Year of St. Francis of Assisi

As we celebrate the 800^th year of St. Francis of Assisi’s death, we turn our hearts toward the humble saint whose life of simplicity, peace, and joyful discipleship continues to inspire Christian people everywhere. This space is dedicated to exploring his legacy—his love for Christ and the Church, his care for creation, his solidarity with the poor, and his fearless commitment to Gospel living.

We are happy to provide you with resources, reflections, and opportunities to journey more deeply with St. Francis of Assisi in this holy year. May this year be a time of renewal as we follow his call to live simply with humility, courage, and hope.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Celebration Weekend

St. Francis of Assisi Parish invites you to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with a special weekend of prayer, fellowship and community!

On Saturday, October 3 at 3:00 p.m., parishioners and members of the community are invited to bring their beloved pets for the Blessing of Animals, held in honour of St. Francis and his love and care for all creation.

The celebration continues on Sunday, October 4 at 9:00 a.m. with the St. Francis Feast Day Mass, celebrated by Msgr. Murray Kroetsch. Please note that there will be no 11:00 a.m. Mass that weekend.

Following Mass, everyone is invited to gather in the parish hall for a hot breakfast buffet. Tickets will be available for purchase in the coming weeks.

Come celebrate the parish’s patronal feast and enjoy a wonderful weekend of faith, community and fellowship at St. Francis of Assisi Parish!

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Website

Prayer

Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago
went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace,
intercede for us before the Lord.

You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano,
teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation
that breaks down every wall.

You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war
and misunderstanding,
give us the courage to build bridges
where the world raises up boundaries.

In this time afflicted by conflict and division,
intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers:
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.
Amen

Youth Prayer Card

Congregations of Franciscans in our Diocese

Felician Franciscan Sisters
to learn more contact: Sr. Andrea Rita Marie Kowalczyk CSSF sisandrearita@gmail.com
For more information on becoming a lay associate of the Felician Franciscan Sisters visit: Felician Associates – Felician Sisters

Poor of Jesus Christ
Mission House Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Hamilton
To learn more, please contact, skateri@ocaminho.org

Franciscan Fathers

Patron Parishes in the Diocese:

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Kitchener

Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi – October 4

Each year on October 4th, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. His life reminds us that holiness is found not in grand gestures, but in everyday acts of compassion, humility, and care for the most vulnerable. You are encouraged to celebrate this feast day in a special way during this Jubilee Year. Some suggestions include:

Attend Mass or a parish prayer service honouring St. Francis.
Pray the Canticle of the Creatures, praising God for the beauty of creation.
Have a family pet? Participate in a Blessing of Animals, a cherished Franciscan tradition.
Do an act of care for creation—plant something, reduce waste, or spend time appreciating nature.
Serve those in need, especially the poor, lonely, or forgotten.
Read a Franciscan text, such as the life of St. Francis or one of his prayers.
Practice simplicity for a day—unplug, declutter, or fast from unnecessary comforts.
Offer a prayer for peace, following Francis’s example as a peacemaker.