Saint Francis of Assisi - Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment

Francis of Assisi lived in Italy in the 12th and 13th centuries. He was born into a wealthy family but gave up his privileged life to follow a religious path of poverty and service to God. Francis founded the Franciscan order of friars, emphasizing humility, simplicity, and devotion to God.

Francis is known for his love of nature and belief that all creatures, including animals, are part of God's creation and deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. He is also famous for his devotion to the poor and the sick and his advocacy for peace and reconciliation.

Francis' spiritual journey began when he experienced a vision of Jesus Christ, who told him to "repair my church." Francis took this to mean that he should devote his life to rebuilding the church, which he interpreted as not just the physical building but also the spiritual community of believers. He traveled throughout Italy and beyond, preaching the gospel and living a life of poverty and service.

Founder of the Franciscan Order

Saint Francis was the founder of the Franciscan Order, which is made up of three main branches: the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv), and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap). Each branch has its own unique spiritual emphasis, while all Franciscans share a common commitment to the Gospel message of poverty, humility, and service to others.

The Franciscans have a rich history of missionary work and social activism, working to alleviate poverty, promote peace, and care for the environment. They are also known for their devotion to the arts, particularly in the fields of music and architecture.

Peace Prayer of Saint Francis

The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis is a petition for peace, love, and compassion and is often used in Church liturgical services, as well as in personal devotions and meditation.(Source: “The Peace Prayer Of St. Francis.” St. Anthony Messenger, vol. 124, no. 4, Franciscan Media, LLC, Sept. 2016, p. 57.)

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen."

The prayer calls for individuals to embody the virtues of love, compassion, and forgiveness and to be agents of peace in the world. It has become a beloved prayer in the Christian tradition and is often recited during times of conflict and strife as a reminder of the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation.

Prayer In Honor of St. Francis

Below is a prayer in celebration of Saint Francis life and spiritual journey:

Dear Lord,

I come before you today to celebrate the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. I give thanks for his example of humility, simplicity, and devotion to you.

Francis showed me that true wealth and abundance come from serving others and living a life of love and compassion. He taught me to see your divine presence in all of creation, from the smallest sparrow to the tallest tree.

I ask that you help me to follow Francis' example and to live my life in service to you and to others. May I see your love and beauty in all that surrounds me, and may I work tirelessly to heal the wounds of the world and to bring hope and light to those in need.

Bless me with the same courage, humility, and grace that Francis displayed throughout his life. May I honor his memory by living my life in service to you, with joy and thanksgiving in my heart.

I ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to love and to serve one another.

Amen.

Saint Francis Day

In recognition of his spiritual leadership and many good works, the Catholic Church canonized Francis of Assisi as a saint in 1228. His feast day is celebrated on October 4th each year.

Francis' is remembered as a model of humility, simplicity, and devotion to God, and his example continues to inspire people of faith today.

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