Saint Francis of Assisi was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy to a wealthy family. He lived a lavish lifestyle in his youth but had a spiritual awakening after becoming ill and seeing a vision. He then devoted his life to Christianity, founding the Franciscan Order of friars. Saint Francis is renowned for his dedication to poverty, nature, and animal welfare. He is now recognized as the patron saint of animals and the environment.

1. SAINT FRANCIS of ASSISI Friar and Patron Saint Catholic deacon Founder of the Franciscans By: john thomas

2. patron saint of animals, the environment and Italy, Blessing of the Animals Ceremonies are held on October 4th , the day of his feast.

3. early life Born in Assisi, Italy to a wealthy cloth merchant in 1182 CE. Baptized in honor of John the Baptist, in the hopes he would grow to be a great religious leader. Francis the Hellion “Story of the beggar."

4. steps toward transformation 1201 - joined a military expedition against. held as prisoner of war for 1 year 1203 - returned to Assisi and his old ways 1204 -serious illness led to a spiritual crisis. 1205 - Enlisted in the army again Soon after, A strange vision made him return to Assisi he began to avoid the “sports” and his former companions.

5. transformation Self isolation - prayer for enlightenment. Takes to nursing lepers. Another Mystical vision. Disowns his father. Sermon on Matthew 10:9. Founding of the Order of Friars Minor. 1219 - Mission to Egypt – Converting the Sultan?

6. The Nativity Scene Although drawings and paintings of the Nativity Scene preceded his time; Saint Francis was the first to create a three dimensional scene using live animals.

7. the phenomenon of stigmata While praying during a forty-day fast; Francis received the five wounds of Christ.

8. transformation 1228 - Pronounced a saint by Pope Gregory IX. Saint Francis is considered the first Italian poet by literary critics. He believed commoners should be able to pray to God in their own language, and he wrote often in the dialect of Umbria instead of Latin. His writings are considered to have great literary, as well as religious value.

9. Legends of FRANCIS and the animals Ministering the Wolf Preaching to the birds

10. Prayer of Saint Francis Many different versions of the prayer exist. The most popular is the following:

11. References "Francis of Assisi". Wikipedia. 12/5/09 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi>. Mertens, A.. "Who was a Christian in the Holy Land?“. 12/5/09 <http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/sbf/escurs/wwc/f.html>. Sabatier, Paul. "Life of St. Francis of Assisi". Gutenberg. 12/5/09 <http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18787/18787-8.txt>. Woolnoth, Mary. "St Francis Lecture". The Diocese of London. 12/5/09 <http://www.london.anglican.org/SermonShow_5071>. Ingleby, Francis . "St. Francis of Assisi". Catholic Encyclopedia. 12/5/09 <http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Catholic_Encyclopedia_(1913)/St._Francis_of_Assisi>.