Italian founder of the Roman Catholic
Franciscan order of friars 1209 and, with St
Clare, of the Poor Clares 1212. In 1224 he is
said to have undergone a mystical experience
during which he received the stigmata (five
wounds of Jesus). Many stories are told of
his ability to charm wild animals, and he is
the patron saint of ecologists. His feast day
is 4 Oct. The son of a wealthy merchant,
Francis changed his life after two dreams he
had during an illness following spells of
military service when he was in his early
twenties. He resolved to follow literally the
behests of the New Testament and live a life
of poverty and service while preaching a
simple form of the Christian gospel. In 1219
he went to Egypt to convert the sultan, and
lived for a month in his camp. Returning to
Italy, he resigned his leadership of the
friars.