Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (Catholic)
October 4
Today, Catholics celebrate Francis of Assisi, who abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christian poverty, interreligious dialogue and peacemaking. He is the founder of an order of priests, and it is Francis who originated the practice of commemorating the birth of Jesus with the nativity scene. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
More Information can be found here.
Some catholic parishes celebrate this feast day with prayer services held outdoors and a special blessing of animals.
