Feast day · October 4
St. Francis of Assisi
Religious, Founder of the Franciscans
Born 1181/82, AssisiDied 1226, Assisi
“Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars.”
The rich merchant's son who stripped naked in the town square, married Lady Poverty, and rebuilt the Church.
The story
After a year as a prisoner of war and a long illness, Francis heard the crucifix at San Damiano say, "Rebuild my Church." He renounced his inheritance before the bishop, embraced lepers, preached to birds and sultans, invented the Christmas crèche, and received the stigmata on La Verna. He died singing, lying on the bare ground, having asked that the Gospel of the Passion be read.
What Francis teaches
Perfect joy comes from having nothing but God. Francis's poverty was freedom, not misery.
Patronage
Italy, animals, ecology, merchants.
Prayer
St. Francis, make us instruments of God's peace, and give us your joy in poverty and your love for all creation. Amen.
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