St. Francis of Assisi On October 4, or the Sunday closest to that date, many churches around the world hold a Blessing of the Animals. These blessings are held primarily at Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, and Lutheran churches, which venerate or honor saints, but can be increasingly found in other protestant churches. October 4 is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, born 1182 in Assisi, Umbria, died October 3, 1226. He is known for his vows of poverty, life of simplicity, c