Year of St Francis family prayer ideas

St Francis of Assisi

Preparation: Print the St Francis colouring sheet

Take a few minutes to explore the story of St Francis. You may like to use an existing book or video or have someone read the following short account:

St Francis was born in Assisi, a small town in northern Italy in 1182, to rich parents. He had smart clothes, nice things and lots of friends. But Francis came to realise that God wanted him to live in a new way. So he gave up his wealth to live a simple life and to follow Jesus.

Francis believed everything was made by God and he saw God in everything and everyone. He said that the sun, moon, water and animals were our sisters and brothers, all part of God's big family. He preached to the birds and even tamed a wolf! St Francis loved and cared for people, especially those who were poor or sick.

Francis wanted to show people what the first Christmas was like, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So he made the first ever nativity scene with a manger of hay and real animals.

After a while, more people wanted to live with the freedom and joy that Francis had. Both men and women came to live and pray like him and his life continues to inspire people today.

St Francis is patron saint of those who are poor, animals and the environment.

As you colour the illustration you may like to discuss the following questions:
Questions:
What is your favourite part of the story of St Francis?
What do you think St Francis would say if he could speak to us today?
How can we follow the example of this great saint?

You could display your coloured in pictures somewhere during the Year of St Francis.

Make a bird feeder

St Francis loved nature and was said to have preached to the birds. Make a bird feeder for your garden by following these simple instructions.

Preparation: You will need some a cardboard tube (such as a kitchen or toilet roll), some natural unsalted peanut butter or vegetable/beef suet, a butter knife, some bird seed and string (optional)

1. Pour some bird seed onto a plate or tray.

2. Use the butter knife to spread the peanut butter or suet in an even layer over your cardboard tube.

3. Roll the cardboard tube in the bird seed until covered.

4. (Optional) If desired, thread some string through the paper roll for hanging and tie at the top.

5. Slide the bird feeder onto a suitable branch. or use the string the hang it from the tree, for the birds to enjoy.

St Francis pilgrimage

Follow in the footsteps of St Francis by going on a mini-pilgrimage to a local Shrine, or a Church dedicated to the saint. Visit the Pilgrim Ways website for a map of sites dedicated to St Francis in England and Wales.

As you journey together take time to appreciate the beauty of the nature. You may like to use some our creation family prayer resources.

Download our St Francis pilgrimage sheet to help inspire and guide your journey

Build my Church

St. Francis was praying in front of a crucifix in the church of San Damiano, near Assisi, when he heard Jesus speaking to him. “Repair my church, which you can see is falling into ruin.” Francis began to collect stones and fix the church building. Later he realised God wanted him to use his gifts and his love to build up all of God's people, the Church.

Using materials in your house (building bricks, card, paper) or from outside (sticks, stones etc) to build a model Church of your own. As you do, take time to pray that God will help you use your gifts to build up God's family.