How to Celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

Here’s how to celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (October 4th) — no habit, no monastery required, just an open heart and maybe a few furry friends. 🕊️🐾

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🌅 1. Start with Gratitude and Simplicity

Francis began every day with gratitude for “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon.”
You can honor him by doing the same: step outside, breathe the morning air, and say something like:

“Thank you, Creator, for this day, for breath, for life, for all creatures who share it with me.”

Unplug for a while. Eat simply. Walk instead of drive. Let the day breathe.

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🕊️ 2. Pray or Reflect in Nature

Francis didn’t see nature as decoration — he saw it as revelation.
Go for a walk, sit under a tree, or open a window. Pray, meditate, or just listen.
Read the Canticle of the Creatures (Francis’s own hymn) or Psalm 104.
If you’re feeling poetic, write your own “Canticle of Gratitude.”

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🐕 3. Bless the Animals

If you have pets, bless them with a short prayer or sprinkle water on their heads like a mini-baptism of love.
If you don’t, donate to a local shelter or feed the birds.
Francis loved all creatures — even the ones that bite.

“Blessed are you, Lord, for Brother Dog, who teaches us joy.
Blessed are you for Sister Cat, who shows us peace.”

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✋ 4. Serve the Poor or Lonely

Francis wasn’t just about fuzzy animals — he was fierce about compassion.
Do something tangible:

Bring food or socks to someone on the street

Call a friend who’s struggling

Volunteer or give anonymously

Acts of mercy are living prayers.

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💐 5. Reconcile and Forgive

Francis constantly sought peace.
Take a moment to forgive someone — or yourself.
If there’s tension with a friend, family member, or even God, offer a small olive branch.
It doesn’t need to be dramatic — just real.

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📖 6. Read or Watch Something Franciscan

Pick a passage from:

The Little Flowers of St. Francis

Brother Sun, Sister Moon (the film — gloriously 70s, but heartfelt)

The Testament of St. Francis

Then ask: What does “living simply” mean for me, today?

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🕯️ 7. Create a Mini-Ritual at Home

Light a candle. Place a small cross, stone, or leaf beside it. Say:

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”

Let the candle burn as a symbol of gentleness, humility, and hope.

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🎉 Bonus: Celebrate with Joy

Francis loved laughter and song. Sing something, dance barefoot, share a meal with someone, or write a thank-you note to life itself.
Holiness doesn’t have to be grim — it can sparkle.