Saint Francis of Assisi (Feast Day - October 4th)

"Francis, a man of God, left his home and gave away his wealth to become poor and in need. But the Lord cared for him."
(These words are from the Entrance Antiphon of the liturgy for the Feast of St. Francis)

Francis (1181-1226) was born in Assisi to wealthy parents, and spent his youth in a carefree life. He went to war, and was taken prisoner in 1202. After his release he became ill, and shortly thereafter he had a vision of Christ that radically changed his life. He devoted himself to poverty and care of the sick, resolving "to reflect the image of Christ through a life of poverty and humility".

He angered his father who disinherited him, and was considered to be a madman by family and friends. He was subjected to ridicule as he went about begging on behalf of the poor. Attracted by Francis' genuine concern for the needy, disciples followed after him, some of them influential people, and his led to the founding of the Franciscans in 1209. Two years before he died Francis received the stigmata on the feast of the Finding of the True Cross (Sept. 14, 1224), while at prayer. This was the climax of extraordinary spiritual events experienced throughout his life. He died on October 3, 1226, and was canonized two years later. Tradition credits St. Francis with starting the tradition of the creche or nativity scene at Christmas. Tradition also holds Francis as being with peace with the animals of the earth.

The life and ideal of St. Francis have been romanticized, but Francis himself was always a realist. He experienced poverty and knew injustice. He personally suffered illness and pain, rejection and ridicule. Through it all he was an example of genuine joy and humility. He was outstanding in his apostolic zeal and love, especially to the poor and the sick. He was untiring in his efforts on their behalf, and left that as a legacy to us. Francis would say to us today what he wrote in a letter to his follows:

"Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin... We must not be wise according to the flesh. Rather we must be simple, humble and pure. We should never desire to be over others. Instead, we ought to be servants who are submissive to every human being for God's sake. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on all who live in this way and persevere in it to the end..."

Let us walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi and imitate his joyful love and zeal. Let us share our gifts with each person we meet - in a spirit of simplicity and humility - and do it with the sensitivity of St. Francis of Assisi!

It has been our tradition here at St. Anne's parish to "bless the animals"
on the Feast of Saint Francis. You are invited to bring your pets for this special blessing.