Saint Talk: St. Francis of Assisi

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of animals and environmentalism. St. Francis is one of the most popular saints and is likely one of the best known to other Christians and non-Christians alike. One of the special traditions surrounding his feast day is the blessing of animals and pets. Our pastor, Father Mathew likes to joke that his is an opportunity to have our pets become Catholic too.

Our parish, St. Catherine of Siena, has a unique connection to St. Francis of Assisi. For many years now our parish priests have been Franciscan, specifically belonging to the Franciscan TOR. They wear the black habit and the group serving our parish originated in Pennsylvania. In1938 they sent missionaries to India to form schools and evangelize. Now those very missions are sending priests back to the United States to serve in parishes, schools and hospitals.

Several of us had an opportunity to visit Assisi and the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi when we went on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome a few years ago. Below is a photo taken by my wife Stacey when we were at the foot of the very steep hill of Assisi. We are standing in a small plaza near the Basilica of Santa Maria deli Angeli (St. Mary of the Angels). This is the church where St. Francis died. Its gardens contain thornless rose bushes and a statue of St. Francis on which doves have rested since it was erected. Both of these are linked to pious traditions on the life of St. Francis.

Here is a video from the Catholic News Agency on the life of St. Francis: