St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of of Assisi was born in 1182. This saint has a very special place in Catholicism. He founded the oldest and biggest religious and consecrated life for laity orders in the world, the Franciscans. Although he was born into wealth, this charitable saint did not remain wealthy. St. Francis had a major conversion during his lifetime. He had a mystical vision of Christ in a church in San Damiano, in which came to life to him a mere 3 times. The crucifix at this church has been dubbed as the San Damiano Crucifix, which sometimes is used as a standard crucifix for the Franciscan Crown Rosary.  In 1209 he founded the Franciscan as was approved by Pope Innocent III. A young lady, St. Clare of Assisi felt compelled by St. Francis’s message and new order was established as Poor Clares. Mother Angelica of EWTN began is Poor Clare nun under the Franciscan Order. St. Francis also was noted for his involvement of the Latern Council IV in 1215. In 1224 he received the stigmata. St. Francis passed away in 1226 while singing Psalm 141 and was declared a saint in 1228 by Pope Gregory IX.