Happy Feast Day!


St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of our homeschool, which is named "St. Francis Academy." I was discussing the upcoming feast day yesterday with our oldest son, and he asked why St. Francis was such a big deal. I mentioned to him that he was our school patron. His remark: "That's really the name of our school?" Apparently he thought we just made it up so it looked like he attended a school when his picture and bio appears in his baseball team's media guide. I told him that, yes, it was officially the name of our school and that I put it on all our paperwork when asked for "school name." I even use it when I order materials online. Anyway, I'll probably explain deeper today why I chose St. Francis as our patron saint.

I don't know exactly why I have such an affinity for this saint. It's not like I have a deep devotion to St. Francis, but I still feel drawn to him somehow. I love how he gave up his completely spoiled rich lifestyle to become "The Poor Man of Assisi". I also appreciate his love of all God's creatures and especially like his Sermon to the Birds:

My little sisters, the birds, much bounden are ye unto God, your Creator, and always in every place ought ye to praise Him, for that He hath given you liberty to fly about everywhere, and hath also given you double and triple rainment; moreover He preserved your seed in the ark of Noah, that your race might not perish out of the world; still more are ye beholden to Him for the element of the air which He hath appointed for you; beyond all this, ye sow not, neither do you reap; and God feedeth you, and giveth you the streams and fountains for your drink; the mountains and valleys for your refuge and the high trees whereon to make your nests; and because ye know not how to spin or sow, God clotheth you, you and your children; wherefore your Creator loveth you much, seeing that He hath bestowed on you so many benefits; and therefore, my little sisters, beware of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praises unto God.

So, how will we celebrate this day? Well, I think I will surprise the children by having a day out at a local park where we will take a nature walk and then play on the playground. On our way back home, we might stop by little Jerome Francis' grave. Back home, we will read the book The Good Man of Assisi and perhaps make a cake and decorate it with these suggested decorations (scroll down). Perhaps before dinner, we will use this table blessing.