St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, founded the Franciscan Order. His feast day is October 4.

Who Was St. Francis?

St. Francis, Peace and the Muslims

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

Calendar of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds

Stories of St. Francis and the Animals

Fraternity Links

A characteristic of Franciscan communities is that they take people where they are and call them into an authentic living of the Gospel in the way of St. Francis.

In the mind of St. Francis no one had to leave the married life, or a professional calling in order to follow the Lord. Thus in addition to the brothers who followed him to become friars (First Order) and the women who joined St. Clare (Second Order), people with families, social and professional obligations joined the community as secular Franciscans, referred to the Third Order then and Secular Franciscan Order now, SFO's.

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Given the theology of religious life in the middle ages, this acceptance of peoples state in life as compatible with full membership in the Franciscan family was a radical departure from accepted ways and an entirely new understanding of a dedicated life. Our Lords own inclusiveness inspired St. Francis.

Our era has been called the age of laity. In recent decades we have seen an increase in the appreciation of the laity's contributions to the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit is raising up people who strive to live the values of God's Reign now in the world. By confronting the spiritual wasteland in society with our courageous initiatives, faith, charity, and prayerful choices we can bring the gospel into our lives and our lives to the gospels.

Desiring God above all else, to hunger and thirst for Him lead St. Francis to live a circle of life in contemplative prayer that lead to action. He could see God in all humanity and the beauty of creation.