Who Is St. Francis?
St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Bernardone in 1182, is known among Catholics as founder of the Franciscan order and patron saint of, among other things, animals, birds, and the environment. In 1208 Francis was attending mass in the chapel of St. Mary of the Angels. The gospel reading of the day told how the disciples of Christ were to possess neither gold nor silver, nor scrip for their journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor a staff, and that they were to exhort sinners to repentance and announce the Kingdom of God. Francis took these words to heart and after mass threw away his worldy goods. Francis’ return to simple living worked in conjunction with his love of animals and living in balance with Creation around him. Legends surround his life concerning his interaction with animals, including one where, on his deathbed, he thanked his donkey for carrying him throughout his life. Click here to read more.