As the Feast of St. Francis nears some parishes are planning a Blessing of the Animals or other appropriate service. St. Francis is known more than any other saint for his relationship with the birds and beasts. He literally "talked with the animals."
Here are a few stories about St. Francis and his animal friends followed by a collection of links for more reading about this extraordinary man and saint.
St. Francis and the Wolf
The Town of Gubbio, in which Francis had first ministered to lepers, sits on the slopes of Mount Igino about 30 kilometers from Assisi and at one time was plagued by a vicious wolf. The stories of the infamous wolf were well known throughout the area and the people of Gubbio lived in fear. Francis decided to put an end to this problem and made his way to the town with one companion.
He explained his mission and the townspeople begged the beloved Francis to remain within the town walls for protection, but Francis took his leave to meet the wolf. He took not a shield or a helmet, but asked his quivering companion to go with him. He made the sign of the cross and left the city gate.
Almost immediately, the wolf ran from its cover to meet the two men. Francis raised his arm and did the sign of the cross over the wolf and the wolf immediately stopped.
Francis spoke, "Brother Wolf, come here. In the name of Christ I command you not harm anyone any more." The wolf approached the saint and lay down at the feet of Francis. Francis continued, "Brother Wolf, you have done much harm, not only destroying creatures of God without mercy, but devouring women and men, too, who are made in the image of God. But though you do indeed deserve to be punished, the Lord wants you to make peace with all His creatures instead."
This offer of repentance was accepted by the wolf who placed his paw in Francis's hand as a sign of agreement not to harm God's creatures anymore. Then, Francis, his no-longer shaking companion, and the wolf marched into Gubbio to the amazement of its citizens. Francis preached repentance to the people, too, because sins can cause calamities, such as vicious animals, to fall on people. He reminded them, too, that the tortures of hell are much worse than the attack of an animal. Repent, he called to the people of Gubbio.
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