Feast of St. Francis of Assisi: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is observed on October 4th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you may want to know about Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

📅 What day is Feast of St. Francis of Assisi 2024?

In 2024, Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is on Wednesday, October 4th. It is the 1st Wednesday in October; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the cool details and facts about October 4, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On October 4th, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi is celebrated to honor a well-known Catholic figure, Saint Francis of Assisi. He was not only a religious leader but also a philosopher, mystic, and teacher. Saint Francis of Assisi established the Order of Friars Minor for men and the Order of Saint Clare for women, among other accomplishments. Before dedicating his life to God, he lived a fascinating and diverse life, making him one of history’s most renowned Christians. In Assisi, the town where he lived, oil lamps are lit for two days to commemorate him and his journey to the afterlife. Religious ceremonies take place on this day, and some young people bring their pets to receive blessings.

📜 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi History

After going through a series of challenging experiences including joining a military expedition, being held hostage for a year, and dealing with a life-altering illness, Francis started having visions that guided him towards a more spiritual path. These visions led him to join the beggars in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, where he felt a strong connection with God. In Italy, God spoke to Francis and asked him to rebuild a cathedral in Assisi that had been destroyed. To fund this project, Francis took some fabric from his father without permission and sold it. However, when the priest refused to accept the stolen money, Francis’s father became furious. To avoid his father’s anger, Francis found refuge in a cave near San Damiano and decided to leave his family behind to become a beggar. In Assisi, he gradually started caring for the poor and sick, and his preaching gained him a following. He established the Friar’s Minor and, with the help of a noblewoman named Clare of Assisi, founded the Poor Ladies or Poor Clares. Francis traveled to different parts of the world, including Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries, spreading the gospel. Upon his return to Italy, he reformed the Franciscan orders, which had become too large to manage. Franciscan missionaries were then sent out across the world to share the teachings of the gospel. Towards the end of his life, while praying and fasting on a hilltop, Francis received the stigmata, which were the wounds of Christ on the cross, from an angel. He was also being treated for trachoma at a hospital. Francis passed away on October 3, 1226, after spending his final days writing about his spiritual journey. He was later declared a saint, and the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi was built in his honor. Francis was buried in a hidden tomb in the Lower Basilica on May 25, 1230.

✅ Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Facts

🔖 Just before his death, he received stigmata
Stigmata, which refers to the wounds resembling those of Christ on his hands, feet, and sides, appeared two years prior to the passing of St. Francis of Assisi.

🔖 He wasn’t an only child
St. Francis was the seventh and youngest child in his family.

🔖 He was believed to speak to animals
Legend has it that he had a conversation with birds, and afterwards, they took flight in the form of a cross, soaring high up into the sky.

👍 Why Is Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Important

It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and start looking out for number one instead of number two. St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most benevolent and virtuous Catholic personalities in religious history, advises us to remain humble and service-oriented. Today, in celebration of his life, we may all find a way to give back, particularly to animals and the environment, for whom he is the patron saint.

If you practice and believe in Catholicism, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is a reassuring occasion that honors your religious beliefs, ideals, and heroes. Many Catholics across the world regard the festival as emotionally and spiritually meaningful.

On the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, numerous pets are blessed in churches, donations are made to animal care groups, and environmental and ecological concerns are promoted. This particular celebration honoring the patron saint of animals and the environment invites Catholics to pray for the animals and the environment, as well as to contribute time or money to these causes.

🙂 How To Observe Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

⚡ Learn and teach about his life

⚡ Attend mass
Attending mass and participating in worship is an excellent way to celebrate this genuine Catholic occasion dedicated to a significant Catholic figure. Through the teachings received in church and our acts of worship, we will honor and commemorate the life of St. Francis of Assisi.

⚡ Care for animals
Saint Francis of Assisi was one of history’s most benevolent and gentle people. His life was divided into chapters, and his successes spanned several years. Today, learn about his life and accomplishments, or educate your children to be more charitable like him.

📅 When is Feast of St. Francis of Assisi?

See all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

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