On October 4th, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved and well-known saints in Christian history. His profound love for God, creation, and all living beings continues to inspire millions around the world. Known as the founder of the Franciscan Order and a model of humility and devotion, St. Francis embraced a radical way of life that sought to imitate Christ's simplicity, poverty, and care for the marginalized. On his feast day, we honor his deep connection to God, his love of nature, and his call to serve the poor and vulnerable.
The Early Life of St. Francis
St. Francis was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy family. His father was a prosperous silk merchant, and his mother was a French noblewoman. From a young age, Francis was indulged by his family and enjoyed the luxuries of a wealthy lifestyle. He was charming, witty, and captivated by the cultural trends of his time, including the poetry of the troubadours and the chivalric ideals of knighthood. Francis spent his youth in carefree revelry, known for his fine clothes and lavish spending.
However, despite his outward appearance of happiness, Francis began to experience disillusionment with the material world. A turning point came when he encountered a beggar while selling goods in the marketplace. Moved with compassion, Francis abandoned his wares to chase after the beggar, giving him all the money he had. His friends mocked him for this act of charity, and his father scolded him angrily. This moment planted the seeds of a transformation in Francis’s life, though it would take several years for him to fully embrace a new path.
In 1202, Francis joined a military expedition against the nearby city of Perugia, but he was captured and spent a year as a prisoner. During his time in captivity, Francis became seriously ill, which led him to reflect on his life’s direction. After his release, he briefly returned to his former lifestyle, but soon began to feel restless and spiritually unsatisfied. In 1205, while preparing to join the army again, he had a vision that caused him to abandon his plans and return home. From that moment, he gradually distanced himself from the pleasures and ambitions of his past life, seeking instead to devote himself fully to God.
Francis’s Call to a Life of Poverty
One of the most significant turning points in Francis's life came when he visited the dilapidated church of San Damiano, just outside of Assisi. While praying before an ancient crucifix, Francis heard Christ speaking to him, saying, "Francis, go and repair My church, which, as you can see, is falling into ruins." Taking these words literally, Francis sold some of his father’s goods to raise money to repair the church. When the local priest refused to accept the money because it was obtained dishonestly, Francis threw it on the ground and renounced his father’s wealth.
Francis’s decision to embrace poverty caused a rift between him and his father, who was furious over his son’s actions. In a dramatic public scene, Francis appeared before the bishop of Assisi and his father, stripped off his fine clothes, and declared that he was no longer his father’s son but a servant of God. From that moment on, Francis lived as a beggar, embracing a life of extreme poverty and humility.
For the next two years, Francis devoted himself to repairing the ruined chapels around Assisi. During this time, he also began caring for lepers, an act of compassion that further deepened his commitment to serving the most marginalized and outcast members of society.
Founding the Franciscan Order and the Poor Clares
As Francis’s reputation for holiness and humility grew, others began to join him in his simple way of life. In 1209, Francis and a small group of followers traveled to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III to establish a new religious order. The pope initially hesitated but was later convinced by a dream in which he saw Francis holding up the Church. With the pope's blessing, Francis officially founded the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans. The order was characterized by its commitment to poverty, simplicity, and preaching the Gospel through both words and actions.
The Franciscans quickly grew in number, attracting men who sought to live out the radical teachings of Christ. They traveled from town to town, preaching, serving the poor, and relying entirely on the generosity of others for their sustenance. Francis himself refused to own any property or accept money, instead focusing on the spiritual riches found in serving God and His creation.
In 1212, Francis’s spiritual influence extended to women as well, when a noblewoman named Clare of Assisi left her wealthy family to follow his example of poverty and devotion. With Francis's guidance, Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, a community of women who dedicated themselves to a life of prayer, poverty, and service. Together, the Franciscans and Poor Clares embodied the ideals of simplicity, humility, and radical dependence on God.
Francis’s Love for Creation
One of the most well-known aspects of St. Francis’s legacy is his deep love for all of God’s creation. He saw every element of the natural world as a reflection of God's glory and praised the Creator for the beauty of nature. This love is beautifully expressed in his famous Canticle of the Sun.
The Canticle of the Sun, also known as the Canticle of the Creatures, is one of St. Francis of Assisi's most famous prayers, composed toward the end of his life. Written in the Umbrian dialect of Italian, this poetic hymn expresses Francis’s deep love for God and creation. In the Canticle, Francis praises God for the sun, moon, stars, wind, water, fire, and earth, referring to them as his "brothers" and "sisters." The prayer beautifully reflects his belief that all of creation is a reflection of God's goodness and glory, and it calls believers to recognize the sacredness of the natural world.
The Canticle of the Sun is not only a celebration of creation but also a profound expression of Francis’s joyful, humble spirit and his understanding of the interconnectedness of all life under God's care. The Anglican priest William Henry Draper famously adapted into the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King.”
Francis’s love for animals has inspired many stories and legends. One popular tale tells of how Francis tamed a fierce wolf that was terrorizing a village, convincing it to live in peace with the people. Another account describes how Francis preached to a flock of birds, who listened attentively to his words about God’s love. He saw all creatures as fellow servants of God, reflecting His goodness and glory.
The Creation of the Nativity Scene
Another lasting contribution of St. Francis is the creation of the first nativity scene, a tradition that continues in Christian homes and churches around the world. In 1223, Francis wanted to make the celebration of Christmas more meaningful, so he set up a live nativity scene with animals in a cave near Greccio, Italy. This simple yet powerful display was meant to help people experience the humility and poverty of Christ's birth in a new and tangible way. The tradition of the nativity scene has since become a beloved part of Christmas celebrations worldwide.
Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Attend the Blessing of the Animals: One of the most popular traditions associated with St. Francis is the Blessing of the Animals. Many churches hold special services where people can bring their pets to receive a blessing in honor of St. Francis’s love for all creatures. This joyful event serves as a reminder of our responsibility to care for God’s creation.
Prayer and Reflection: On his feast day, consider reading parts of St. Francis’s Canticle of the Sun. These prayers reflect St. Francis’s deep love of God and can inspire us to live with greater humility, compassion, and gratitude for the world around us. If you have children, here's a list of my favorite children's books on St. Francis.
Acts of Service: In keeping with St. Francis’s commitment to the poor, consider volunteering at a local soup kitchen, donating to a charity, or offering help to someone in need. Serving others, especially the marginalized, is one of the most meaningful ways to honor his legacy.
Enjoying Nature: Spend time outside, whether on a nature walk or simply in your garden, appreciating the beauty of creation. As you do, reflect on how you can better care for the environment, following Francis’s example of stewardship and love for all living things.
Eat Almond Cookies: When St. Francis was on his deathbed, he asked a dear friend to bring him his favorite treat, her almond cookies!
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