Feast: October 4

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”
– St. Francis of Assisi

He who surrendered Everything

Saint Francis of Assisi was a man who gave up wealth and status to live a life of poverty, humility, and service to God. He is widely known as the patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace.

Francis’s life reminds believers that peace can be found through a pure heart, enriched by honest service in the name of the Lord.

HIS LIFE

I

Born into a rich family in Assisi, Italy, Francis enjoyed a comfortable and carefree youth.

St francis sick in the bishop's palace at assisi

II

After experiencing illness and the hardships of war, he began questioning his life’s purpose.

Saint Francis of Assisi by Jusepe de Ribera

III

While praying, he felt called by God to “rebuild the Church,” leading him to embrace a life of poverty.

IV

He renounced his wealth and lived among the poor, preaching love, repentance, and peace.

V

His way of life attracted followers, forming what would become the Franciscan Order.

FATHER ROLHEISER DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS DURING NCEA CONVENTION IN BOSTON

VI

He died in 1226, leaving behind a powerful example of holiness rooted in humility and love for creation.

PEACE & RECONCILIATION

LOVE FOR GOD’S WORKS

JOYFUL SERVICE

FAITHFUL SURRENDER TO GOD

Connection to the Parish

St. Francis of Assisi is not only the patron of the parish but also of the entire municipality of San Francisco, Quezon. His values of humility, peace, and care for creation are reflected in the identity of the town and its people, shaping both their spiritual life and community culture.

PRAYER TO THE SAINT

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.