St. Francis of Assisi Pet Tags
St. Francis-Patron Saint of Animals
St. Francis loved and respected animals so much he remains their patron saint to this day. He is known to be their great friend and protector in times of need. St. Francis even offered prayers and blessings on behalf of the animals God created. Such devotion is why St. Francis pet medals were created. When a pet wears one, it is a reminder of the saint's great respect and compassion for God's creatures.
This lens has been created for those looking to find a special St. Francis medal for their pet or to give as a wonderful gift to a fellow pet owner.
picture from: amazon.com
The Man Who Became a Saint - Brief look into the life of St. Francis
St. Francis was born into a world of wealth and privilege. His father, Pietro di Bernardone was a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi in Italy. Francis wore clothing of the finest materials and was well-educated (something not many people were back then). Knowing his wealthy future was assured, Francis spent much of his time on his own pleasures and whims.
While serving in the military, Francis spent time as a prisoner of war. During this trying time, he began to change his ways and started to lead a more religious and serious life. Francis eventually was released and took a pilgrimage to Rome. After several spiritual visions, he returned to his beloved Assisi and began to devote his life entirely to faith. All of his treasured wealth was discarded. He renounced his former possessions and chose to lead a life of stark poverty.
St. Francis' inspirational preaching brought a following of believers. His most dedicated and first followers traveled with him to Rome to ask Pope Innocent III to begin a new religious order. The pope gave his agreement so Francis d'Assisi became the first founder of the Franciscan Order of Preaching Friars.
Along with preaching to the people, it is believed he also preached to all the birds and animals. His respect and compassion of God's creatures is one of the reasons why today he is known as the protector and patron saint of animals. When you look at the pet medals in this module, you will notice many state 'protect our pets' and feature St. Francis with animals.
Picture from: http://www.amazon.com/Francis-Bronze-Religious-Chr...
St. Francis Pet Medals & Tags - Aren't they all the same?
Their are many, many different varieties you can find in St. Francis of Assisi pet medals and tags. Some are specifically geared towards cats or dogs. Others can be used for just about any pet you can attach them to. You will see there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to words or design on each medal. I have included my favorites here but there are other options available.
If you are thinking it may be to much to have a dog tag and St. Francis medal on a collar, do not worry. Many pieces are able to be engraved with important details like pet immunizations and contact information so you do not need a separate pet tag. One final reason, most of the medals are not expensive so you are not putting a fortune on a pet's collar. They also make wonderful gifts for your friend's and family's pets. So take a look at my favorites and decide which is right for you.
Picture from: http://www.puplife.com/pages/tag-youre-it-why-dog-...
St. Francis pet tag feauturing the St. Francis kneeling with a dog - This tag includes a prayer
Vatican Library Collection-St. Francis of Assisi Dog Tag - Inspired by the Museum Collection of the Vatican
Patron St. Anthony and St. Francis Catholic Christian Pet Medal Pendant - Asking for Protection & Prayer
Saint Francis of Assisi Pet ID Tag-Pink - You can even get it engraved (but not in pink)
St. Francis pet medal featuring the saint blessing a dog - Included with the medal is a 'prayer for my pet'
Luxepets Pet Collar Charm, Saint Francis of Assisi - Simplistic design and blank on the back for engraving
St. Francis of Assisi Blessing
O God, the author and giver of every gift,
animals also are a part of the way you provide help
for our needs and labors.
We pray through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi,
that you will make available for our use
the things we need to maintain a decent human life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Books on the Amazing Life of Saint Francis - One of the most fascinating and famous of all saints
For this lens, I did research on the life of Saint Francis and was amazed to find just how interesting of a life he led. He was a popular young man with a life of leisure and yet he ended up denouncing it all for a life of faith and poverty. How could one not be fascinated by a person who changed so much in one lifetime! Hence why I have created this module so you can learn more of his incredible life for yourself.
Beautiful Assisi - I Have Seen it For Myself
I have experienced the beauty of Assisi, the home of St. Francis. I found it to be one of the most lovely and peaceful places in Italy. Evidently the people of Italy believed so as well because after the canonization of St. Francis in 1228, a beautiful church was built in his honor. When you enter (through an intricate Gothic portal) the lower basilica you find it to be covered in religious frescoes depicting the life of Christ. The upper floor of the basilica has a stunning view from the east front and is done in white limestone, in the center lies a beautiful rose window. Inside you find paintings decorating the walls which feature the life and faith of St. Francis.
I also saw the Basilica of Santa Chiara (St. Clare) who was one of St. Francis' first followers. She founded the Order of the Poor Ladies, a monastery order where women could follow the Franciscan tradition. After her death, the order was named, the Order of Saint Clare, in her honor. The church was built as a memorial to St. Clare and is beautiful. While visiting, I was even able to view the remains of St. Clare. I had the option to also view the remains of St. Francis but did not (you must pay a fee). If you have never been to Italy or Assisi, please consider going. The town and churches are something everyone should experience.
picture from: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=151...
Did you know Saint Francis was the patron saint of animals before reading this lens?