St. Francis of Assisi

The Catholic community at St. Francis Chapel, located at 10 Elm St., Middletown, is inspired by the life and legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, a revered saint of the Roman Catholic Church. Born in Assisi, Italy, around 1181, St. Francis is celebrated for his extraordinary journey from a life of wealth to one of radical poverty, his unwavering love for all creation, and his founding of the Franciscan Orders. Declared a saint by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, his feast day is observed on October 4, and he serves as the patron saint of animals, ecology, merchants, and Italy. The St. Francis Chapel honors this holy man through its weekly Blessing of the Animals service, a serene garden prayer space reflective of his reverence for nature, and a museum showcasing a replica of his iconic Canticle of the Creatures. Visitors are warmly invited to reflect on Francis's humble yet profound prayer, Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, and to join the community in embracing his Gospel-centered call to love the poor, protect the environment, and cherish every creature as a precious child of God. By living out this mission, the community strives to embody the spirit of St. Francis, fostering a deeper connection with nature, with each other, and with the divine.