St. Francis of Assisi | Pray for Us
Coffee / S
$30.00
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St. Francis of Assisi | Pray for Us
$30.00
Heavyweight 100% cotton shirt with a relaxed drop-shoulder fit, vintage garment wash, tonal chest embroidery, and a woven SIGNUMX interior neck label.
St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181 to 1226), founder of the Franciscans, is honored on October 4 and was declared Patron of Ecology by Pope St. John Paul II on November 29, 1979.
Quick Facts
| Feast Day | October 4, Memorial |
| Life & Canonization | Died October 3, 1226; canonized July 16, 1228 by Gregory IX. Franciscan Jubilee Year for the 800th anniversary of his death runs to January 10, 2027 |
| Patronage | Ecology, animals, peace, and Italy |
| Symbols | Brown habit with a knotted cord, the stigmata, birds and animals, the San Damiano crucifix |
The Life of St. Francis of Assisi
Francis was the fun-loving son of a rich cloth merchant who dreamed of being a knight. After war, illness and an encounter with Christ, he traded it all for a patched tunic and a life of joy with the poor. He called the sun his brother and the moon his sister, and friends flocked to follow him.
Stories about him are full of warmth: he preached to a flock of birds that stayed to listen, made peace with a hungry wolf at Gubbio, and at Christmas in 1223 set up the first living Nativity at Greccio with a real ox and donkey so people could see how humble God became. Every October 4, parishes bless pets in his honor.
“Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars.”
St. Francis, Canticle of the Creatures (c. 1224 to 1225)
Shirt Details
- Fabric: Heavyweight 100% cotton
- Fit: Relaxed drop-shoulder
- Details: Chest embroidery, woven SIGNUMX neck label
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are animals blessed on his feast?
Francis treated every creature as part of God's family, so on or near October 4 many parishes invite people to bring dogs, cats, horses and even goldfish for a blessing.
Did St. Francis start the Nativity scene?
Yes. In 1223 at Greccio he arranged a manger with a live ox and donkey and celebrated Christmas Mass there. Every family crèche continues his idea.
What is the story of the wolf of Gubbio?
A wolf was frightening the town of Gubbio. Francis went out, called it Brother Wolf, and arranged a peace: the town would feed it, and the wolf would harm no one.
Did he really preach to birds?
That is one of the most loved stories about him. He told the birds to praise God for their feathers and wings, and they stayed until he blessed them.
What is the Canticle of the Sun?
A joyful song Francis wrote praising God through Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Fire and Sister Water. It is one of the first great poems in Italian.
What is he the patron of?
Animals, ecology, Italy and all who love simplicity and peace.
Who were his close friends?
St. Clare, who founded the Poor Clares, and the brothers who became the Franciscans, today one of the largest religious families in the world.