SAINT FRANCIS

Saint Francis was born around 1181 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy merchant family. After a youth of privilege and a transformative experience during illness, Francis renounced his inheritance to embrace radical poverty and service to the poor. He founded the Franciscan Order, rebuilt crumbling churches, and preached to all of creation — including, famously, the birds. Francis received the stigmata in 1224 and died in 1226, having transformed the Church through his joyful witness to the Gospel.

Saint Francis teaches us the virtues of simplicity, humility, and care for all creation.

Feast Day: October 4 | Patron of Animals and Ecology

Read more about Saint Francis of Assisi, the saint who preached to the birds, and why children love him best →

WHAT MAKES HIM SPECIAL

SAINT FRANCIS is hand-designed by Little Drops of Water and crafted in soft, cuddle-ready fabric. He wears the brown Franciscan habit tied with a knotted cord, a little bird nestled in his hands — the saint who preached to the creatures of the air. At about 8 inches tall, he is sized to be carried through the day, tucked into bed at night, and hugged as often as a child likes.

Every Catholic Plush Doll from Little Drops of Water is hand-designed and made to be loved — soft to hold, with embroidered features and no hard pieces, so a child’s first encounter with a saint is something gentle, huggable, and entirely their own.

A REFLECTION

Saint Francis saw God in every creature and called the birds his brothers. Of all the saints, he is perhaps the easiest for a child to love — gentle, joyful, and surrounded by animals. This soft Francis carries that joy into a child’s arms, a companion for the little one who loves every living thing, and a first lesson in caring for the world God made.

PERFECT FOR THE FAMILIES

A keepsake gift for:

• A Baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation
• A gift for a child who loves animals or a home welcoming a new pet
• The feast of Saint Francis (October 4) or a blessing of the animals
• A keepsake for a family named or devoted to Francis
• Christmas or a housewarming blessing for a new home

Where he belongs

He is at home in a child’s arms first of all — on the pillow at bedtime, in the car seat on a long drive, in a backpack on the first day of school, or beside a crib as a soft first patron. He also pairs with our Saint Francis Miniature Saint Statue for the family altar or shelf, and with the free Saint Francis coloring page included with every order.

Browse the full Catholic Plush Dolls collection to find him among the saints and Marian devotions made soft for little hands.

Care Instructions: Spot-clean gently with mild soap and water. Designed with love by Little Drops of Water® — praying for world peace.