Results: Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro Di Bernardone (1181/1182-1226) was an Italian Roman Catholic friar and preacher who was canonized on on July 16th,1228. Are you familiar with St. Francis?

St. Francis is known as the first person to suffer the stigmata. (A term used by members of the Christian faith to describe body marks in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ, such as the hands, wrists, and feet.) In 1220 Francis celebrated Christmas by setting up the first known crèche (Nativity scene) using real animals to create a living scene including a straw-filled manger set between a real ox and donkey. Were you aware of these Saint Francis firsts?

St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals. He had a great love for animals and the environment. It is said that, one day, while Francis was travelling with some companions, they happened upon a place in the road where birds filled the trees on either side. Francis told his companions to "wait for me while I go to preach to my sisters the birds." The birds surrounded him, intrigued by the power of his voice, and not one of them flew away. He is often portrayed with a bird, typically in his hand. During the World Environment Day 1982, John Paul II said that St. Francis' love and care for creation was a challenge for contemporary Catholics and a reminder "not to behave like dissident predators where nature is concerned, but to assume responsibility for it, taking all care so that everything stays healthy and integrated, so as to offer a welcoming and friendly environment even to those who succeed us." Did you know that Saint Francis is the patron saint of animals?

It became customary for Catholic and Anglican churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of October 4th. Did you know the Catholic church holds blessings for animals?

It is common for Catholics to keep a statue of Saint Francis with his animal companions in their gardens. Do you have a statue of Saint Francis?