On October 6, Heathwood's Lower School celebrated the life of St. Francis with a Blessing of the Animals service at the Saint Francis Chapel. Many thanks to The Reverend Canon Mark Clevenger, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Upper South Carolina , for blessing the host of furry, feathered and even fanged friends brought on campus.

St. Francis was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy. He was the son of a wealthy merchant. He answered God's call by totally renouncing all worldly possessions and dedicating his life to serving the poor. He was the founder of the Franciscan Order. He died in 1226 and was canonized in 1228. Saint Francis is buried in the Basilica in Assisi.  Many remember him for his love of all the creatures of the earth and his joyous faith.