You will often see St Francis depicted surrounded by birds and animals, as he is this morning up here at our altar. Francis had a special connection with all of God’s creatures. I read a story about how he preached a sermon to 100 birds about being thankful to God for their wonderful clothes, for their independence, and for God's care. The story said that the birds stood still as he walked among him, only flying off when he said they could leave!
Read the whole sermon below.