Every year on October 4th, Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, a beloved figure known for his profound connection to nature, dedication to humility and a steadfast commitment to serving the poor. For Italian Americans, the day holds special significance, as St. Francis is not only the patron saint of animals and the environment but also of Italy itself.

Born in Assisi in 1181, St. Francis grew up in a wealthy family, yet chose to abandon a life of comfort for one of simplicity and devotion. His transformation led him to establish the Franciscan Order, a vocation that focuses on aiding the poor. His reverence for nature inspired Pope John Paul II to name him the patron saint of ecology in 1979.