St. Francis of Assisi: Humble, Holy, and Unafraid

Feast Day: October 4

Patron Saint of animals and the environment

When we think of St. Francis of Assisi, it’s easy to picture birds perched on his shoulders and animals gathering at his feet. And yes, he’s the patron saint of animals for a reason. But let’s not stop there. St. Francis was more than a gentle nature lover. He was a spiritual force, a reformer, and a man deeply committed to Christ in a time when the Church needed renewal.

Born into wealth, Francis had every worldly advantage. But his heart wasn’t satisfied. After a dramatic conversion, he gave up his riches, publicly renouncing his father’s wealth before the bishop, and embraced a life of radical poverty. His goal? To live as Christ lived. Not metaphorically. Not poetically. Literally.

Francis didn’t shy away from suffering. He embraced penance, served lepers, begged for food, and preached the Gospel with boldness. He founded the Franciscan Order, calling the Church back to the simplicity, humility, and holiness of the Gospel. His influence sparked reform and inspired generations of religious orders, missionaries, and everyday Catholics. Later in life, he even bore the marks of Christ’s Passion in his own body, a reminder of how closely he followed the Crucified.

Yes, he loved God’s creation. But even that love came from his reverence for the Creator. Francis saw the fingerprints of God in every part of the world, not because the world is perfect, but because it is created by God and redeemed in Christ.

His life reminds us that true peace isn’t passive. It’s active, courageous, and rooted in faith. It means letting go of what’s comfortable and stepping into what’s holy.

If you’ve ever felt drawn to live more simply, to love more radically, or to follow Jesus more closely, St. Francis is a good one to have in your corner. I’ve created several pieces inspired by him over the years, and you can explore those here if you’re looking for a wearable reminder of his bold, Christ-centered witness: St. Francis Collection.