Francis of Assisi

Italian, 1182–1226. He is one of the most beloved of all Catholic saints. The son of a wealthy merchant, he went against the wishes of his father and declared that he would devote himself to a life of poverty and good works. His preaching drew many people to him, and he established a rule of holy life, known as the Franciscan Order, which was to spread throughout the Catholic world. Because he was known for his love of nature, pictures and statues of St. Francis usually portray him as surrounded by birds and animals.

All Creatures of Our God and King, 62 (Text)