Saint Francis of Assisi

Francesco Bernadone was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181 or 1182.  The son of a wealthy silk merchant, Francis lived a life of comfort and pleasure.  As a young soldier and prisoner of war, he survived serious illness and gave up the idea of being a knight.  Believing his call as to serve God and the poor, he chose the way of poverty and self-denial.  In 1206, he felt called to repair God's house and decided to follow the command literally.  His angry father disinherited him and denounced him as a madman.  Francis began to live on alms and continued to repair churches.  In 1209 he understood that his work was to build up the Church by preaching repentance.  His zeal for God won disciples and in 1210 a rule was approved, with the Pope giving Francis and his companions a commission to preach.  By 1219, they numbered 5,000.

At Christmas 1223, Francis built a crèche, beginning a custom which has spread throughout Christendom.  The following September, Francis received the stigmata, marks on his own body resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ.  Francis is also recognized as being the first to teach that the earth itself is holy.