Saint Francis Week

Saint Francis is known as the patron saint of animals and ecology, and he is celebrated for being a steward of all creation.

The Season of Creation begins annually on September 1 and continues through the Feast Day of Saint Francis on October 4. During this time, we encourage the Notre Dame community to reconnect with all of creation and partake in acts of service that help us to better care for our common home. Many community members may wish to bike to work or school to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, participate in litter pick-ups to keep our communities cleaner, or volunteer at wildlife sanctuaries and animal shelters to provide services to creatures in need. No matter how you participate, any act of service helps us all to better care for our common home.

At Notre Dame, the season of Creation culminates with our annual Saint Francis Week celebration. While scheduled activities change from one year to the next, we have a few opportunities we strive to offer annually. During this week, all Notre Dame Global gateways and the main campus participate in a Global Day of Action; a Green Mass is held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart; and a feast is held in both the North and South Dining Halls. Other activities may be anchored around these events to further celebrate Saint Francis’ legacy and respond to the call to care for creation. Some popular events have included lake clean-ups, Blessing of the Pets, and Eagle Watch at ND-LEEF.

More details about current and past St. Francis Week events can be found here.