Tags

Share this story

9 Inspiring Quotes from Saint Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. We hope you find inspiration in these quotes, attributed to or inspired by St. Francis.

Reading Saint Francis quotes can be a great way to remember the simplicity of faith, the enduring power of hope, and the importance of nature.

Saint Francis of Assisi was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182. He was born to a successful cloth merchant and spent his early adulthood enjoying a wealthy life, with parties and charming friends. Then, in his 20s, he heard the voice of God call him to a life of service. In a stirring announcement of his intentions to live a life of poverty, Francis stripped off his clothes and gave them to his father. He then went to live in the nearby woods. He’d completely abandoned his life of luxury for a life of faith.

Saint Francis had a deep connection to nature, particularly to animals. Stories abound of his love for God’s creatures. He often called animals “brother” and “sisters,” preached to birds, and stopped a wolf from attacking by persuading it. One of his most famous works, Canticles of the Creatures, Saint Francis praises the Lord for His creation of nature, specifically the sun, the moon, the stars, the wind, and the water. He died in 1226 in his hometown of Assisi, Italy. He became a saint in 1228.

Today, Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and the environment. The Feast of Saint Francis occurs every year on October 4. Churches of various denominations (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, etc.) honor Saint Francis by offering prayers and blessings for animals. People bring beloved pets and their livestock to their church for this event. It is an opportunity to give thanks for the animals that enrich their lives— and commemorate the man who reminded us to give thanks for this Earth.

We hope you find inspiration in these Saint Francis quotes (attributed to or inspired by him):

A natural lansscape with cliffs and water with Saint Francis quotes

1 of 9

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.


A group of people holding hands with Saint Francis quotes

2 of 9

Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith.

A person walking through a field with Saint Francis quotes

3 of 9

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.


Three puppies and Saint Francis quotes

4 of 9

If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.


A lit candle in the dark and Saint Francis quotes

5 of 9

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.


A sunbeam peeking through the forest with Saint Francis quotes

6 of 9

A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.


The night sky over a snowy mountain with Saint Francis quotes

7 of 9

Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to His beloved is that of overcoming self.

A sunlit corridor with windows and Saint Francis quotes

8 of 9

Blessed are those who endure in peace for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.


A waterfall with Saint Francis quotes

9 of 9

Praise be you, my Lord, through our sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us.

Share this story

365 Days of Prayer

This new devotional contains 365 inspiring Bible verses, uplifting devotions, and moving prayers to help you apply each day’s message.

PLUS FREE GIFTS – enjoy 4 FREE Scripture & Reflection Notecards!

FREE PREVIEW! Read an excerpt from 365 Days of Prayer now.

Read More and Order
Faith Over Fear Right Rail Ad 300x600

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Scroll to Top