St. Francis of Assisi Suncatcher GM1203

St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, and today has become synonymous with the care and protection of all creatures. St. Francis’ love for both animals and the environment is wonderfully illustrated in this design by Randy Wollenmann. Many of the stories that surround the life of St. Francis deal with his love for animals. Perhaps the most famous incident that illustrates his humility towards nature is recounted in the “Fioretti” (Little Flowers), a collection of legends and folklore that sprang up after he died.

It is said that, one day, while St. Francis was traveling with some companions, they happened upon a place in the road where birds filled the trees on either side. St. Francis told his companions to “wait for me while I go to preach to my sisters the birds”. The birds surrounded him and were intrigued by the power of his voice. Not one of them flew away. Today he is often portrayed with a bird in his hand. In this design, St. Francis is shown tenderly nurturing and a fawn with many birds surrounding him.