Just an excerpt from this long blog posting- http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/what-st-francis-can-teach-united-methodists - the man Christians around the world celebrate today as St. Francis of Assisi is likely the most popular saint outside the Bible.
Francis' popularity extends to The United Methodist Church, where hundreds of congregations annually hold blessings of the animals around the time of his feast day on Oct. 4. At least seven United Methodist congregations in the United States bear the name St. or Saint Francis.
Such renown is no surprise to the Rev. Brent Laytham, a United Methodist elder and dean and professor of theology at the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore. St. Mary's is the oldest Catholic seminary in the United States.
The reformer did so much more than inspire countless birdbath statues, Laytham said. For centuries, he has influenced Christian ministry with the poor, preaching, peace and, of course, pets.
He also offered a radical illustration for what it means to follow Christ, Laytham and other church leaders said.
"His life is a great example and motivation that we need to find that path of faithfulness in our own day," Laytham said.
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