*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*
St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most recognizable saints of our Church. He founded a famous holy order, created the first nativity scene, and even has many statues built in his memory!
He was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy. In his childhood, Francis’ family enjoyed great wealth and comfort. As he grew older, he attended many parties and sinned often. He wanted nothing more than to be a famous, noble knight. What Francis valued most in his early life was worldly fame and glory.
Francis left on a journey to fight as a knight and have a chance to obtain all of the worldly glory that he had always desired. However, early on in his journey, the Lord appeared to St. Francis in a dream and instructed him to return home to Assisi, to follow God’s will, and to wait for a sign. While St. Francis of Assisi waited for a sign from God, he began to change his ways and pray quite often. He now wanted nothing more than to follow the will of the Lord.
St. Francis’ great conversion began while riding his horse in the countryside. It was in this moment that he suddenly encountered a leper, whom a younger Francis would have avoided and felt repulsed by. However, this new, converted Francis humbled himself and decided to kiss the leper.
Another monumental moment in St. Francis’ life that led him to live a life of virtue and holiness occurred when he was praying at a rundown church. At this moment, the Lord instructed him to rebuild His Church, and St. Francis of Assisi decided to give away all of his worldly possessions and devote his whole life to following God’s will. Francis began to preach about the word of God, and he soon grew quite a following. This led St. Francis to found the Franciscan Order, which still exists today.
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi has left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the entire world. His fondness for animals is still widely remembered and celebrated at churches across the world on his feast day. He also created the first Nativity scene, in which his devotion to Jesus and love for animals can easily be observed. This creation has led countless generations of people to appreciate the beauty of the miracle of the First Christmas.
St. Francis of Assisi lived out the rest of his life until 1226, spreading the word of God to the masses. St. Francis has set an example for us as Catholics of how to live out the faith in a passionate and selfless way. He has showed us that it is never too late to change our ways and turn to the ways of God.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: St. Francis of Assisi had a true heart for the poor, the marginalized, and for animals. Bring this spirit into your own family! Younger children can make care packages or cards for the elderly or homeless shelters. Older kids and teens can accompany parents to volunteer in homeless or animal shelters.