Celebrating the Feast of Saint Francis
Today, we celebrate Saint Francis of Assisi, whose life remains a powerful testament to compassion, humility, and an authentic reverence for all of God’s creation. Although he lived 800 years ago, his example continues to inspire millions and shape a more loving world.
Saint Francis put his faith into action: serving the poor, embracing outcasts, tending to the vulnerable, and walking faithfully in the footsteps of Christ. As Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si’, to Saint Francis “each and every creature was a sister united to him by bonds of affection. That is why he felt called to care for all that exists.”
On his feast day, we want to share a lesser-known story of his compassion in action.
A beloved story preserved in The Little Flowers of Saint Francis tells of a boy who had caught a number of doves in a snare and was taking them to market. When Saint Francis encountered him, he was moved with compassion and urged the boy to give him the birds “so that they may not fall into cruel hands, which would put them to death.”
The boy agreed, and Saint Francis made nests for the doves, caring for them as they settled in, laid eggs, and multiplied. According to the story, Saint Francis also foretold that the boy would one day join the Friars Minor - and he did.
Saint Francis didn’t simply feel sympathy for the birds from a distance. He stepped in to help them, saving them and positively impacting the course of the young man’s life.
May his example of courage, compassion, and action inspire us all today.