Francis of Assisi
Francis of Assisi, real name Francesco di Bernar-done (1182-1226). Italian founder of the Franciscan order of friars. After a vision in 1205, he abandoned his military career and his wealthy family for a life of poverty and prayer. He began to preach in 1208 and the following year received papal approval for his new order. This grew from a brotherhood of 11 in 1210 to over 5000 in 1219. In 1224 he received the stigmata, the five wounds of Christ, during a mystical experience. Francis is now mainly remembered for his affinity with wild animals and birds. He was canonized in 1228.
