Saint Francis of Assisi

Francis Bernardone, the founder of the three Franciscan Orders, was  born at Assisi, Italy in 1181.  He came from a rich family but left his luxurious home to become a humble friar, living the Gospel in the spirit of the Lord Jesus.

Many inspiring stories were told about Francis of Assisi.  One day while he was walking in the country side, he came upon a leper.  Instead of running away from the leper, Francis embraced him.

Another interesting story was his giving up of his riches after hearing a reading from the Gospel of St. Matthew during a Mass.  Right then and there, he decided to give up everything he had to serve the poor.  He dedicated his whole life to serving the poor and the needy.  Some men from Assisi joined him.  Thus the order Friar Minors was founded.  Today, the men who belong to this order are called Franciscans.

He showed his genuine poetic gift when he wrote what is sometimes called The Song of the Creatures.  In this song, he revealed his reflection: “Now I saw the sun, the moon, the earth, the spring, and the flower.  I had not seen them before.  But now they spoke to me, I felt them near, I loved them, and they moved me.  I think my first real prayers were said at this time… In any case, I am sure my need to give thanks dates from them.  Thanks to the sky.  Thanks to the earth.  Thanks to life.  Thanks to God.”

Francis of Assisi loved the things of creation.  He felt one with them and called them as he would his family, calling them Brother Sun, Sister Moon, etc.  He called the wind, air, and fire his brothers; the water and the stars, his sisters; and the earth, his mother.  He believed that nature, humankind, and God are one.

The respect that Francis gave to creation shows us how to attain God’s real purpose for creation.  It also shows us how we can have a closer relationship with God – by loving and caring for His creation.

Saint Francis is honored as the patron of ecology.  We celebrate his feast day on October 4.

Tags: Patron Saints, Religion, saint francis, saint francis of assisi, st. francis, st. francis of assisi

Category: Patron Saints