Saint Francis of
Assisi
Feast Day: October 4
Patron
of Animals and All Who Care for the Earth
Saint Francis was
born as the son of a wealthy merchant in Assisi
in 1182. He loved
to sing songs and party with his friends.
One day, Jesus
spoke to Francis from the crucifix in the tiny
chapel of San
Damiano. He said, “Go, rebuild My Church.”
Francis fell in
love with Jesus. He gave away his rich clothing and
wore a simple robe.
He cared for the sick and needy. He taught
that everything God
made, like the sun, the moon, the animals
and plants, is
good. God wants us to take good care of our earth.
Captivated by his
sincerity and fervent heart, men and women,
began to follow Francis.Together they cared
for others,
especially the poor, and began to spiritually rebuild the Church.
The pope blessed
Saint Francis and his followers.Saint Francis
prayed and preached much. He was the first
person in history
to receive stigmata—the wounds of Jesus,
and died with the
words, “Welcome, Sister Death!”
Prayer to Saint
Francis for the Care of our Earth
Dear Saint Francis,
you loved Jesus with all your heart. You
allowed Him to live
His life through you. Please bless all who
care for others as
you did. Bless those who care for the earth and
all God’s
creatures. Help us to love one another. Amen.
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us
-Bart Tesoriero
