“And as he went on his way, with great fervour, St Francis lifted up his eyes, and saw on some trees by the wayside a great multitude of birds; and being much surprised, he said to his companions, “Wait for me here by the way, whilst I go and preach to my little sisters the birds”; and entering into the field, he began to preach to the birds which were on the ground, and suddenly all those also on the trees came round him, and all listened while St Francis preached to them, and did not fly away until he had given them his blessing.
And Brother Masseo related afterwards to Brother James of Massa how St Francis went among them and even touched them with his garments, and how none of them moved. Now the substance of the sermon was this:
“My little sisters the birds, ye owe much to God, your Creator, and ye ought to sing his praise at all times and in all places, because he has given you liberty to fly about into all places; and though ye neither spin nor sew, he has given you a twofold and a threefold clothing for yourselves and for your offspring. Two of all your species he sent into the Ark with Noe that you might not be lost to the world; besides which, he feeds you, though ye neither sow nor reap. He has given you fountains and rivers to quench your thirst, mountains and valleys in which to take refuge, and trees in which to build your nests; so that your Creator loves you much, having thus favoured you with such bounties. Beware, my little sisters, of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praise to God.”
As he said these words, all the birds began to open their beaks, to stretch their necks, to spread their wings and reverently to bow their heads to the ground, endeavouring by their motions and by their songs to manifest their joy to St Francis. And the saint rejoiced with them. He wondered to see such a multitude of birds, and was charmed with their beautiful variety, with their attention and familiarity, for all which he devoutly gave thanks to the Creator.
So very lovely! What a beautiful tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi on his Feast Day. That first photo – wow – suitable for framing!
2019-10-04 21:44:06
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story about the life of Dear Saint Francis. Your beautiful photos are perfect to go with this delightful account of his love for God's tiny creatures. How fun these Ostheimer toys are for your little ones to play with.
2019-10-05 18:52:05
Thank You for such a beautiful post concerning Saint Francis. God Bless. Marilyn
2019-10-05 23:42:12
I love this tribute you have posted to Saint Francis. Thank you for always sharing your observances of the Saints. Blessings to you and yours. Joan
2019-10-05 23:46:24
Beautiful and inspiring post. Marion
2019-10-07 17:31:14
Is the wooden depiction of St Francis and sermon to the birds shown on your 10/4.2019 publicaton available for purchase?
2021-07-29 22:06:48
Hi Kathy, Sorry for the delay! The St. Francis (made by Catholic Folk Toys) isn's available at this time, but the birds and the trees are hand-carved toys from Ostheimer and can be found online.