(circa 1181-1226)

Patron of animals, the environment & Italy

St. Francis was born in Italy. He was a wealthy man but was always sympathetic to the poor. St Francis believed that he was told by God to rebuild the Catholic Church. He did this by founding the order of the Franciscan brothers and nuns based on a foundation of merciful works, helping the poor and respect and love for all of God’s creations. Legend says that Francis was able to speak to the animals, thus his patronage of animals.