St. Francis of Assisi
(
Giovanni di Bernadone)
(1181-1226)

Catholic Friar, Founder of the Franciscans
Patron Saint of animals, birds & the environment

birthdate: October 4 (Memorial)
birthplace:
Assisi, Itlay

Who are the heroes of the heroes for a better world? Over the past 700 years, many have been inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. His strong faith and his love of animals are well known and long ago earned him the title of Patron Saint of Animals. But more recently he has also come to be seen as the Patron Saint of the Environmental Movement because his life and teachings were a model for living in harmony with nature and being at peace with the earth and all living creatures. Francis was born into a rich family, but after an illness and his experiences as a soldier, he decided to give up all of his possessions and live a life of faith. He traveled across Italy, dressed in rags, sharing his faith and helping the sick and the poor. He survived by working as a day laborer and scrounging through garbage for his food when work wasn't available. St. Francis believed that all of creation was good and that all living creatures should be treated with respect, kindness and compassion. As he traveled, others gave up their worldly possessions and joined him, forming what would be known as the Franciscan Order. Today the Prayer of St. Francis is cherished by many who have dedicated their lives to creating a better world.

Kids | Youth | Adults | Calendar | Quotes | Heroes | Stories | The EMILY Fund | Scholarships
DO ONE THING and BetterWorld Kids Clubs are projects of The EMILY Fund (The Emily Silverstein Fund, Inc.)
Hero portraits are included for illustration purposes only - no celebrity endorsement implied

The Emily Fund
Education, Mentorship, Inspiration, Leadership, Youth
- for a Better
World

PO Box 430
Roosevelt, NJ 08555-0430
info@EmilyFund.org