Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated each year on October 4, which also marks the conclusion of the Season of Creation. The Season of Creation begins with the World Day of Prayer for the Season of Creation on September 1.

St. Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181 to a wealthy family. He lived a privileged early life but desired to be a knight and to receive the glory that went with it. He went to war, but it didn’t go well. He was captured and injured. Eventually released to his family, he seemed lost.

An incident he later credited with changing his life was an encounter with a leper outside the walls of the city. The leper asked for his help, but repulsed, Francis fled. Then, regretting his reaction, he returned and embraced the man. The experience led Francis to reflect on his life and to spend more time in prayer and solitude.

While praying in a rundown chapel on the outskirts of town, Francis heard Jesus address him, telling him, “Francis rebuild my house for it is falling down.” He initially thought Jesus wanted him to rebuild the chapel, but he would later come to understand the true meaning of what Jesus was telling him. Francis would eventually give up all his wealth to live a simple of prayer, poverty, obedience to the Lord, and service to the poor.

Others would begin to follow Francis's example. With the approval of Pope Innocent III, St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order in the early 13th century, launching what is generally recognized as the greatest spiritual renewal the Church has ever known. 

"St. Francis renounced his inheritance and his father's wealth. He stripped himself of privilege and status to follow the poor Christ. But notice what Francis did not do. He didn't renounce Assisi. He didn't flee his town or his people. He stayed there. He lived the Gospel in the middle of his culture and that transformed it. Francis shows us that evangelizing culture doesn't mean abandoning it. It means living the Gospel right where you are, so the culture is changed from within," said Bishop James Ruggieri (Auspice Maria, ep. 13).

When St. Francis died on October 4, 1226, there were no fewer than 17,000 Franciscans. It is estimated there are now 650,000 in 110 countries. That number includes members of the First Order (Friars), Second Order (Poor Clares), and Third Order (Secular Franciscans and Third Order Regular Franciscans).

In celebration of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Special Year of St. Francis, during which it is hoped that every Christian, "following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace." The year began on January 10, 2026, and will continue until January 10, 2027.

Year of St. Francis