St Francis and the animals

When: Every year on October 4

Francis of Assisi lived in Italy about 800 years ago. He gave up a rich life to live simply, and he loved the whole created world. On October 4 many churches bless animals and remember his song of thanks to God for sun, moon, water and earth.

Where it came from

Francis was born in Assisi, Italy, around 1181 or 1182, the son of a rich cloth merchant. As a young man he felt called to follow Jesus in poverty and joy. He gave away his wealth, cared for people who were sick and poor, and gathered friends who became the Franciscans. He died in 1226, and was named a saint just two years later.

Near the end of his life he wrote a poem of praise, often called the Canticle of the Creatures or the Canticle of Brother Sun. In it he thanks God for “Brother Sun”, “Sister Moon”, wind, water, fire and “Mother Earth”. In 1223 he also helped make a live Christmas scene at Greccio, a village in Italy, which is one of the early nativity scenes.

Many stories were told about him after his death, such as the tale of the wolf of Gubbio, whom he is said to have befriended. These stories were written down some time later, and are best read as beloved legends that show his gentle spirit. In 1979, Pope John Paul II named him the patron saint of ecology.

How it is kept around the world

• Blessing of the animals. On or near October 4, many Catholic, Anglican and other churches bless pets and farm animals. Children bring dogs, cats, rabbits and even stuffed animals.
• Nativity scenes. Families and churches set up nativity scenes at Christmas, a custom connected to Francis and Greccio.
• Italy. October 4 is a day to remember St Francis, the patron saint of Italy. Assisi welcomes pilgrims from all over the world.
• The Philippines and Latin America. San Francisco de Asís is a loved patron of many towns and churches. Towns hold processions and fiestas in his honour.
• Care for creation. Many Christians use this day to plant trees, clean parks or learn about caring for the earth.

Christians differ

Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Christians honour saints and ask for their prayers. Many Protestants do not pray to saints, but still admire Francis as an example of simple faith and love for creation. Some Christians do not bless animals at all. All can agree that caring kindly for animals and the earth is part of being thankful to God.

Do it together

Ages 0 to 2

• Make animal sounds together and gently pat a soft toy or a friendly pet.
• Stand outside and listen. What can you hear?

Ages 3 to 5

• Bring a stuffed animal to a “blessing” at home. Say thank you for it.
• Put out a shallow bowl of water for birds and watch.

Ages 6 to 8

• Make a bird feeder from a pinecone, peanut-free seed and string (check local rules for feeding wildlife).
• Tell the story of Francis in your own words and draw one scene.

Ages 9 to 12

• Write your own short “canticle”: three lines thanking God for sun, water and earth.
• Find out how many kinds of animals live in a park near you.

Ages 13 to 17

• Read about the Canticle of the Creatures and Pope Francis's letter Laudato Si'. What responsibilities do they say we have?
• Pick one small action for creation this month, and do it.

A short prayer

Thank you, God, for sun and moon, for water and earth, and for every animal. Help us to care for them and for one another. Amen.

Mark as done

Where this comes from

• Francis of Assisi, Canticle of the Creatures (c. 1224), in Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, vol. 1 (New City Press, 1999)
• Augustine Thompson, Francis of Assisi: A New Biography (Cornell University Press, 2012)
• F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone, eds., The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. (Oxford University Press, 2005), entry “Francis of Assisi”
• Pope Francis, Laudato Si' (2015)

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.