The feast of Saint Francis of Assisi is celebrated every year on 4 October. St. Francis of Assisi is the founder of the Order of Friars Minor and is known for his devotion to poverty and love for God's creatures. He is considered an important saint in the Christian tradition and is often invoked for peace and compassion. Saint Francis of Assisi, friend of creation, pray for us to be stewards of the earth.
Who is Saint Francis of Assisi?
His Story
Saint Francis of Assisi is considered one of the most popular and beloved saints of the Catholic Church. He was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, and became famous for his devotion to poverty, his love for nature and creatures, and his message of peace and love for all beings. St Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor, also known as Franciscans, who are dedicated to living simply and helping the poor.
Its significance
St Francis of Assisi lived in medieval Italy and became a model for those who seek to follow a spiritual path of life close to nature and focused on compassion and helping others. The significance of St Francis of Assisi is often associated with peace, simplicity, devotion to God and love for all creatures. He is considered the patron saint of animals and nature, as well as of craftsmen and builders.
Celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Religious rituals
In honour of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, many religious rituals are held in Franciscan churches around the world. Some of these rituals include processions with images of Saint Francis, the reading of his writings, the celebration of Mass in his name, and the blessing of animals. In some churches, parishioners may bring their pets to be blessed by a priest. The faithful may also fast and pray to ask for the intercession of St. Francis for their spiritual life and for the protection of nature.
Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi
O Saint Francis of Assisi,
You dedicated your life to seeking God's will, living in simplicity, poverty and unconditional love for all creatures on earth.
We pray to you today that you will guide us on our own spiritual journey, that we may learn to live in love and peace, as you did.
Help us to follow your example, to rid ourselves of all that hinders us from coming closer to God, and to live each day in gratitude for the gifts we have received.
With trust in your protection and guidance, we ask you to help us to live a simpler and more God-like life.
Amen.
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