St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis was a 13th century Italian Catholic friar born to a wealthy silk merchant. He is associated with his befriending of animals (annual blessing of animals) and the natural environment. As a youth, Francis spent lavishly in his love of pleasure, but later spent 1 year as a prisoner of war. After attempting to return to his previous lifestyle, he had a strange vision which changed his life. By choosing God over family, Francis was disowned by his wealthy father. He spent months living in a cave and begging, embracing radical poverty. He made work of restoring ruined chapels in and around the city of Assisi, nursing lepers and preaching to ordinary people in the countryside. After 1 year, he lead 11 of his followers to the Pope in Rome establishing a new order, the Franciscans. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals.

Reasons

Quotes

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation. Where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor avarice. Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt.”
- St. Francis of Assisi

Quotes

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.
- St. Francis of Assisi

Quotes

If God can work through me, he can work through anyone.
- St. Francis of Assisi

Quotes

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.
- St. Francis of Assisi