St. Francis continues to inspire people all over the world. He is a saint with no boundaries of time. We all know that the Saint has been from a rich family and later gave up all the material wealth and worldly pleasures. He chose a life of voluntary poverty and founded an order of monks, who lived a simple, communal life in a house outside of Assisi.
Francis and his followers spent much of their time wandering through the mountainous regions of Umbria. During that time, the future saint cultivated a strong love and appreciation for birds, animals, and the natural world.
In a short book, entitled “Little Flowers of St. Francis,” there are stories and legends about his life including one in which Francis preached to a flock of birds, who spread their wings, opened their beaks, and acted very attentive. At other times, when Francis was walking through the woods, birds would perch on his shoulders, realizing they had nothing to fear.
Francis is a saint who has respected all human beings and other living and non-living creatures in this world. He once said: “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 man.”
St. Francis might have been the first in history to recommend feeding the birds. Biographers say he urged the emperor to ask all citizens to throw out the grain on Christmas day, so birds and animals would have plenty to eat on a day when most of the humans were feasting and celebrating.
Today we see the statues of Saint Francis of Assisi surrounded by birds. And more than a few bird lovers were inspired by reading about his life. For those looking for more inspiration, there are even St. Francis bird feeders.
St. Francis, it appears, had a great supply of both love towards all creatures and empathy. His emphasis on patience and spiritual values, and living in harmony with nature make him a hero to birds and birdwatchers alike.