Feast day October 4
St. Francis of Assisi
The Poverello · 1181–1226
For those drawn to simplicity, creation, and radical poverty.
In their words
Let all the brothers preach by their deeds.
Life
Son of a wealthy merchant who stripped off his clothes in the town square to embrace Lady Poverty. Founder of the Franciscan Order, stigmatist, and — according to tradition — preacher to birds and reconciler with a wolf. His Canticle of the Creatures is the earliest surviving poem in the Italian vernacular.
A prayer
Canticle of the Creatures
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing. Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day and through whom You give us light. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful. Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.