Feast Day · October 4

Francis of Assisi

Patron ofAnimals, Ecology, Italy, Merchants

SituationsEnvironment, Peace

ProfessionsAnimal Workers, Environmentalists

Why this patronage

Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron of animals and of ecology because of the tenderness toward all creatures that ran through his whole life: he preached to the birds, by tradition tamed the ferocious wolf of Gubbio, and in his Canticle of the Creatures praised God through Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and Sister Water — seeing every created thing as kin under one Father. For this reason Pope John Paul II declared him patron of ecology in 1979, and his feast is the occasion for the blessing of animals. He is the patron of merchants because he was himself the son of a wealthy cloth-merchant of Assisi and worked in the family trade before his conversion, when he famously stripped off his fine clothes to embrace poverty. He is a patron of Italy.

Life

Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181, founded the Franciscan Order. After a youth of wealth and military ambition, he experienced a profound conversion, embracing radical poverty and devotion to Christ. He is remembered for his love of nature, his stigmata, and his joyful simplicity.

Prayer

Canticle of the Sun (Canticum Fratris Solis)

Altíssimu, onnipotente, bon Signore,

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

tue so le laude, la glória e l'honore et onne benedictióne.

Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessing.

Ad te solo, Altíssimo, se konfáno

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

et nullu homo ène dignu te mentováre.

and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Laudáto sii, mi Signore, cum tucte le tue creatúre,

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,

spetialménte messor lo frate Sole,

especially Sir Brother Sun,

lo quale è iorno, et allúmini noi per lui.

Who is the day and through whom You give us light.

Et ellu è bellu e radiánte cum grande splendóre,

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;

de te, Altíssimo, porta significatióne.

and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

— Saint Francis of Assisi, c. 1224