Saint Francis Patron of Animals so loved the animals we remember him as a friend and protector to them. Legends have left up with idyllic pictures of how beasts and birds were susceptible to the charm of St. Francis’ gentle ways, how they entered companion with him and often felt protected by him. It is said birds listened so reverently to his sermon along the road near Bevagna Francis chided himself for not having thought to preach to them before. He also found great delight and solace in simple things such as the rising sun or flowers, all aspects of nature.

Our four-legged and two-legged friends are invited to the Blessing of the Animals at 1:00 pm in the church courtyard on Sunday, October 6. Prayers, Blessings, and Certificates will be available. Barking allowed.

Title: St Francis with Bird; Date: 1988; Artist: Francis W. Skeat (1909-2000); Building: Westminster Abbey; Object/Function: Stained glass; City/Town: London; Country: United Kingdom. Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33. Permalink: https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56688 (Use this link to refer back to this image.)