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Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with Your Family – October 4

St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day falls on October 4, is beloved around the world as the saint who embraced poverty, simplicity, and God’s creation with deep joy. He is often pictured with animals and nature, reminding us of his profound love for all creatures and his humility before the Lord. For the Catholic mom, his feast day is a beautiful opportunity to bring faith alive at home—through prayer, good food, music, and creative family activities.

Below are some ideas to help you celebrate this special feast with your family.

Morning Joy: Breakfast with St. Francis

Since St. Francis lived simply, breakfast should feel rustic, nourishing, and wholesome. This is the perfect opportunity to use sourdough, which ties in beautifully with Francis’ life of simplicity and connection to the earth.

Recipe Idea: Rustic Sourdough Pancakes
Try these Sourdough Pancakes – they are light, fluffy, and a perfect way to start the day. Serve them with fresh fruit or a drizzle of local honey to remind the kids that St. Francis saw all of God’s creation as a gift.

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Conversation Starter for the Table: Share with your children how Francis gave up wealth and comfort to live a humble life for Christ. Ask them what simple gifts they are grateful for today.

Craft Time: Blessing of the Animals Art Project

Because St. Francis is the patron saint of animals, many parishes hold a “Blessing of the Animals” on his feast day. If you can’t attend, create your own at-home craft.

Craft Idea: Clay or Paper Animals

  • Give kids some air-dry clay or colored paper.
  • Invite them to sculpt or cut out their favorite animal.
  • Once finished, place the creations on the family prayer table and say a short blessing over them, thanking God for the beauty of creation.

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This tactile activity keeps children engaged while connecting them to Francis’ love for all living things.

Midday Nourishment: Lunch in the Spirit of Simplicity

St. Francis valued simple, wholesome food. A plant-based meal honors his respect for creation and his lifestyle of humility.

Recipe Idea: Hearty Sourdough Veggie Sandwiches
Use this Roasted Vegetable Sourdough Sandwich recipe. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for a busy mom’s schedule.

Shopping List:

  • One loaf of sourdough bread, or bread of your choice
  • Pepper Jack cheese
  • Olive Oil
  • Red onion
  • Garlic
  • Baby bella mushrooms
  • Bell pepper
  • Zucchini
  • Spinach
  • Balsamic Glaze
  • Italian Seasoning (organic, sugar-free, salt-free, non-gmo)
  • Salt (nutrient PACKED)
  • Pepper
  • Whipped cream cheese
  • Sriracha sauce (this one is organic)
  • Soy sauce (organic, brewed in Japan)

Tip: Enjoy lunch outdoors, perhaps at a park or in the backyard, to remind the family of St. Francis’ joy in God’s creation.

Kitchen Music: A Song to Play While Cooking

As you prepare meals, fill your kitchen with Franciscan spirituality. A great choice is “All Creatures of Our God and King” – a hymn inspired by St. Francis’ Canticle of the Sun. Its verses praise God through the beauty of nature, reflecting Francis’ heart perfectly.

Play it in the background to set a joyful, prayerful tone throughout the day.

Evening Gathering: Dinner Inspired by Creation

Dinner is a time to gather the family and close the day with gratitude. A warm, earthy meal honors both Francis’ Italian roots and his appreciation for God’s provision.

Recipe Idea: Sourdough Margherita Pizza
Make your own Sourdough Pizza Crust and top it simply with tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella. This simple meal nods to Francis’ Italian heritage while keeping the table humble and family-focused.

Family Reflection: Before eating, go around the table and let each person name one part of God’s creation they are especially thankful for—whether it’s the family pet, a favorite tree, or the stars at night.

Closing the Feast Day

Celebrating the feast of St. Francis doesn’t require extravagance. In fact, keeping it simple, nature-focused, and rooted in gratitude is exactly the Franciscan way. By incorporating wholesome food, music, and creative activities, you can help your children enter into the life of this great saint and carry his lessons into their own hearts.

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi

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