• Sr. Rosy Malekudy FHGS

St. Francis of Assisi, born on September 26, 1181 in Italy, is one of the most beloved and revered saints in Christian history. Often referred to as the “Second Christ,” St. Francis embodied the teachings and spirit of Jesus Christ in a way that few others have. His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to poverty, humility, and love for all of God’s creation, making him a model of Christian virtue and an inspiration to the religious and laypeople alike. His feast day is celebrated on October 4, a day that honors his life, teachings, and enduring influence on the Church. The following are some of his significant aspects.

Humility and Poverty

One of the most significant aspects of St. Francis’s life was his radical embrace of poverty. After a vision that called him to rebuild the Church, he renounced his wealthy background and dedicated himself to a life of simplicity. Francis saw poverty as a way to detach from worldly possessions and fully rely on God’s providence. He and his followers, the Franciscan Order, lived without personal possessions, begging for their sustenance, and sharing whatever they received with others in need. This radical poverty mirrored the life of Christ, who had “nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58), and it became a cornerstone of Franciscan spirituality.

Love for Creation

St. Francis is perhaps most famously associated with his deep love for all of God’s creation. He believed that every creature was a reflection of God’s glory and deserved respect and care. His “Canticle of the Sun” is a beautiful hymn that praises God for the sun, moon, stars, and all elements of nature. St. Francis’s love for animals and nature was so profound that he is often depicted preaching to birds and taming a wolf. This reverence for creation is why he is the patron saint of animals and ecology, reminding the faithful to cherish and protect the environment as stewards of God’s creation.

Devotion to the Cross

Another key quality of St. Francis was his deep devotion to the Passion of Christ. He meditated frequently on the sufferings of Jesus and desired to share in them. This devotion culminated in a mystical experience in 1224 when St. Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on his hands, feet, and side. This miraculous event was seen as a confirmation of his close identification with Christ and further solidified his reputation as the “Second Christ.” His life was a living testament to the words of St. Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

Evangelical Zeal

St. Francis was also a zealous preacher of the Gospel. He traveled extensively, not only in Italy but also in other parts of Europe and even to the Holy Land, where he sought to convert the Sultan of Egypt. His preaching was simple, direct, and filled with the love of God. He encouraged his followers to “preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words,” emphasizing that their lives should be a living sermon. His evangelical fervor was rooted in a deep love for Christ and a desire to bring others into the joy of a life lived in communion with God.

The Legacy of St. Francis

The legacy of St. Francis of Assisi continues to inspire millions around the world. His life was a profound witness to the Gospel, showing that it is possible to live in complete harmony with God’s will, to love as Christ loved, and to see Christ in every person and creature. The Franciscan Order, which he founded, continues to spread his message of peace, poverty, and love for creation.

On October 4, as the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis, the faithful are reminded of his extraordinary life and his challenge to live out the Gospel with the same fervor, humility, and love that he did. For religious communities, in particular, St. Francis serves as a model of total dedication to Christ, a life of service to others, and a commitment to the virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

In remembering St. Francis as the “Second Christ,” we are called to reflect on our own lives and how we can more closely follow the example of Christ through the teachings and life of this remarkable saint.