October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis achieved many things in his life--restoring San Damiano church and founding the Franciscan religious order. He was instrumental in returning the Church to Benedictine vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and humility. He wrote "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" and the Prayer of St. Francis (Make me a channel of your peace) from which 12-step programs take the Serenity Prayer.But Francis is probably best known as the patron saint of animals. Many people participate in the Blessing of the Pets on his feast day. I remember when our oldest was 5, at St. Mary's in Spring Lake (before I converted or had decided to home school). I missed bringing our cat Oliver for the pet blessing and Molly was heart-broken (sure some horrible fate would befall him). So Sister told me to bring him in for his own blessing. I brought one reluctant kitty and two busy little boys to school where Ollie was duly pet and blessed. Good memories. For free printable activities and crafts, click here Free Printable Saints, Animals Crafts for Feast of St. Francis
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