Christian Men and Women

Saint Francis of Assisi

Francis was born at Assisi in Italy in 1182. When he was young he was very keen on expensive clothes and other possessions and some even said that at the time he was greedy. It was at this time in his life that Francis heard the Lord calling to him and to leave his earthly possessions and follow our Lord. He wanted to be as poor as Jesus as he believed that money makes people bad and proud.

Francis's life changed dramatically from this point. He began to wear the same clothes as a needy shepherd. He also began to preach about the word of God and how we should all look after each other. Francis thought that it was very important to tell everyone that we are all brothers and sisters in the love of Jesus. Pictures of Francis often show him with animals. This is because he also believed that everything God created the sun, moon, stars and all animals are also part of God's big family. Francis spent much of his life visiting the sick and helping the poor. St Francis built the first Christmas crib.

Francis died on October 4th 1226. Some of his virtues are Prudence, Restraint (Temperance), Faith, Hope and Love (Charity).