Saint Francis of Assisi
Feast day: October 4
Patron of animals, ecology, Italy, and the poor
Life
Son of a wealthy cloth merchant, Francis renounced his inheritance in the public square and embraced Lady Poverty. He rebuilt ruined churches, gathered brothers into a new Order, preached to the birds, and was marked with the wounds of Christ. He sang Brother Sun and Sister Moon, calling all creation to praise its Maker.
Prayer
Saint Francis, teach us to live simply and to see every creature as a sign of God's goodness. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Amen.
