St. Francis of Assisi

Patron Saint of Animals, Archaeologists, Ecology, and Italy

St. Francis of Assisi was the Founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) and a patron of Italy. He was the son of a rich merchant and was known as a worldly young man in Assisi. In 1206, in the small temple of St. Damiano, he had his first vision in which Christ spoke to him saying: "Go, Francisco, repair my church." The uncontainable joy that he felt when called by the Father increased his desire to live by Providence. , In gratitude he relinquished all his worldly goods to the poor. The "Canticle of Brother Sun" was one of Francis’ many masterpieces of Italian literature.

Catholic Apostolate Center Blog Posts on St. Francis of Assisi

• St. Francis and the Energy of Creation

• October Saints: Using Our Gifts for the Church

• "Preach the Gospel at all times; use words when necessary."

• Francis of Assisi and Ignatius of Loyola?

Pilgrimage Site in the United States

• Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi — San Francisco, CA

• Misión San Francisco de Asís/Mission Dolores — San Francisco, CA

• Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi — Santa Fe, NM