Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated on Sunday October 4th, marking the 800th anniversary of his death with a call for world peace. Francis was born to a wealthy merchant family in 1181 but, after a dramatic conversion experience, he abandoned his privileged lifestyle to embrace a life of modesty, charity and service.
Francis viewed nature as a mirror of God, calling all creatures his brothers and sisters. He is recognized for his profound love for animals, his advocacy for peace and simplicity, and as founder of the Franciscan order.