Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated every year on October 4 to honor the life and legacy of one of the most beloved and recognizable saints in the Christian tradition. Known for his radical humility, love of animals, and deep connection to nature, St. Francis of Assisi continues to inspire millions around the world.

History of Feast of St Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi was born in either 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy family. During his youth he led a relatively carefree life, but gradually, through illness, contemplation, and exposure to poverty, he felt a deep calling to renounce material wealth and devote himself to simple living, service, and a radical imitation of Christ’s life.

After founding the Franciscan Order (the Friars Minor), St. Clare’s Poor Clares, and the Third Order for lay people, Francis earned recognition for his humility, compassion for the poor, and his astonishing love for nature and animals. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, and shortly thereafter the Church established October 4—the day following his death—as his feast day in perpetuity.

Why is this feast important?

St. Francis is someone who captures hearts not because he was perfect, but because he seemed to struggle, question, and then commit himself without holding back. His life reminds us that holiness can be messy, rooted in loss, in turning away from comfort, and in choosing love in unexpected places. Nature, the poor, the outcasts—he saw God shining in all of them, and that’s an invitation: to see more, to care more, to embrace rather than turn away.

Also, in a time of ecological crisis, his reverence for creation has become especially resonant. The way he spoke to animals, preached to birds, and considered all creatures brothers and sisters feels like a very necessary correction today. It asks: What would it mean to live more simply? To respect the weak, to tread gently upon the earth?

Here are some of the deeper reasons this feast still matters to many people

• it reminds us that simplicity and poverty aren’t just suffering but a way to clarity and compassion
• it gives voice to the vulnerable—animals, the poor, the marginalized—and urges care for them
• it inspires people of faith to bridge spiritual practice and ecological responsibility
• it offers a model of joy and gratitude rooted not in having much but in giving, loving, forgiving
• it encourages community: people gathering, blessing animals, sharing what they have

How to Celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi

To observe October 4 in a meaningful way doesn’t require grand ritual—there are simple, heartfelt ways to honor St. Francis and what he stood for. One might go to Mass or attend a church service, especially one with the Franciscan order, if possible. These often include readings and prayers reflecting on Francis’s life of poverty, humility, and love for creation. Another lovely practice is the blessing of animals—bringing pets (or even observing local wildlife) into the space of prayer, recognizing them as part of Creation, worthy of care and love.

You could also spend time outdoors: walk in a park, tend a garden, reflect on nature’s beauty. Perhaps even pick up some litter, plant something, or care for trees. Acts of kindness toward the poor—donating food, clothes, or time—also echo St. Francis’s compassion. Personal reflection, writing, or art inspired by Creation can help meditate on his message.

Some ideas people often do

• bring a pet to church or a safe place for blessing
• make a small donation to an animal shelter or environmental group
• spend time in nature, noticing birds, trees, seasons
• quietly reflect or journal about what simplicity means for me
• share a meal simply, maybe with friends, focusing on connection not abundance

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Dates Table