St Francis of Assisi: Life, Spirituality, Stigmata & the Canticle of the Sun

2026-07-13 · 6 min

The Little Poor Man of Assisi

St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) abandoned a wealthy life to follow Christ in radical poverty. Stripping himself before the bishop, he embraced Lady Poverty and began to rebuild the Church.

The Founding of the Franciscan Order

In 1209, Francis and his first eleven companions received approval from Pope Innocent III. The Franciscans grew rapidly, characterized by absolute poverty, joyful preaching, and devotion to the Eucharist. St Clare founded the Poor Clares.

The Stigmata

In September 1224 on Mount La Verna, while in ecstatic prayer, Francis received the visible wounds of Christ’s Crucifixion—the first person in history to receive this miraculous sign.

The Canticle of the Sun

Francis’s Canticle of the Sun praises God through Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Water, and Sister Earth. This vision of creation as a family makes him the patron saint of ecology.

The Legacy of St Francis

Francis died on October 3, 1226, at the Porziuncola. His feast is October 4, when many parishes bless animals. His radical poverty, joyful surrender to God, and devotion to the Eucharist continue to inspire millions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Francis give up his father's money so dramatically?

His father brought him before the bishop to force him to repay the family fortune. Francis returned even the clothes he wore and said he now had only one Father in heaven. It was not anger toward his family but a complete break so nothing would own his heart.

Can a normal person really live like Francis did?

Most people are not called to beg or own nothing. Francis himself told his friars to work and to use whatever they earned. The heart of his way is trusting God rather than possessions. You can practice that in small daily choices, giving away what you do not need.

What exactly are the stigmata, and did Francis feel pain from them?

The stigmata are wounds matching Christ's crucifixion, appearing in Francis's hands, feet, and side in 1224. Witnesses described them as real flesh, not paint or illusion. He kept them covered and spoke little of them. They caused him constant pain and discomfort until his death.

Is it true that Francis preached to animals?

The stories of him preaching to birds come from early biographies written after his death. They express something true about him. He saw every creature as a brother or sister made by God. He did not treat animals as pets but as fellow creatures praising their Creator simply by existing.

What can I do on October 4 besides bringing my pet to church?

Many parishes bless animals that day, and that is good. You could also give to a local animal shelter, or eat simply and thank God for the food creation provides. Francis praised God through water, wind, and earth, so caring for the environment fits the feast well.