Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Sept. 30, 2004 edition of the Inland Register)

In the last 50 years, as our culture has become more secular, the custom of celebrating feast days of the saints has almost disappeared. Those feast days that remain, like St. Patrick’s Day and St. Valentine’s Day, do not focus on faith.

The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is Oct. 4. Why not begin a tradition in your family this year by remembering this holy man and striving in some small way to follow his example?

Francis was born the son of a wealthy merchant in the town of Assisi, Italy in 1181. A charming young man, he enjoyed fine clothes, good food and drink, and fun parties. As a child he had loved the tales of King Arthur, and longed for noble adventure. So when war broke out, Francis became a knight and joined the battle. He was soon captured, and a year as prisoner of war left him seriously ill. During a long convalescence, Francis began to seek deeper meaning in life.

His former interests left him empty, and he took comfort in hours of prayer. Inspired by the words of Matthew’s Gospel commanding Jesus’ disciples give up their worldly possessions, Francis began to live in radical poverty. His family and friends did not understand. When he refused to stop giving away his father’s merchandise to the poor, his father disowned him.

Penniless, Francis begged for food each day while preaching and serving the poor and outcast, such as lepers. His example soon drew others and he formed a band of traveling preachers called the Friars Minor. Within ten years a vast “Franciscan” movement was sweeping Europe and his followers numbered more than five thousand.

Francis’s all-consuming love for Christ included an understanding of the unity of all creation. He voiced his reverence by addressing all things in nature as Brother or Sister. But his faith was most evident through his loving action. He lived in simplicity and service, depending on God and the generosity of others.

Here are some ideas for celebrating the Feast of St. Francis.

Learn more through these books and movies:

• Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi, by Tomie De Paola.
• Brother Sun, Sister Moon: The Life and Stories of St. Francis, by Margaret Mayo.
• The Wolf of Gubbio, by Michael Bedard.
• Franco Zeffirelli’s film Brother Son, Sister Moon.
• The animated film Francis: The Knight of Assisi.
• Francis of Assisi, from Twentieth Century Fox.

Other ideas:

• Practice simplicity with a Giveaway Day. Have each member of the family take inventory and choose one or more possessions they do not need. Donate items to charity.
• Bless the family pet. Some churches hold services on the Feast of St. Francis where people can bring their animals to be blessed. Or, do it at home with the following prayer:
Blessed are you, God of All Creation. We praise you with grateful hearts, for you brought forth birds of the air, fish in the sea and animals on land. May we care for the earth and all living things as St Francis did. We ask you to bless our pet __________. May he/she be a daily reminder of your love for us and your marvelous works. Amen.
• Commit to Environmental Action. Choose one thing that demonstrates your reverence and care for the earth. Can you decrease trips in the car by combining errands, carpooling or taking the bus? Consider buying organic and/or locally grown produce. Read up on land use issues and contribute your ideas by e-mailing your elected officials. Make an effort to talk about environmental issues with the whole family and involve your children in the decision.

St. Francis is often known as the gentle saint who loved animals. The impact of his life, however, went far beyond this simple truth. Through a life of humility, poverty and love, Francis of Assisi sparked reform and renewal, bottom to top, in the Christian church of his time.

(Editor’s note: Mary Cronk Farrell will present two workshops in Spokane for parents, on raising children in the faith. “Five Stages of Faith Development” Oct. 7, 7-9 p.m., and “Children and the Mass” Oct. 14, 7-9 p.m. For information call St. Joseph Family Center: 483-6495.)