A Saint For Our TIme

St. Francis of Assisi

On October 4, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in Christian history. Born in 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, Francis grew up in comfort as the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. Yet his life took a dramatic turn when he discovered that riches and status could not satisfy his heart.

As a young man, Francis began to listen more closely to the voice of Christ. He encountered lepers, the poor, and the forgotten, and he recognized in them the suffering face of Jesus. Slowly he gave away his possessions, embraced a life of simplicity, and dedicated himself completely to the Gospel.

Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), a community marked by poverty, fraternity, and joyful trust in God. His way of life inspired countless others, including St. Clare, who founded the Poor Clares. Francis preached not only with words, but with his way of living: humility, kindness, and deep reverence for every creature as part of God’s creation.

He is remembered for his Canticle of the Creatures, praising God for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and all living beings. This vision of the world — as a gift, filled with God’s presence — continues to speak powerfully today, especially in a time when care for creation is so urgent.

St. Francis also bore the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, which marked his deep union with the crucified Lord. He lived with simplicity, prayed with joy, and showed others that holiness is not found in power or wealth, but in love.

For us today, Francis is more than a figure of the past. He is a saint for our time — reminding us that even small acts of kindness, humility, and care for creation can be mustard seeds of faith that grow and bear fruit.

As we celebrate his feast, let us pray with the words attributed to him:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is despair, hope.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!