St. Francis of Assisi Novena

Born into a wealthy merchant family in Assisi, St. Francis of Assisi (1181/82-1226) renounced his inheritance to embrace a life of poverty and service after a period of illness, captivity, and spiritual visions.

His commitment to poverty, humility, and preaching attracted thousands of followers and shaped a new movement within the Church centered on living the Gospel literally.

In 1209 he received papal approval for his order, which emphasized poverty, simplicity, and preaching repentance. Known for his reverence for creation, he referred to elements of nature as “brothers” and “sisters” and composed the Canticle of the Creatures.

Late in life, he received the stigmata, the marks of Christ’s crucifixion, which further deepened his legacy as a model of Christian devotion.

Canonized in 1228, he is honored as the patron saint of Italy, animals, and ecology, with his feast celebrated on October 4. You can read his his full story here, courtesy of Franciscan Media.

The novena begins Thursday, September 25th and will run for 9 days leading up to his feast day on October 4th.