Each year on October 4th, we recognize St. Francis of Assisi, the namesake of the current Pope, Francis. St. Francis is the patron saint of Italy, nature, and animals. He lived a simple life of poverty and preached to people and birds alike. 

To honor St. Francis’s contribution to humanity, here are some ideas on how you can celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. 

Bless Animals

St. Francis’s connection with animals was a spiritual one, and many animal lovers have statues of him in their yards or homes to keep their pets safe. Why not take things a step further in October and have your pets (or pictures of them) blessed by a church leader. You can also share images of your furry friends with others and ask them to say a prayer or two for their well-being. 

Enlighten Others on Animal Endangerment

Even if you aren’t a pet owner, there are other ways to embody the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. For example, since the time of St. Francis, an alarming number of animals worldwide have either gone extinct or been placed on the endangered list. Take some time this month to educate yourself and others about these precious animals in God’s kingdom and how we can change our human habits to help keep them alive.

Serve Umbrian Food

Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis, is located in the Umbria region of central Italy, north of Rome. Some of Italy’s most traditional food and drink comes from this part of the country, and many of the recipes or methods haven’t changed in the centuries since St. Francis walked the Earth. 

Try serving some Italian cold cuts and cheeses at your next gathering, or whip up a plate of umbricelli pasta one night for dinner. If you really want to go all out, try finding some black truffles or truffle oil to add to your dish for some extra flare.

Use a St. Francis Prayer at Dinnertime

If you want to change things up at dinnertime, consider reciting the Prayer of St. Francis to bless the meal you’re about to eat. St. Francis himself didn’t write this prayer, but it encompasses all that he stood for, including lines such as, “For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” 

For something shorter and easier to memorize, try the St. Francis Prayer “Before the Cross,” which is only five lines long.

Catholic Headstones from Quiring Monuments

Aspiring to live your life more like St. Francis of Assisi is an excellent way to feel closer to God. Another way to show off your faith is through a praying hands granite grave marker. Here at Quiring Monuments, we dedicate our time and energy to providing individuals with headstones representing who they were and what they believed. 

Whether you’re considering something traditional such as rosary pictures in a granite marker or something more modern like a photograph, let Quiring Monuments help. We collaborate with various burial sites, including Calvary Cemetery. Feel free to get in touch for more information.