St. Francis of Assisi, S.Francesco d'Assisi

Every day of the year in Italy is dedicated to a saint. Some are more well known than others. Today it is a special Saints' day for Italians. It is the saints day of Francis of Assisi. In Italian he is called San Francesco. He lived from 1181 to 1226 and was born in the town of Assisi in Umbria in Italy. His real name was Giovanni, son of Pietro di Bernardone. His mother was French and that is how he got the nickname which became Francesco. He is widely known best as the patron saint of animals and is always depicted surrounded by birds and little animals. S.Francecso is also the patron saint of Italy and the name Francesco is always in the top ten of the most popular names for boys in Italy. St Francis was born into a wealthy family and was handsome and popular. He went off to war and came back a changed man. the story of his life is beautifully told in the 1972 film by Franco Zeffirelli, 'Brother Sun and Moon.' The singer/songwriter Donavan wrote the hauntingly beautiful title song and here is the link to watch it on you-tube-

Here are a few quotes from St Francis to inspire you today.

He who works with his hands is a labourer
He who works with his hands and head is a craftsman
He who works with his hands and head and heart is an artist

Grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

It is in giving that we receive

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

 

 

Buon onomastico, happy saints day to everyone called Francesco and to Italy.