Happy Saint Francis Day!

The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms is a 501(c)(3) animal rescue in Groveland, Florida, and is owned and operated by Bob McErlean. Bob and his staff are totally dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and providing lifelong care for horses and other livestock having suffered abuse, abandonment and severe neglect. It's not unusual for Bob and his team to be called out in the middle of the night to save some unfortunate animal in distress. Having seen such cruelty happening over and over again, Bob felt a spiritual component could make a big difference in the healing and restoration of his ever growing herd.

In 2023, he made contact with the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, in nearby Clermont and asked if they could come to his refuge to celebrate the feast day, October 4, of Saint Francis of Assisi by blessing his animals and others from the community. They were more than happy to oblige and Father Roy Eco came armed with holy water to hold the first blessing of the animals event. Fast forward to 2026, Father Roy came again for the fourth year to what is now an established event at The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms.

This year marked the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and in honor, the Italian government has declared every October 4 to be a national holiday of the great saint known for his love of God's creatures and creation. Saint Francis became a legend in his hometown of Assisi for his supernatural interaction with all living creatures. He was said to have preached the gospel to them! Little wonder the Catholic church has declared Saint Francis as the patron saint of the animals and environment.

Around 1220 AD, a fierce wolf was terrorizing the Italian town of Gubbio, killing livestock and attacking humans. As the story goes the townspeople went to Saint Francis for help fully aware of his extraordinary impact with all creatures. Saint Francis walked to the wolf's lair to confront the beast which then charged at him. He then made the sign of the cross and said,

"Come here Brother Wolf. I command you in the name of Christ to do no harm to me or anyone." The wolf immediately stopped, closed its mouth and became like a gentle lamb laying down at his feet. Saint Francis then addressed the citizens and told them to feed Brother Wolf regularly so that he would no longer starve. They did as the great saint instructed and Brother Wolf went on to live peaceably in the town for the next few years never again harming any of the town's livestock and eventually dying.

Isaiah 11:6

The wolf shall be a guest of the lamb.

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Father Roy Eco