DESCRIPTION:
Performed by Buddy Comfort.
Saint Francis Of Assisi (1181/1182 – 10/03/1226)
An Italian Catholic friar and preacher, Francis had been born into a wealthy family.
One day, while praying in the abandoned Church of San Damiano, Franics heard a voice coming from the crucifix.
This voice challenged Franics to rebuild the church.
At first Francis thought it meant that he should just rebuild San Damiano.
However, gradually Francis came to realize that God had meant for Francis to also "rebuild" the Church at large.
In response, Francis gave up his privileged lifestyle.
He went off to live a simple and poor life in imitation of Christ's teachings and not long after - he began to gather followers.
Francis is the founder of The Franciscan Order of Friars.
He is also the Patron Saint of animals, the environment and along with St. Catherine Of Siena - the Patron Saint of Italy.