
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi renounced wealth to live the Gospel in simplicity and joy. He is the patron of animals and the environment, beloved for his Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things.
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessing, To You alone, Most High, do they belong, and no human is worthy to mention Your name. Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day and through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; and bears a likeness of You, Most High One. 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 Brother Wind, and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather, through whom You give sustenance to Your creatures. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night, and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong. Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs. … Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.
A child-friendly activity: a simple seed bread to share with creation.
Ingredients
Birdseed, flour, water, unflavored gelatin, cookie cutters.
Instructions
1. Mix gelatin and water, stir in birdseed. 2. Press into cookie cutters. 3. Make a hole for string. 4. Let set overnight, then hang outside for the birds.
Read these in the days leading up to and around the feast.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The story of St. Francis, the saint who gave up everything to honor all life on Earth, retold for children.

Katherine Paterson
A picture-book rendering of the Canticle of the Creatures, inspired by St. Francis.
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