October 4
St. Francis of Assisi
A thirteenth-century Italian merchant's son who heard Christ call him to "rebuild my Church," gave away everything he owned, embraced radical poverty, received the stigmata — the first recorded in history — and founded the Franciscans. His Canticle of the Sun is a masterpiece of Italian poetry. He is the patron saint of ecology, animals, and Italy.
Why it matters for your parish:
Perhaps the most universally beloved saint in Catholic history — Francis transcends Catholic circles. The blessing of animals on his feast is one of the most attended popular devotions of the year.
