St. Francis of Assisi is known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged, his care for nature and animals, and founding the Franciscan order. He was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy cloth merchant and his wife. Francis lived in wealth and ease until God used a meeting with a leper to change his heart. Overcome with pity, Francis was compelled to give him his cloak and kiss him. This experience led him to renounce worldly goods and family ties to embrace a life of poverty.
St. Francis is also known for his many miracles involving animals and birds and his compassion for healing critically ill and injured people. He is the patron saint of ecology, including animals, their lives, and welfare.
After Francis’ death, Pope Gregory IX officially canonized him as the patron saint of Italy. In 1979, Pope John Paul II recognized him as the patron saint of ecology. The feast of St. Francis of Assisi is an annual celebration to remember this saint’s life and good works. While people worldwide mark this occasion, St. Francis’ hometown of Assisi holds a special celebration.
