saintcarda quiet companion
Baroque portrait of Francis of Assisi
FEAST · OCTOBER 4

FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Patron of animals, pets, the environment, creation, peace.

Francis of Assisi was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy merchant family. After a period of youthful indulgence and military service, he underwent a profound conversion, renouncing his wealth and embracing a life of radical poverty and service to God. He founded the Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of Saint Clare, and the Third Order for laypeople, emphasizing humility, simplicity, and love for all creation. Francis is remembered for his deep devotion to the humanity of Christ, receiving the stigmata in 1224, and for his Canticle of the Creatures, which expresses his reverence for nature as a reflection of the divine. Today, he remains a powerful example of gospel living, inspiring care for the poor and for the natural world. He is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace.
A PRAYER TO FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, we ask for the grace to live with simplicity, joy, and deep respect for all your creation. Help us to see your presence in every living creature and to work for peace and justice in our world. May we follow his example of poverty of spirit and love for the poor. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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