l love Saint Francis of Assisi.  He is all over our house, both inside and out.  As many may know, he is the Patron Saint of the Environment.  So the easy way to spot him in gardens or churches is to look for the birds on his shoulder or a wolf at his side.  Francis had much love for animals, with a special fondness for the birds.  He liked to refer to animals as his brothers and sisters.  Legend has it that wild animals had no fear of Francis and even came to him seeking refuge from harm.  Poor St. Francis endures a lot around our house.  Our bad cats have gnawed on his birds and rubbed their cheeks on his outstretched hands, perhaps taking his welcome too literally.  I have two wooden carvings of him that I bought on different trips to Santa Fe years ago.  His hands have fallen off on both from the kitties’ fervent cheek scratching.  I have tried wood glue, Superglue, Gorilla glue, and every other kind of glue one can think of — all to no avail.  So his hands rest ineffectually near his feet until I can somehow find a way to get them back on for good.  In this picture he is sporting a duster like a French chapeau which the cleaning lady left behind.  Some people mistake those who have images of St. Francis around as a form of idolatry.  His presence is not meant to worship; rather it is to emulate.  Seeing him inspires me to try and live as he lived.  He gave animals far more credit than anyone else, particularly for his time.  I try not to have leather or eat animal products because of the ruthless cruelty involved in their killing.  I have been ridiculed for it at times but I know I am doing what is right in my heart.  One of my favorite quotes from St. Francis of Assisi is this:  “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.”  I am continually striving to let my walking do my talking.