Saint Francis of Assisi was guided by his love for animals and his passion for helping those who lived in poverty. He was born in Italy around 1181 and died in 1226.

Local churches' blessing of the animals ceremonies, an annual tradition in honor of St. Francis, take on many different meanings for local pet owners and spiritual leaders.

Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), founder of the Franciscan Order, preaching to the birds, circa 1215. Marks/Getty. Read more: How do you become a saint?

Every year on or around the fourth day of October, people all over the world, residents of Orange County included, gather to celebrate St. Francis Day in honor of the patron saint of animals ...

Saint Francis of Assisi is the namesake of the new pope, Francis. To learn about the life of Saint Francis and his legacy in the Catholic Church, Melissa Block talks with with Father Jeremy ...

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more. In celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his ...

Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi. Holy Virgin Mary, there is none like you among women born in the world. Daughter and handmaid of the heavenly Father, the almighty King, ...

Pet lovers will be counting their blessings this weekend as churches around the borough open their doors for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. “St. Francis was … ...

When my mother went to England two decades ago, she came back with a framed illustration of the Prayer of Saint Francis, which still hangs in her kitchen.

However, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orem is celebrating Wednesday with an English and Spanish mass during the day followed by blessings for animals at 10:30 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.

For Catholics, Oct. 4 is a day to celebrate the patron saint of animals and ecology, Saint Francis of Assisi. It’s tradition to celebrate the saint’s love for animals of all shapes and sizes ...

In celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love of all of God’s creatures, 25 church communities around Maine will hold Blessing of the Animals prayer services over ...