In many images of St. Francis, he is pictured with animals.  Sometimes it is with the wolf of Gubbio, whom Francis calmed and made a pact with, and sometimes with birds.  

The story of Francis preaching to the birds goes like this: while in the Spoleto Valley with some of the brothers, Francis encountered a large number of birds of various species.  He moved toward them, he greeted them, expecting them to take flight, but they didn’t.  Francis then requested that they listen to the Word of God, and they did.  

He encouraged the birds to praise God their Creator, who gave them all that they needed.  He told the birds that God protects them and gives them a home, though they neither sow nor reap.  The birds listened and seemed to rejoice at his words.  Francis passed among them and blessed them and gave them permission to fly off.  He then went on his way with the brothers.  

Though excited at his success with the birds, Francis began to accuse himself of negligence for not preaching to them sooner.  From this point on, he would exhort all types of animals to praise their Creator as they are fit to do according to their nature.   

There are many other stories of Francis speaking the Word of God to the animals and even healing some that were injured.   

Although we may not have the gift of preaching to the animals, Francis’ example is a reminder to us that we should care for all the creatures of the world.  Mankind is the highest of God’s creatures, and we are called to be stewards of all around us, including the living creatures who share the earth with us.