Reading Saint Francis quotes can be a great way to remember the simplicity of faith, the enduring power of hope, and the importance of nature.
Saint Francis of Assisi was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182. He was born to a successful cloth merchant and spent his early adulthood enjoying a wealthy life, with parties and charming friends. Then, in his 20s, he heard the voice of God call him to a life of service. In a stirring announcement of his intentions to live a life of poverty, Francis stripped off his clothes and gave them to his father. He then went to live in the nearby woods. He’d completely abandoned his life of luxury for a life of faith.
Saint Francis had a deep connection to nature, particularly to animals. Stories abound of his love for God’s creatures. He often called animals “brother” and “sisters,” preached to birds, and stopped a wolf from attacking by persuading it. One of his most famous works, Canticles of the Creatures, Saint Francis praises the Lord for His creation of nature, specifically the sun, the moon, the stars, the wind, and the water. He died in 1226 in his hometown of Assisi, Italy. He became a saint in 1228.
Today, Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and the environment. The Feast of Saint Francis occurs every year on October 4. Churches of various denominations (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, etc.) honor Saint Francis by offering prayers and blessings for animals. People bring beloved pets and their livestock to their church for this event. It is an opportunity to give thanks for the animals that enrich their lives— and commemorate the man who reminded us to give thanks for this Earth.
We hope you find inspiration in these Saint Francis quotes (attributed to or inspired by him):
