St Francis of Assisi symbol
Saint Francis of Assisi (1181 – 1226) was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Inspired to lead a Christian life of poverty, he became a beggar and an itinerant preacher. Francis was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 16 July 1228. He is commonly portrayed wearing a brown habit with a rope tied around his waist, featuring three knots symbolizing the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Francis is associated with patronage of animals and the environment. It became customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4th October, which became World Animal Day. Francis was noted for his devotion to the Eucharist and along with Catherine of Siena, Francis was designated patron saint of Italy. He is also the namesake of the city of San Francisco.
