St. Francis (Feast Day October 4) was an Italian friar and deacon in the 13th century. He was born into a wealthy family of cloth merchants, but renounced his family and devoted his life to poverty in young adulthood. Thereafter, he founded the Franciscan Order, also known as the Friars Minor, which was officially endorsed by Pope Innocent III in 1210. The Friars Minor devoted their lives to living as Jesus lived, through fasting, poverty and giving. Francis also helped found the Order of St. Clare, a similar order made up of nuns. St. Francis was known for his love for animals and nature, and he is the patron saint of ecology, animals, merchants, and Italy.

Questions for Reflection:

• What part can you play in the preservation of God’s creation?
• How can you devote your life to living like Jesus through fasting, prayer and giving?