Saint Francis of Assisi: The Saint Who Loved All of Creation
He preached to the birds, made the first Nativity scene, and showed us how to love God in everything He made.
There’s a reason you’ll find a statue of Saint Francis in so many gardens. He’s the saint who talked to the birds.
Francis of Assisi saw God everywhere — in the sun, the moon, the water, the animals. He called them brother and sister. For kids who already love every dog, bug, and bird they meet, Francis is an instant friend.
He’s the patron of animals and of creation itself. Our Saint Francis plush brings that gentle, joyful saint right into a child’s arms.
So Who Was Saint Francis?
He started out the opposite of saintly — a rich young man in Assisi, Italy, born around 1181, fond of fine clothes and a good party.
Then God got his attention. Francis gave away everything, put on a simple robe, and began to live for the poor and for the Gospel. Others followed, and the Franciscans were born — one of the largest religious families in the Church.
He received the stigmata — the wounds of Christ — near the end of his life, and died in 1226. His feast is October 4, a favorite day for blessing the family pets.
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Francis wrote a famous song of praise called the Canticle of the Sun, thanking God for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Water — all of creation as one big family praising its Maker.
And he gave us something every family unpacks each December: the very first Nativity scene. In 1223 he set up a living manger so people could see the wonder of Christmas. Every crèche on every mantel traces back to him.
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
— attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi
Wonder, Minus the Lecture
You don’t have to teach a child to love animals or marvel at a sunset. That wonder is already there. Francis just gives it a direction — straight up, toward God.
A walk becomes a prayer. The family dog becomes a reason for gratitude. A bug on the sidewalk becomes Brother Beetle. Francis turns ordinary noticing into worship, and kids take to it immediately.
A Note for Parents
Pray with the pets. On October 4, bless the family animals — Francis would be delighted.
Make creation a prayer. On a walk, thank God for Brother Sun and Sister Tree. Kids love naming them.
Set up his manger. When you put out the Nativity, tell them Francis made the very first one.
Give the little ones Francis. A Saint Francis plush is a gentle friend for an animal-loving child.
Bringing Saint Francis Home
Gratitude is a habit, and habits start at home. A small image of Saint Francis is a daily reminder to notice the good world God made and to say thank You for it.
For the children, the soft Saint Francis plush is made to be carried, hugged, and surrounded by every stuffed animal in the house. And for a shelf, garden window, or family altar, our hand-painted Saint Francis Collectors Edition figure is an heirloom-quality piece for the whole household.
A Prayer with Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Saint Francis, pray for us. Amen.
Francis saw the whole world as a gift and gave his whole self back in return. He teaches our families the simplest, deepest prayer there is: to look at all God has made — and love it, and Him.
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Saint Francis, pray for us, and make our homes places of peace.
- Anna
For more ways to live the faith together at home, visit the It’s Fun to Be Catholic blog.
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