Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (1181/82–1226)
known as Francis of Assisi
A young man whose life was transformed by his deep love for Christ. Leaving behind comfort and worldly ambitions, he embraced simplicity, humility and joyful service, caring for the poor and sick, and cherishing God’s creation.
❤️Known For
Patron Saint of Animals and birds. He is known for his deep love of Christ, expressed through a life of simplicity, humility, service, peace and care for creation.
Love of creation - He called the sun, moon, water, earth and other creatures his brothers and sisters. His Canticle of the Creatures praises God through creation.
Poverty and simplicity - He gave up wealth and embraced a life of radical simplicity in following Christ.
Love for the poor and marginalized - He famously embraced and served lepers, whom he had previously feared.
Imitation Christ - He sought to live the Gospel literally and joyfully, especially Christ's humility and poverty.
Peace - He is strongly associated with reconciliation and peacemaking.
Preaching to creation - Stories of him eachin tobids and having a special relaionship with animals are part of his enduring tradition.
The stigmata - He is traditionally regarded as the first recorded Christian to receive the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, in 1224.
Founder of religious communities - He founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) and, with St Clare, the movement that became the Poor Clares.
👣An Ordinary Person Like Us
St Francis was an ordinary young man, much like us — he had dreams, friendships, ambitions and struggles. He enjoyed a comfortable life and had his own hopes for the future. But through his encounter with Christ, he began to see life differently and chose to follow Jesus more closely. Like Francis, we too are called to let Christ transform our everyday choices, relationships and actions into opportunities to love and serve.
🤲✨The Values Exemplified
St Francis lived with deep love for Christ, choosing simplicity and humility, and expressing his faith through love in action — serving others, fostering peace through our daily words and actions, and caring for God’s creation.
🕯️📖Reflection On Saint Francis Life
St Francis reminds us that holiness is not about doing great things, but about loving Christ faithfully in the ordinary moments of our lives. Like him, we can choose simplicity, serve with humility, care for those in need, and cherish God’s creation. We may be ordinary people, but with Christ at the centre, our everyday acts of love can become extraordinary.
Join us for Saints Come Marching In on Saturday, 31 Oct. Check out the details of the event and register here.