the crucifix.

As he thought that Our Lord wished him to repair the church of St. Damian, he returned to Assisi and begged an alms from door to door to repair the church. When the work was completed he restored another church near Assisi, dedicated to St. Peter. He then commenced the restoration of St. Mary of the Angels, which belonged to the Benedictines, about one mile from the city. While attending Mass in the restored chapel of Our Lady of the Angels (also known as Portiuncula, i.e., smallest portion), Francis heard the words as read in the Gospel: “”Do not possess gold nor silver, nor money in your purse, nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, a staff””.

The Franciscan Life of Poverty

Francis was overjoyed, as he felt these words were addressed to himself. After the Mass he asked the Priest to explain that passage of the Gospel. The explanation given, Francis cried out: “”That is what I want, that is what I want, that is the object of all my ambition Now he clothed himself in a poorer and coarser garh took off his shoes, laid aside his staff, gave away his money, and replaced his girdle with a rough cord. All of which caused him to say frequently: “”I am married to Lady Poverty””.

The Franciscan Order spread rapidly throughout Christendom, as may be judged by the fact that in 1219 five thousand Friars attended its General Chapter In 1224, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, as St. Francis was praying on Mount Alvernia, he received the Sacred Stigmata, that is, the Impression on his flesh of Our Lord’s Five Most Sacred Wounds. Two years later, on October 4, 1226, at the age of forty-four St. Francis died at Assisi, and on June 16, 1228, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX.

It was St. Francis deep love for the Christ Child that inspired him to build the first Christmas crib, which is the joy and inspiration of young and old in all Catholic churches. St. Francis also directed St. Clare of Assisi in the founding of the Poor Clares at St. Damian’s in Assisi. The Sisters are known as the Second Order of St. Francis. In addition to these two Orders, St. Francis founded the Third Order, for persons living in the world and desirous of sharing the privileges and graces of the religious state. May wearing this St. Francis of Assisi medal serve as a prayer for the holy saint to intercede for our prayers.”

Prayer to St. Francis of Assis

Dear St. Francis of Assisi,
You were a man of great faith and compassion.
You loved all of God’s creatures and saw the divine in all things.
I ask for your intercession today.
Help me to see the beauty in all things and to live my life with joy and simplicity.
May I follow your example of humble service to others and deepen my relationship with God.
St. Francis, pray for us. Amen.

Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi

Oh St. Francis of Assisi,
You were a man of great peace and serenity.
You saw the goodness in others and forgave their transgressions.
I ask for your intercession today.
Grant me the grace to forgive others and to live in peace with all those around me.
May I follow your example of compassion and love for all creatures.
St. Francis, pray for us. Amen.

Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi

Glorious St. Francis of Assisi,
You were a man of great devotion and simplicity.
You lived your life for God and for His people.
I ask for your intercession today.
Help me to grow in my devotion to God and to live my life in service to others.
May I follow your example of poverty and humility.
St. Francis, pray for us. Amen.

Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi

Dear St. Francis of Assisi,
You were a man of peace, love and compassion.
Your love for nature and all creatures inspired us to live a life of simplicity and humility.
I ask for your intercession to help me follow in your footsteps and live a life that brings honor to God.
Help me to be kind and understanding to all those around me, and to see the beauty and worth in each person, just as you did.
I pray for the strength and courage to always put others before myself and to love unconditionally, as you taught us.
Amen.

Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi,
Your devotion to poverty and love of all God’s creatures touched the hearts of many.
I ask for your guidance as I strive to live a life that reflects your values and love for God.
Help me to let go of material possessions and to focus on the things that truly matter: love, compassion, and service to others.
I pray that I may be a peacemaker in a world filled with conflict and division, spreading your message of love and unity.
I ask for your intercession in my life and for the lives of all those who seek to live as you lived.
Amen.

Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi

Dear St. Francis of Assisi,
You were a man of great faith and love for God.
Your life of service to others and your love for all creatures inspired us to live a life of joy and kindness.
I ask for your intercession as I strive to live a life that is true to my beliefs and brings honor to God.
Help me to be a light in the world, spreading your message of peace and love to all those I meet.
I pray that I may be filled with your spirit and that I may be a blessing to others, just as you were.
Amen.

St. Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment

Patronage of St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church, and he is known for his deep love of nature and all creatures great and small. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment, as well as of Italy, merchants, and people who work with animals.

Why is St. Francis of Assisi the patron saint of animals and the environment?

St. Francis of Assisi had a deep love and respect for all living things, and he saw them as brothers and sisters created by God. He is said to have preached to birds and other animals, and he considered them to be his friends. His love of nature and all creatures great and small is a testament to his deep spiritual connection to God and his belief in the interdependence of all life.

St. Francis of Assisi’s teachings and life have had a profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world. He is remembered as a model of simplicity, humility, and compassion, and his legacy continues to inspire people to live in harmony with nature and all creatures.

In his lifetime, St. Francis of Assisi established the Franciscan order of friars, who have continued his legacy of care for the environment and all creatures, as well as helping the poor and promoting peace and justice. Today, St. Francis of Assisi is honored and venerated by Christians around the world, who are called to follow his example of love and compassion for all living things.

 

Reflection on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi

The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated on October 4th.

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. He is known for his love of nature, his simplicity, and his devotion to God. He lived in the 12th and 13th centuries and is the patron saint of animals and the environment.

On the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, we are reminded of the importance of living a simple and humble life. St. Francis taught us that true happiness and fulfillment come not from material possessions or worldly success, but from a deep relationship with God. He also taught us to appreciate and care for the natural world around us.

In today’s fast-paced and consumer-driven society, it can be easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material wealth and status. But on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, we are reminded to slow down and focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God and our connection to the natural world.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, let us take inspiration from his example and strive to live a life of simplicity, humility, and deep love for God and all of God’s creations.

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Children’s Story about St. Francis of Assisi

Once, there was a man named Francis who lived in a beautiful country called Italy. Francis was a very special man. He was kind, loving, and had a deep love for God and all of God’s creatures.

One day, Francis heard God speaking to him in his heart. God told Francis to go out into the world and spread the message of love and peace to everyone he met. Francis listened to God’s voice and followed His instructions.

Francis traveled from town to town, spreading the message of love and peace to everyone he met. He spoke to the birds in the sky and the animals in the fields, and they all listened to him and were filled with joy.

Francis also helped the poor and sick people in the towns he visited. He would give them food and clothes, and he would listen to their stories and pray with them. The people were so grateful for Francis’ kindness, and they loved him very much.

One day, Francis came across a town that was filled with sadness and anger. The people there were fighting and arguing, and they didn’t seem to care about anyone else. Francis knew he had to do something to help them.

He stood in the town square and called out to everyone, “Please stop fighting and come together in peace.” The people were surprised to see Francis and they listened to him. They all gathered around and Francis spoke to them about love and compassion.

And just like that, the people of the town changed. They started to treat each other with kindness and love, and the town was filled with happiness and peace once again.

Years passed, and Francis continued to travel the world, spreading the message of love and peace to all he met. And even today, hundreds of years later, people remember Francis and the special love he had for God and all of God’s creatures.

The end.

 

Papal Writings and Sermons about St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi has been a beloved and revered figure in the Catholic Church for centuries, and many popes have written about him and his teachings. Here are some examples:

1. Pope Francis (2013-present): Pope Francis chose St. Francis as his patron saint and has frequently spoken about his influence on his papacy. In his first homily as Pope, he said, “Let us imitate St. Francis of Assisi, who shows us the way to live a life of poverty and joy.”

2. Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013): Pope Benedict XVI wrote extensively about St. Francis and his teachings. In a homily, he said, “St. Francis of Assisi invites us to rediscover the essential: to return to God, to have the courage to start anew, to work for peace, to protect creation.”

3. Pope John Paul II (1978-2005): Pope John Paul II was particularly fond of St. Francis and often referred to him as a model of simplicity, humility, and love for all of God’s creatures. He declared St. Francis the patron saint of ecology, recognizing his deep love and respect for the natural world.

4. Pope Pius XII (1939-1958): Pope Pius XII wrote an encyclical called “Mirae Caritatis” which praised St. Francis as a model of love and devotion to God. He said, “No one can read the life of St. Francis of Assisi without feeling an inward urge to imitate him.”

These are just a few examples of what popes have said and written about St. Francis of Assisi. He remains an important and beloved figure in the Catholic Church and his teachings continue to inspire and guide people around the world.

Next up: Biography of St. Francis Xavier

 

Also check out our handmade St. Francis of Assisi Medal and St. Francis of Assisi Rosary and St. Francis of Assisi Rosary Bracelet.