Saint Francis of Assisi, or Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, born in Assisi, Italy, in 1182, is the patron saint of ecology and animals.

St Francis believed that “nature itself was the mirror of God.” He called all creatures “brothers” and “sisters.”

Legend has it that St. Francis even preached to the animals about God’s love and concern for them. He preached to the birds and persuaded a wolf to stop attacking some locals.

His feast day is on October 4, commemorating his death in 1226. It is also observed as a Day of Blessing for Pets. This custom is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

The blessing takes place wherever the animals can be gathered.

He is also considered the patron against dying alone; against fire, of families, of peace, patron of the Franciscan Order and Catholic Action; and several religious congregations.

1. He was one of seven kids.

At his birth in 1182, his mother had Saint Francis baptized as John (Giovanni), after St. John the Baptist. His father was a wealthy cloth merchant named Pietro di Bernardon. When he returned from business travels, he renamed his son Francis (Francesco) because France was where he made his livelihood.

2. He was a Prisoner of War.

At 19, he joined the military and fought in a war. He was taken prisoner and held for a year but was eventually released.

3. St Francis grew up with every luxury.

He is heir to his father’s vast wealth, but his family disowned him.

He sensed God telling him three times, “Francis, repair my Church, which has fallen into ruins.” Believing that God was guiding him to repair the dilapidated church at San Damiano, St Francis sold a sizable portion of his father’s textile stock and his own horse to pay for the project. When Francis’s father heard what his son had done, he beat and dragged him before the bishop of Assisi. He demanded that Francis renounce his rights as Pietro’s heir and repay the money for the missing textiles.

4. He was inspired by Matthew 10.9.

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts” – Matthew 10:9. Jesus tells his disciples not to be bound by material wealth when preaching the Good News. He felt inspired to do the same. Within a year, he had already gained 11 followers.

5. He received the stigmata amid a 40-day fast in preparation for Michaelmas, or the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel.

Stigmata is a condition in which the wounds of Christ supernaturally appear on a person’s body. St Francis is the first person to receive such holy damages.

6. His tomb was lost for centuries.

His body was moved to his basilica in 1230. Still, it was soon hidden by the Franciscans to protect it from Saracen invaders. The location of the body is forgotten, and it was not rediscovered until nearly six centuries later, in 1818.

7. He had no desire to bear the title of Priest.

Although Francis was qualified for the priesthood, he did not want to be branded as a “Priest.” In 1209, Pope Innocent III compelled the Catholic church to grant Francis permission to start the Franciscan order.

8. He traveled through villages preaching radically Biblical ideas about surrendered Godly living.

Legend says that Francis was so zealous for God that he preached the Good News even when only animals could listen. This earned him the title “God’s fool,” which he wholeheartedly embraced.

9. St Francis erected the First Nativity Scene in 1223 in a cave in Greccio, Italy.

He created a Christmas display that visually represents the setting of Christ’s humble birth. (end)