St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi
Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, St. Francis of Assisi was born to an Italian father who was a prosperous silk merchant and a French mother about whom little is known. He was a Catholic friar, deacon, and preacher who was designated a patron saint of Italy and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on July 16, 1228. He is known for his love of animals and nature, and some churches hold ceremonies blessing animals and pets on October 4, his feast day in the Catholic church.
Born c. 1182.
Departed for Home October 2, 1226 listening to a reading he had requested of Psalm 142.
