Ideas for Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Updated with NEW CARTOON VIDEOS!)

When I was younger, especially when I was still a single missionary for Youth for Christ, one of my "idol" saints was St. Francis of Assisi. Perhaps because I could relate to his "troubled" and sinful life as a youth, and later on, as a missionary who gave his all to God, not caring about the material things in life. (Much like one of my other "idols,"  Filipino lay preacher Bo Sanchez!)

However, I have realized since then that what matters most to God is my poverty in spirit and detachment from the material world, and that there is nothing wrong with wanting to be rich, if it is for the right reasons, and to glorify God by helping others. This is especially true if one has a family - there's nothing wrong with wanting to provide for one's kids right?

Anyway, St. Francis celebrates his Feast Day today so here is a round-up of ideas on how to celebrate:

1. Watch videos about his life - Watchknowlearn.org has a good list of videos here. Below is one of the videos, hopefully Tim won't be TOO bored with it as it's meant for 8 year olds and up. hehe! ;-)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk70JUT-QAU]


2. Do fun interactive activities from Lutherans Online, including reading/watching the online storybook below:

Or watching this music video:

Video created by: Daryl Hackbart

Words: Jaroslav Vajda, 1983     Music: ROEDER Carl F. Schalk, 1983

Performed by: The River's Voice

This song asks us to observe the wonders of God's Creation around us. Seeing all that exists-—the lovely and the harsh-—we have no choice but to respond to the Creator of all. How do we, as God's children, show our wonder, love, faith, and sorrow? Rather than answering those questions, this song simply lays out the images and asks us to think about our responses to God.

3. More ideas from Catholic Icing

Find this St. Francis Spoon Doll on By Sun and Candlelight.

Ever heard of a Tonsure? It's the name of the haircut that

Franciscans have where part of their head is shaved.

St. Francis has a Tonsure. Now check out this Tonsure Cake!!!

Isn't it funny?! I LOVE it! Compliments of Under Her Starry Mantle.

Find this St. Francis Coloring Page on Relevant Radio.

How adorable are these St. Francis bird houses?

Cottage Blessings gets credit for this adorable craft!

Make these Bird Seed Cookies for St. Francis' friends!

find the directions on Let's Explore.

Or an Animal Stained Glass Craft with In a Nutshell.

A St. Francis Craft from Sweetness and Light

4. 10+ activities and ideas from Catholic Mothers Online (I wish we had the St. Francis books mentioned here in the Philippines! ;-) Will try to scour local bookstores for similar titles!) ;-) Please click here for the detailed post.

Happy Feast Day St. Francis! Pray for us!