A Patron For The Environment

While traveling through the Italian countryside one afternoon, Francis of Assisi ordered his companions to stop. Spotting a flock of birds in a nearby tree, Francis felt the urge to preach to them just as he preached to so many people. His companions stood in wonder as Francis began to deliver a sermon to a flock of birds and the birds gathered around and listened to every word Francis had to say.

This story illustrates two aspects of the personality of Saint Francis of Assisi. The first is his incredible zeal to preach the Gospel. According to Saint Francis, all of God’s creatures, not just humans, deserve to hear the Good News. The second aspect of the personality of Saint Francis of Assisi that is illustrated in this story is his community with nature. Francis exhibited a unique relationship with animals and plants and was able to converse with them as no one else could.

It is for this reason that many people purchase Saint Francis of Assisi medals and put them on their pet’s collar. Because Saint Francis of Assisi was such a lover of animals, it is believed that he will watch over your pets and keep them free from harm.

It is also common for people to place statues of Saint Francis of Assisi in their garden. Here, he can reason with pests and convince them not to destroy your crops. He can also spend his time preaching to your plants, inspiring in them a faith that drives them to grow up tall towards heaven. A reminder of pure devotion and a helping hand in your backyard garden, a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi is a must have among your tomato and basil plants.

The Real Santa Claus

The man who inspired the legend of Santa Claus was actually a historical figure named Saint Nicholas of Myrha. Saint Nicholas lived a very religious life and many miraculous stories are told about him. The most famous is the tale of three young women whose father couldn’t afford the dowry they needed to get married. So Nicholas bundled together some money into three stockings and dropped the stockings down their chimney so that the father could pay his three girls’ dowry.

In 1071, Muslim forces overtook the city of Myrha, where Saint Nicholas was buried. Acting fast, three sailors took the Saint’s remains to the city of Bari, located along the heel of Italy’s boot. There, Saint Nicholas of Myrha became known as San Nicola di Bari. The people of Bari celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of San Nicola’s remains every year with a three-day festival. He is the patron saint of that city and along with Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, he is the reason why so many Italians are named Nicholas.

Wine and Saints

In Southern Italy and Sicily, the weather usually gets unseasonably warm for a short time around the middle of November. Known as Saint Martin’s Summer, this is typically the last warm weather the Italians will see until spring. Saint Martin’s Summer takes its name from Saint Martin’s Day, which falls on 11 November.

Saint Martin’s Day is a highly anticipated feast day in Southern Italy and Sicily because it is the day when homemade wines are first bottled and drank. It is believed that on Saint Martin’s Day, grape juice completes its transformation into wine. Traditionally, Saint Martin’s Day is celebrated informally, with families having outdoor dinners or midday picnics. Even the most sophisticated Italians use Saint Martin’s Day as a day to enjoy the more rustic pleasures of life: a warm sun, some wine, friends, family and food.