Saint Francis of Assisi

Born: 1181 in Assisi — Italy — Died: 1226

Canonized: 1228 — Feast Day: October 4

Patron Saint of: animals, ecologists, merchants 

Francis was born of a wealthy family. At the age of 20, he left his family and forfeited his wealth for a life of poverty serving God. He was known as “The Little Poor Man.” During his lifetime, he established the Franciscan Order and refurbished Saint Damaino and the Portiuncula. Francis of Assisi was also very fond of nature, a fondness and understanding that was apparent to nature itself, as wild animals were tamed in his presence; he is often pictured and remembered surrounded by nature.