From the Desk of Father Nathan

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people who are all close to my heart

Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.

St. Francis of Assisi | Patron Saint of Animals

Feast Day October 4th

We are going to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast is on the 4th of this month. We all know him as the lover and patron saint of animals, but he is more than that. He is a remarkable person.

Early Life

Born in Italy circa 1181, St. Francie of Assisi was renowned for drinking and partying in his youth. After fighting a battle between Assisi and Perugia, Francis was captured and imprisoned for ransom. He spent nearly a year in prison – awaiting his father’s payment – and, according to legend, began receiving visions from God. After his release from prison, Francis heard the voice of Christ, who told him to repair the Christian Church and live a life of poverty.

Mission

Consequently, he abandoned his life of luxury and became a devotee of the faith, his reputation spreading all over the Christian world. Francis’ embrace of Christ-like poverty was a radical notion at the time. The Christian church was tremendously rich, much like the people heading it, which concerned Francis and many others, who felt that the long-held apostolic ideals had eroded.

Francis set out on a mission to restore Jesus Christ’s own, original values to the now-decadent church. With his incredible charisma, he drew thousands of followers to him. They listened to Francis’ sermons and joined in his way of life; his followers became known as Franciscan friars.

Stigmata

Later in life, Francis reportedly received a vision that left him with a stigmata of Christ – marks resembling the wounds Jesus Christ suffered when he was crucified – making Francis the first person to receive such holy wounds.

Canonization

He was canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228. During his life he also developed a deep love of nature and animals and is known as the patron saint of the environment and animals; his life and words have had a lasting resonance with millions of followers across the globe. Each October, many animals the world over are blessed on his feast day.

God bless you all.

With lots of love and blessings,

Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,

— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan