Blog

8 Simple Ways to Celebrate The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi

Icon of St. Francis of Assisi drawn with a white outline surrounded by illustrations of birds, flowers, and leaves with a dark background.

October 4th is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.

As the patron saint of Italy, ecology, animals, and archaeologists, St. Francis of Assisi is remembered as a kind and gentle man who loved animals, nature, and people. He inspired many to embrace the wonder and beauty of all things and beings created by God as he advocated for the equality of the more-than-human world and humanity.

There are many fun ways to celebrate this holy day—with perhaps the most adorable being a Blessing of the Pets worship service. So, we tried our best to narrow it down. Here is a list of eight simple ways for humans of all ages to connect with nature and celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.

1. Create a zoo featuring your favorite animals

Use simple craft materials, play dough, or blocks. As you build and create, explore the different biomes your animals live in and talk about what things they need to thrive.

Two children sitting at a table in a library reading a book. One child points at a picture in the book, both children look engaged with what they are reading.

2. Visit your local library to learn more about animals you think are weird, creepy, or gross

How does learning more about them change the way you feel towards them?

3. Learn about endangered species

Look up the list of endangered species. Are you surprised to see any animals on this list? How does reading through this list make you feel?

4. Remember species that have gone extinct

Light a candle or hold a moment of silence for species that have gone extinct. What role did humans play in their extinction?

Three children sitting in grass. Two children cuddle a puppy with short black fur while one child cuddles a kitten with fluffy gray fur.

5. Show your pets or stuffed animals they are loved

Find special ways like extra cuddles, playtime, or treats. For pets who have died, remember them. Say their name, look at pictures, and tell stories.

6. Spend time outside

Make a list of creatures you notice, or draw the nature patterns you see.

7. Make a nature-friendly craft

Check out these window decals that help migrating birds stay safe.

A warm, vibrant mosaic of St. Francis holding a scroll in one hand and a bird in the other. He stands between a bush full of birds on one side and a sheep and wolf on the other. The moon is near his head on his right and the sun is near his head on his left.

8. Read, listen to, or sing along with some of the nature-inspired prayers, poems, and songs St. Francis wrote.

Two examples are The Canticle of Creatures or All Creatures of Our God and King (these are two of my favorite versions: Rain for Roots, Gungor).

10 Ways to Digitally Share Love and Pride

Allie Lee Leave a Comment

At Illustrated Ministry, we celebrate the expansive image of God in everyone, everywhere, ALL YEAR LONG. So it’s no surprise we love to amplify our celebration during Pride Month.

We also recognize many things can make it challenging (or even impossible) to participate in parades, protests, or other community Pride events: social anxiety, sensory sensitivity, medical conditions, unsupportive families, transportation issues, work schedules, travel plans—the list goes on!

So we compiled some of our favorite ways to share love and pride this month that anyone can do from your phone, tablet, or computer.

A smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, and laptop displaying an image with a rainbow design and decorative text, "You Are Loved." The phrase "Share Love and Pride!" is placed at the top in rainbow block letters. The phrase "Free Wallpaper Download" is on the right in black text with a black arrow pointing towards the digital devices.

1. Check out our YOU ARE LOVED collection

Yes, I know. This first one is a shameless plug for our happy, love-filled rainbow products, but can you blame us? With these products, you can share love and pride wherever you go. So slap a sticker on your laptop, pin a button to your bag, or hang a flag in your window!

2. Stay engaged with the news

It’s important to say informed about what is happening in spaces around you (especially concerning the LGBTQIA+ community). It’s also important to take care of yourself because the bottomless pit of doom-scrolling can be all too enticing. Check out this article from the American Psychological Association for some ways to manage “headline stress.”

3. Reach out to your loved ones

Pride Month can be a confusing time—especially for those who aren’t out or have strained relationships with family. Sharing love and pride with a text or phone call to someone you love, could have a tremendous impact.

4. Add pronouns to your social media bios and email signatures

Including pronouns in digital introductions is more than just informative; it shares love and pride by normalizing simple ways to create welcoming and affirming spaces for trans and non-binary communities.

5. Educate yourself

Do you know what LGBTQIA+ stands for? What is the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation? Have you learned the history of the Stonewall Riots? Don’t ask your LGBTQIA+ friends to teach you; use internet resources to teach yourself.

6. Contact your local representatives

What laws, bills, or policies (for or against the LGBTQIA+ community) are bouncing around your local political spaces? Learn more about the issues, then email or call your local representatives—share love, be proud, and let your voice be heard!

7. Read or listen to a book by an LGBTQIA+ author

Reading LGBTQIA+ authors and stories is an important practice not just for allies, but also for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Great stories introduce you to spaces and experiences that can educate and empower you.

8. Share content from LGBTQIA+ creators

Share, repost, duet, stitch, forward, link, and do whatever you need to amplify their voices. Are you unsure who to follow? Check out @IllustratedMin on Instagram or TikTok and see who we follow! That’s a great place to start.

9. Research your faith community

Are you a part of a faith community? If so, scroll through your church or denomination’s website. Do they fully welcome and affirm the LGBTQIA+ community? Was this information easy or hard to find? How does this make you feel?

10. Download our free digital wallpaper

Who doesn’t love a free, rainbow-tastic download to share love and pride wherever you go? CLICK HERE to download a You Are Loved digital wallpaper for all your devices! Then any time you unlock your phone or log onto your computer, you’ll be reminded that you are loved.

A smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, and laptop displaying an image with a rainbow design and decorative text, "You Are Loved." The phrase "Don't Forget Your Free" is below in black text and the phrase "Wallpaper Download" is placed at the bottom in rainbow block letters.

5 Meaningful and Affordable Graduation Gifts

Allie Lee Leave a Comment

Getting ready to celebrate your grads but not sure where to start? Check out some of our favorite go-to graduation gifts!

1. Graduation Digital Art Gift

If you need a creative gift for the graduates in your life, our Graduation Digital Art Gift may be just what you’re looking for. With a unique blessing on each image, these prints are a thoughtful and heartfelt way to celebrate the next chapter in their lives.

High-quality digital file: The Graduation Digital Art Gift comes as both a PNG and PDF file, ensuring a vibrant and high-resolution print. Five designs available in 5″x7″ or 4″x6″.

2. Graduation Bookmark

Our Graduation Bookmark is a simple and meaningful addition to any gift. Slip the bookmark into a devotional, Bible, or any book you might give the graduate, or add it to a graduation gift box. Bonus: it’s easy to print! Print it on cardstock or photo paper, and laminate it for extra durability.

High-quality digital file: This Graduation Bookmark is provided as a high-resolution PDF, ensuring a crisp and vibrant print. The bookmark is 2″ x 8″.

3. Illustrated Greeting Cards

I mean, who doesn’t love getting a card in the mail? Our Illustrated Greeting Cards feature beautiful and fun designs for any occasion. Gift a set of Thank You Cards or Carte Blanche Cards along with some stamps to empower your graduates to slow down and share meaningful, hand-written messages with their loved ones.

4. Vinyl Stickers

Our premium vinyl stickers make a colorful addition to any gift. Slap one on a notebook or jar of candy, or give a stack to your graduates to decorate a water bottle or laptop. These simple messages are sure to spread love and encouragement wherever your graduates go. Check out some of our favorites:

5. Illustrated Buttons

Gift your graduates the chance to express themselves with our Illustrated Buttons. Choose from five colorful designs, or get a mixed bag of everything. Your graduates will love pinning these small, meaningful reminders on their lanyards, jackets, backpacks, and more!