St. Francis of Assisi
Founder of the Franciscan Order, Patron of Ecology
Feast Day: October 4
Biography
St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) is one of the most universally admired and beloved figures in all of Christian history. Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone to a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi, Italy, he spent his youth in luxury and dreamed of knightly glory. After being captured in battle and enduring a long illness, he began to experience a profound spiritual conversion. The turning point came when he heard Christ speak to him from a crucifix in the ruined church of San Damiano: 'Francis, go and repair my Church, which as you see is falling into ruin.' He took the words literally at first, rebuilding the chapel stone by stone. Eventually he understood the call was far greater. In a dramatic public act, he stripped off his fine clothes before the bishop and his father, declaring God alone as his Father. He embraced 'Lady Poverty,' begged for his food, cared for lepers, and began preaching the Gospel with such joyful simplicity that followers soon gathered around him. He founded the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans), which became one of the largest religious orders in the Church, as well as the Poor Clares (with St. Clare) and the Third Order for laypeople. In 1224, while praying on Mount La Verna, he received the stigmata — the five wounds of Christ — becoming the first recorded person in history to bear them. His 'Canticle of Brother Sun' (Canticle of the Creatures) is considered one of the first great works of Italian literature and expresses his profound reverence for all of God's creation. Pope Francis chose his name in honor of this saint.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
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; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek 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.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Francis of Assisi, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Francis of Assisi, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.