Attend Mass for St. Francis
The Feast of St. Francis is celebrated on October 4th in both the old and new calendars. St. Francis is known for his radical simplicity, humility, and love of creation. Attending Mass is a beautiful way to honor his deep devotion to Christ and his reverence for all of God’s creatures. If you’d like to attend a Traditional Latin Mass, check out a Mass near you here. Consider offering the Mass in thanksgiving for the example of St. Francis and asking for the grace to emulate his love for God and neighbor.
Receive a Blessing of Animals
One of the most popular traditions associated with the feast of St. Francis is the Blessing of Animals, which recognizes St. Francis as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Many parishes offer a special blessing of pets on or near his feast day. Bring your pet to the church, and participate in the blessing ceremony to thank God for the gift of your animal companions. It’s also a good opportunity to reflect on your role as a steward of creation, caring for both animals and the environment.
Watch The Little Flowers of St. Francis Film
Watch the classic Italian film The Little Flowers of St. Francis (Francesco, giullare di Dio), directed by Roberto Rossellini. The movie, based on the “Fioretti” (Little Flowers of St. Francis), portrays several moments from the life of St. Francis and his early followers. It beautifully captures his deep joy, simplicity, and humility. After watching, have a family discussion on how St. Francis’s approach to life, especially his trust in divine providence and love for the poor, can inspire your own actions.
Read G. K. Chesterton’s St. Francis of Assisi
G. K. Chesterton’s biography St. Francis of Assisi offers a brilliant reflection on the life and impact of St. Francis. Known for his deep insight and wit, Chesterton explores Francis’s unique character, his radical embrace of poverty, and his profound spiritual joy. Reading selections from this book on St. Francis’s feast day is a great way to dive deeper into the saint’s spirituality and his enduring influence on the Church and the world.
You might reflect on key passages such as Francis’s dramatic moment of renouncing worldly wealth or his love for creation. Consider reading aloud as a family or group and discussing what stands out to you.
Read a Hagiography of St. Francis
Reading a hagiography of St. Francis, such as the accounts found in The Golden Legend or The Life of St. Francis by St. Bonaventure, provides insight into the life of this remarkable saint. St. Francis’s life, filled with conversion, humility, and miracles, serves as a powerful model of radical discipleship. Reflect on his deep desire to follow Christ by living out the Gospel with complete trust in God’s providence and his willingness to embrace suffering with joy.
The Life of St. Francis of Assisi
(from The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine)
Saint Francis’s Early Life and Conversion
Saint Francis was born in the city of Assisi, in the province of Umbria. His father, Peter Bernardone, was a wealthy merchant, but Francis, from his earliest youth, despised worldly wealth and glory. After a period of youthful exuberance, he underwent a profound conversion and resolved to dedicate his life to God in poverty and simplicity. He gave away all he had, even the clothes he wore, and clothed himself in a humble tunic. He devoted himself to the care of the poor and the sick, especially the lepers, whom he embraced and served with great tenderness.
One day, while praying in the half-ruined church of San Damiano, Francis heard the voice of Christ coming from the crucifix: “Francis, go and repair My house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.” At first, he understood this command literally and began to rebuild the dilapidated church, using stones he begged from the townspeople. But over time, he realized that the Lord was calling him to a greater mission: to renew the entire Church by preaching the Gospel and living in radical poverty.
The Foundation of the Friars Minor
Francis embraced a life of total poverty, owning nothing for himself or his companions. He sought to imitate Christ as closely as possible. He preached the Gospel to all, often using few words, and instead living by example. His joy, humility, and love for all of God’s creation attracted followers, and soon, a group of like-minded men joined him. Together they became the Friars Minor, dedicating their lives to preaching, penance, and care for the poor.
St. Francis’s Love for Creation
Saint Francis saw all creatures as his brothers and sisters because they were made by the same loving Creator. One famous story tells how he tamed a fierce wolf that was terrorizing the town of Gubbio. The wolf had been attacking livestock and even people, but Francis approached the animal, made the sign of the cross, and spoke gently to it: “Brother Wolf, I command you, in the name of Christ, to do no more harm to anyone.” The wolf immediately became docile and followed Francis into the town. There, Francis made peace between the townspeople and the wolf, who lived peacefully among them from then on.
Another well-known story relates how St. Francis preached to the birds. One day, while traveling with some of his companions, he saw a large flock of birds in a field. Moved by the sight, he asked his companions to wait while he went to preach to the birds. As he spoke, the birds gathered around him, listening intently and showing no fear. He said to them, “My brothers the birds, you should praise your Creator and always love Him. He gave you feathers to clothe you, wings to fly, and all that you need. God has also made you noble among His creatures, and He gives you the air to fly in. You owe Him your lives and your gratitude.” When he finished, the birds joyfully spread their wings and flew away. His companions marveled at this event, and from that day on, St. Francis was known for his extraordinary connection to nature.
The Stigmata of St. Francis
The greatest miracle in St. Francis’s life was the reception of the stigmata, the wounds of Christ crucified, on his own body. This occurred during a period of deep prayer and contemplation at Mount La Verna. St. Francis had always desired to share in the suffering of Christ, and during this time, his wish was granted. As he prayed, he had a vision of a seraph with six wings, standing before him. In the midst of the seraph appeared the figure of Christ crucified. From the wounds of Christ’s hands, feet, and side, rays of light shot forth and pierced Francis’s body, marking him with the same wounds.
After receiving the stigmata, Francis suffered greatly, but he bore the pain with patience and joy, considering it a privilege to share in Christ’s Passion. He carefully hid the wounds from others, but those closest to him noticed that his hands and feet were pierced, as though by nails, and his side bled as if it had been struck by a lance.
The Death of St. Francis
In the later years of his life, St. Francis was afflicted by many physical ailments, including blindness and severe pain from the stigmata. Yet, his spirit remained joyful, and he praised God in all his sufferings. He composed the famous Canticle of the Sun, in which he gave thanks for all of God’s creations, referring to the sun, moon, stars, water, and even death, as his brothers and sisters.
As his death approached, Francis asked to be laid on the bare ground, covered only by a borrowed tunic. Surrounded by his brothers, he received the last sacraments and passed away peacefully, singing a psalm. His death occurred on October 3, 1226, and two years later, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX. His feast is celebrated on October 4, and his legacy of simplicity, poverty, and love for all creatures continues to inspire people around the world.