Honoring My Namesake — St. Francis: Patron of Peace, Nature & Compassion

by Dennis Augustine

Today, on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, I honor the gentle saint who saw every creature as a reflection of divine love. Born in Assisi, Italy in 1181, Francis renounced wealth to live simply, embracing peace, humility, and care for all living things.

He taught that faith begins with small acts of goodness:

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Raised Catholic, I’ve always felt a special connection to him — Francis is my baptismal name. His message still feels timeless: kindness to all, harmony with nature, and peace within ourselves.