St Francis of Assisi

How to recognise St Francis of Assisi

1. Brown habitA plain, loose, ankle-length brown (sometimes grey) hooded habit, a sign of the simple life he chose.
2. Knotted cordA white or natural rope tied at the waist with three knots for poverty, chastity and obedience; this most clearly tells him apart from a generic monk.
3. TonsureThe crown of the head is shaven, leaving a ring of short hair, with a short beard or a clean-shaven face.
4. StigmataThe five wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side, received at La Verna in 1224; this is his most common attribute in Western art.
5. Birds and animalsBirds rest on his hands or shoulders, and sometimes a wolf (recalling Gubbio), a lamb or rabbits appear beside him, recalling his love of creation.
6. Cross or bookHe may hold a small hand cross or crucifix, or a book, pointing to his devotion to Christ and the Gospel life.

Names and titles

• Preacher to the BirdsHe preached to "my sisters the birds", and none flew away
• The Wolf of GubbioHe made peace between a fearsome wolf and the town of Gubbio
• Brother Sun, Sister MoonFrom his Canticle of the Sun, praising God for all creation
• Patron Saint of EcologyTitle given by Pope John Paul II in 1979
• Christmas at GreccioHe set up the first known Nativity crib at Greccio around 1220

Feast days

• Feast of St Francis of Assisi4 October, every year
• Stigmata of St Francis17 September, every year (date to be confirmed)