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Feast Day - October 4
As the Feast of St. Francis nears some parishes are planning a Blessing of the Animals or other appropriate service. St. Francis is known more than any other saint for his relationship with the birds and beasts. He literally "talked with the animals."
Here are a few stories about St. Francis and his animal friends followed by a collection of links for more reading about this extraordinary man and saint.
St. Francis and the Wolf
The Town of Gubbio, in which Francis had first ministered to lepers, sits on the slopes of Mount Igino about 30 kilometers from Assisi and at one time was plagued by a vicious wolf. The stories of the infamous wolf were well known throughout the area and the people of Gubbio lived in fear. Francis decided to put an end to this problem and made his way to the town with one companion.
He explained his mission and the townspeople begged the beloved Francis to remain within the town walls for protection, but Francis took his leave to meet the wolf. He took not a shield or a helmet, but asked his quivering companion to go with him. He made the sign of the cross and left the city gate.
Almost immediately, the wolf ran from its cover to meet the two men. Francis raised his arm and did the sign of the cross over the wolf and the wolf immediately stopped.
Francis spoke, "Brother Wolf, come here. In the name of Christ I command you not harm anyone any more." The wolf approached the saint and lay down at the feet of Francis. Francis continued, "Brother Wolf, you have done much harm, not only destroying creatures of God without mercy, but devouring women and men, too, who are made in the image of God. But though you do indeed deserve to be punished, the Lord wants you to make peace with all His creatures instead."
This offer of repentance was accepted by the wolf who placed his paw in Francis's hand as a sign of agreement not to harm God's creatures anymore. Then, Francis, his no-longer shaking companion, and the wolf marched into Gubbio to the amazement of its citizens. Francis preached repentance to the people, too, because sins can cause calamities, such as vicious animals, to fall on people. He reminded them, too, that the tortures of hell are much worse than the attack of an animal. Repent, he called to the people of Gubbio.
He also advised them to take care of Brother Wolf who would not now be killing for his sustenance. So from then on the wolf went from door to door receiving food and love from the people of Gubbio.
St. Francis and the Birds
One day near the Town of Bevagna, Francis and his traveling companions saw a great number of birds - crows, rooks, pigeons, bullfinches, magpie. The birds did not flee as the group approached, but waited as Francis neared.
Francis spoke to the birds, "May the Lord be with you." And he asked for their attention while he spoke to them. And a supernatural silence they gave him. Francis complimented their tasteful attire - no "busy" patterns to offend - and congratulated them on the freedom that their wings give them. How they were blessed, he told them, and he added that they should thank God all the day long.
The birds showed their appreciation for his words and God by flapping their wings while some craned their necks for a better view of the speaker. Francis walked among them, but none flew away until the "lesson" was over and they were granted leave.
St. Francis and the Wild Doves
One day a young man caught a number of wild doves which he was going to sell. On his way, he happened to meet Francis who inquired about his intentions. Francis then asked for the doves which he described as "emblems in scripture" so that they would not fall into cruel hands or suffer a tortued death. The young man was inspired and immediately gave then to Francis.
Francis embraced the doves saying, "O my little sisters the doves, so simple, so innocent and so chaste. Why did you allow yourselves to be caught? I will save you from death, and make your nests, that you may increase and mulitply, according to the command of God."
He took them home and prepared nests for them and the doves lived among Francis and friars as if they had always been pet hens, rather than wid doves.
To the young man he said, "My son, thou shalt become a friar in this Order; and shalt serve most fervently the Lord Jesus Christ." And that too, came to pass, the young man living a life in the Order, perhaps saved from a spiritual death.
His Life
St. Francis of Assisi, biography from the Catholic Encyclopedia.
St. Francis of Assisi, biography from Catholic Online.
St. Franics of Assisi, comprehensive page with links at American Catholic.
Why Saint Francis Loves the Birds Most of All, a delightful story.
St. Francis in Art
St. Francis Preaches to the Birds, painting by Giotto and the legend. Links to other art and documents.
St. Francis in the Desert, painting of the place where Francis received the stigmata.
Animals in Christian Art, St. Francis loved the animals so much I included this link.
Blessing of the Animals
Services such as these are becoming more common near the Feast Day of St. Francis, October 4.
St. Francis Day blessing of the animals attracts dogs, rabbits, hamsters . . .
Animals blessed in tribute to St. Francis of Assisi
Animals Blessing Us?, a sermon for the Feast of St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals.
"Do-it-yourself" Animal Blessing and Prayer for a Sick Animal from American Catholic.
Writing of St. Francis
Writings of St. Francis of Assisi, comprehensive and well-organized at The Franciscan Archive.
Patron Saint of Ecology
Fraternity with all Creatures, by Marianne Powell. History of the designation of St. Francis as Patron Saint of Ecology, scriptural basis and more.
The Canticle of the Sun, written near the end of his life. A beautiful page that partially shows why St. Francis is the Patron Saint of Ecology.
Working for Change - Environment, the modern day work of some Franciscan nuns for the environment. Here is their Meditation on the Canticle.
Pray with St. Francis
Chapel of St. Francis, the Prayer of St. Francis, The Canticle of the Sun, and a blessing for animals based on St. Francis.
The Paraphrase of the Our Father by St. Francis. Beautiful.
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