The Academy of St Francis of Assisi commemorates its patron saint

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi in Liverpool recently celebrated the feast day of its patron saint, St Francis of Assisi, with a whole-school event dedicated to the theme of kindness to animals.

St Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, and the day highlighted the values of stewardship, kindness, and respect for all of God’s creation, which he championed throughout his life.

The morning began with a special pupil-led Collective Worship in assembly. Students shared reflections on St Francis’ remarkable life, emphasising his deep love for animals and the environment.

The assembly was a moving tribute to St Francis’ teachings, inspiring all students to follow in his footsteps. A highlight was watching the annual blessing of the animals at New York’s Cathedral, connecting the students with global celebrations of this beloved saint.

During form time, students participated in reflective discussions on how St Francis continues to inspire them to care for creation.

As part of the day’s activities, the school also launched the ‘What would Francis do?’ campaign. The campaign displayed powerful images of animals affected by environmental harm, sparking important debates around the role of humans as stewards of the earth.

One of the most exciting parts of the day was a visit from a local animal display company. Year 7 students, as well as staff, had the unique opportunity to interact with an array of animals including snakes, lizards, meerkats, and birds of prey. For many, it was a chance to learn about these fascinating creatures, while others even conquered their fears of snakes or lizards.

The day also included a raffle in support of the RSPCA. The raffle’s top prize, a giant sloth teddy affectionately named Sid by students, helped raise over £100 for the charity.

Headteacher of the academy, Ms Jo Leech, commented: “St Francis’ Feast Day is always a special occasion for us, but this year’s focus on animal kindness really captured the essence of our patron saint’s values.

“The hands-on experience with the animals was not only educational but also brought to life St Francis’ teachings about respect and care for all living creatures.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students for embracing the spirit of the day and for their efforts in raising money for the RSPCA. This celebration reminds us all of the importance of being stewards of God’s creation.”