This is the week that many people remember St Francis and petition to him.

The feast of St Francis Oct 4th that commemorates his passing and Sep 17th which commemorates him receiving the Stigmata.

The feast of St Francis of Assisi is the most important festival of the Franciscan calendar in Assisi, Italy. It commemorates the saint’s transition from this life to the afterlife. For two days, starting on October 3, the town of Assisi is illuminated by oil lamps burning consecrated oil brought from a different Italian town each year. Solemn religious services are held in the Basilica of St Francis and in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. St Francis died at Portiuncula, Italy on October 4, 1226. We visited the place that he actually passed which is in the Santa Maria degli Angeli. The energy here was extremely powerful. More so here I felt than the main grand Basilica.

Many children in countries bring their pets to the church to be blessed on St Francis’ feast day because of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures. People may also plan a nature walk and teachers, caregivers or parents may spend time helping children write about plants, insects and animals that they see. For many educators, caregivers and animal rights organizations, this day is an opportunity to teach children about endangered or abused animals and what can be done to help save these animals. This feast coincides with World Animal Day.

In addition to this feast, a secondary feast is still observed amongst traditional Roman Catholics and Franciscans around the world to honor the stigmata St Francis received. This day is celebrated on September 17 and is known as “The Impression of the Stigmata of St Francis, Confessor”. This is to celebrate the day he was praying in front of a cross of Jesus and he received the Stigmata. The actual cross now hangs in the Chapel of Saint Claire.

St Francis 1181 – 1226, Patron Saint of Animals and founder of the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church, lived during the late 12th and 13th centuries in Italy. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor and his willingness to minister to the lepers. However, what many people recall about him is his love for animals and nature.

I have a few items that I received from the Priests at Saint Francis Basilica Italy click here to see