Saturday, October 4, 2008

st francis

today is the feast day of st francis of assisi.

st francis is the patron saint of animals, italy and the environment. kirby and i got to go to assisi a few years back and it was one of the most special places we had ever been to. we went to the basilica built in honor of him and wandered through the countryside that he loved so much. he is a incredible example of humility and love for us and we have developed quite a fondness him. we keep a statue of him in our garden to keep our plants and the local birds and squirrels and snails company.

so go and kiss your pet, or recycle something, in honor of him!


a story goes that one day, while traveling with some friends on a road with birds perched on trees on either side of them, st francis stopped and told his companions he had to go speak to the birds for a moment. he said...

"my sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you…you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. and although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. therefore… always seek to praise God."

2 comments:

  1. I went to mass yesterday with amina, wes, and my roommate and it was all about St. Francis...seems like a pretty cool guy. im gonna be home the weekend of oct. 17 and im leaving for chico again that sunday, probably around noon. wanna go to mass that morning?
    -kaitlyn

    ReplyDelete
  2. I almost fainted learning about St. Francis with Kady on Sunday... but only cause the room was hot. Anyways, he was the man.

    ReplyDelete