St. Francis’ Feast Day is October 4. He was born in approximately 1181-82 and died in 1226. He was the founder of the Franciscan order and the Women’s Order of St. Clare, the Poor Clares.
He is a Patron Saint of Ecology and of animals. (Ecology, being the study of organisms and how they interact with the environment around them.) He was known for his love of animals and nature; and was a minister to the poor and underprivileged.
He called all creatures his “brothers and sisters,” preached to birds, and spoke to wolves.
Hymn of St. Francis is a song dedicated to him, which was published in 1912 by an unknown author. It begins, “Make me a channel of your peace…” The words are similar to Isaiah 61 where the negatives become positives through the transformative work of God.
My personal experience that reflects the gifts of St. Francis:
From my porch I see birds in my birdbath sharing the gift of water for drinking and bathing. They nest in the bushes at the end of our yard (environment). Rabbits, squirrels, and deer all enjoy the greens of our backyard bushes for dining.
My fifth grandson has autism and lives alone, but he has guinea pigs that are his friends, who keep him company.
My third grandson also lives alone, but with a beautiful black greyhound Named Nick. While my sixth grandson still lives at home with a German shepherd named Bear to keep him company. Grandson two has a fluffy small dog named Poppy.
My daughter has a greyhound and has owned greyhounds for 20 years. My son has a cat that is a rescue from the Humane Society.
My granddaughter has three cats, loves all of them, and cuddles them.
All of these pets are companions to my family.
St. Francis must have been a kind and affectionate man himself. Again, the words of Isaiah 61: 10-11. Negative to positive with the help of God.
On October 4, let us remember this man and how much he contributed to our world.
Karen Fleming is a longtime companion and friend of St. Paul’s Monastery and is a frequent contributor to St. Paul’s Monastery communications.