5 Fun ways to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi

You might have noticed that St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints of all time. 

Even people who aren’t Catholic love his message of appreciation for nature, animals, and God’s creation.

It’s not every year that his feast day falls on a Saturday, so tomorrow is a perfect opportunity to really celebrate. 

Here are five ways to go all out in celebrating this beloved patron saint of animals. 

(If you’d like some more low-key ideas, check out this list of quick and easy ways to celebrate!)

Many pet owners can attest that their animals help them feel God’s love. The feast of St. Francis is a great time to lean into this experience.

Lots of churches offer a pet blessing for St. Francis’ Day, so find one in your area. Bring your pet for a blessing, or simply go enjoy the sight of all the animals and enthusiastic kids. 

Don’t have a pet? Today would be a great time to volunteer at an animal shelter and enjoy some quality time with cute animals.

Go a little further in celebrating the patron saint of animals with a trip to the closest zoo. 

Learn some animal facts, find your favorite animals, and enjoy seeing the wildly different creatures with which God filled our earth.

Speaking of animals, here’s an idea that’s a little closer to home. 

Take a walk in nature, perhaps at a local forest or nature preserve, and see how many different kinds of birds you can identify. 

Bird watching is a blast for kids, as it feels like a real-life scavenger hunt. And it can be just as fun for adults too.

While you walk, you might share the story of the time St. Francis preached to the birds. God is present in all his creations!

Several films have been made about the life of this unforgettable and beloved saint. Here are a few to choose from:

Make some popcorn, invite a friend, and settle in for movie night while learning more about St. Francis.

If you really want to celebrate, invite a few friends for a dinner party or dessert to celebrate St. Francis. 

While supposedly St. Francis enjoyed shrimp pie and pike, we recommend more modern foods since the ingredients will be easier to find. 

Stewed Chicken and Flat Bread from Gubbio would be delicious, or Minestrone Soup, or a simple Umbrian Lentil Soup with a loaf of fresh bread.

And whatever else you do, don’t forget the almond cookies. They were said to be St. Francis’ favorite treat, so much so that he ate them on his deathbed. 

Hopefully these ideas will help you celebrate St. Francis with extra joy and fun today!