Born: 1181 at Assisi, Umbria, Italy as Francis Bernardone 

Died: October 4, 1226 at Portiuncula, Italy 

Canonized: July 16, 1228 by Pope Gregory IX 

Feast Day: Feast: October 4th

He took the Gospels as the rule of his life, Jesus Christ as his literal example. He dressed in rough clothes, begged for his sustenance, and preached purity and peace. He visited hospitals, served the sick, preached in the streets, and took all men and women as siblings. He began to attract followers in 1209, and with papal blessing, founded the Franciscans. In 1212 Clare of Assisi became his spiritual student, which led to the founding of the Poor Clares. Visited and preached to the Saracens. Composed songs and hymns to God and nature. Lived with animals, worked with his hands, cared for lepers, cleaned churches, and sent food to thieves. In 1221 he resigned direction of the Franciscans.

While in meditation on Mount Alvernia in the Apennines in September 1224, Francis received the stigmata, which periodically bled during the remaining two years of his life. This miracle has a separate memorial on September 17.

In the middle ages people who believed to be possessed by Beelzebub especially called upon the intercession of Saint Francis, the theory being that he was the demon's opposite number in heaven.

St. Francis wrote the "The Canticle of the Sun." 

He is the Patron Saint of Animals, Catholic Action, Ecology, Italy and Merchants.

Just before his death, St. Francis; wrote his Testament which contained his last thoughts concerning the order he founded. In it he urged his followers to remain faithful to the rules of the order and this prayer below is taken from that writing.