October- A Month of great Feasts
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
On the first of the month, we have St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, also known as Theresa of Lisieux (1873–1897). She was born in Alençon, France. She was the youngest of nine children of François Martin and Zellie Guérin. Her mother died when she was five and then her family moved to Lisieux. She was raised by her older sisters and an aunt. Two of her sisters became Carmelites; Theresa also applied, but was refused due to her poor health. A year later, she was admitted to the Carmel at Lisieux and made her profession in 1890. In 1894, she began writing the story of her childhood, “The Story of a Soul,” one of the most widely read modern spiritual autobiographies. In 1897, she died of tuberculosis.
Then there is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi:
St. Francis of Assisi (born 1181/82, Assisi, Duchy of Spoleto [Italy]—died October 3, 1226, Assisi; canonized July 16, 1228; feast day October 4. Since it is a Sunday this year, Sunday takes precedence). He was the founder of the Franciscan religious orders of the Friars Minor (Ordo Fratrum Minorum), the women’s Order of St. Clare (the Poor Clares; with St. Clare of Assisi), and the lay Third Order (Secular Franciscan Order). He was also a leader of the movement of evangelical poverty in the early 13th century. His evangelical zeal, consecration to poverty, charity, and personal charisma drew thousands of followers. Francis’s devotion to the human Jesus and his desire to follow Jesus’ example reflected and reinforced important developments in medieval spirituality. The Poverello (“Poor Little Man”) is one of the most venerated religious figures in Roman Catholic history, and he and St. Catherine of Siena are the patron saints of Italy. In 1979, Pope John Paul II recognized him as a patron saint of ecology. He is also revered as the patron saint of animals. (Mostly from Brittanica) (See also: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/little-flowers-of-st-francis--part-1-5468 (more extentive reading)
In the Franciscan Family of Orders, Franciscans celebrate the Passing of Saint Francis on October 3rd in the evening. It is known as the Transitus.
Other Franciscans in October:
3 St. John of Dukla, I Ord.
4 Our Holy Father Francis, founder of the Three Orders
6 St. Mary Frances of the Five Wounds, virgin of III Ord..
10 Sts Daniel, priest, and companions, martyrs, [Angelus, Samuel, Donulus, Leo, Hugolinus and Nicholas], I Ord.;
Bl. Mother Mary Angela Truszkowska, III Ord.
11 Bl. John XXIII, III Ord.
12 St. Seraphin of Montegranaro, relig., I Ord.
13 Bl. Honoratus Kozminski, priest, I Ord., founder
16 The Servant of the Lord—James of the Rosary
20 Bl. James of Strepar, bishop of I Ord..
Bl. Contardo Ferrini, III Ord.
21 Bl. Josephine Leroux, virgin and martyr of II Ord.
22 St. Peter of Alcantara, priest of I Ord. (Oct.19 outside
USA)
23 St. John of Capistrano, priest of I Ord..
26 Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza, priest, I Ord..
31 Bl. Angelo of Acri, priest I Ord.
Have a beautiful month! The weather wants to be cooler but there is lots of rain, flooding. Please pray for the people in New Mexico and northern Texas.
Peace and Good
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
October 1, 2026