SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most well-known and beloved saints in Christian history, admired for his radical humility, love of poverty, and deep reverence for all of God’s creation. He was born around 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy cloth merchant family. His birth name was Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, but he was nicknamed Francesco (“the Frenchman”) by his father.

In his youth, Francis lived a carefree life, enjoying wealth and social status. However, after a series of personal and spiritual crises—including illness, imprisonment, and a vision of Christ—he underwent a profound conversion. He renounced his inheritance, embraced a life of poverty, and devoted himself entirely to following the Gospel.

He began to live simply, serving the poor and lepers, preaching repentance, and emphasizing joy, humility, and peace. Others were drawn to his way of life, and in 1209, Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans. He later helped establish the Poor Clares with Saint Clare of Assisi and a third order for laypeople who wished to live according to his spiritual vision.

Francis had a deep love for nature and animals, seeing all creatures as his brothers and sisters under God. His Canticle of the Sun praises the elements of creation—sun, moon, wind, fire, water, and earth—as part of God’s family. Because of this, he is often considered the patron saint of ecology and animals.

In 1224, while praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata—the wounds of Christ—becoming the first known person to bear them. He died on October 3, 1226, and was canonized just two years later, in 1228, by Pope Gregory IX.

His feast day is celebrated on October 4, and many churches hold special blessings of animals on this day in his honor.

Saint Francis is the patron saint of:

• Animals
• Ecology and the environment
• Merchants
• Italy
• Peace

He is often depicted in art wearing a simple brown habit with a rope belt, surrounded by animals or with birds perched on his hands or shoulders. He continues to inspire people of all faiths through his message of simplicity, peace, and reverence for all life.

16”x20” acrylic on wood. 

Prayerfully made by Stephen Hotchkiss. 

If unavailable please inquire about having a similar painting made.