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Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Honoring the patron saint of animals and ecology, a celebration of all creation.
October 4
Why It Matters
St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) founded the Franciscan order and is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and the poor. Famous for radical poverty, his Canticle of the Sun, care for the marginalized, and the stigmata.
How It Is Observed
Blessing of the Animals in churches worldwide (pets brought for blessing), Franciscan church services, reflection on care for creation and the poor.
Sacred Text
“Praised be you, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.”
, Canticle of the Sun, St. Francis ↗