Wear your faith close to your heart with this elegant Saint Francis of Assisi Medal. Available in sterling silver or 14k gold with 18" matching box chain. Dimensions: 1" diameter. Gift boxed. Proudly made in USA.
PATRON SAINT OF ANIMALS: Saint Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of Italy, animals, birds and the environment. His feast day on October 4th is celebrated with a blessing of the animals at churches around the world. It's said that St Francis even lovingly preached the gospel to the animals around him. He is often depicted with animals in his arms and hands and birds surrounding him. This St Francis medal is a perfect gift for animal lovers!
THE LIFE OF SAINT FRANCIS: Saint Francis was born to a life of luxury in 13th century Italy. His father was a wealthy cloth merchant and his mother a French beauty. Francis was wild and rebellious in his youth, drinking and carousing. He had no desire to follow his father in the family business; it was far more exciting to become a knight and fight in battles.
Soon Francis had his opportunity to join in the war between Assisi and nearby Perugia. The men from Assisi were badly beaten and many were slaughtered. Francis, whose clothes and armor showed clearly that he was from a wealthy family, was imprisoned and held for ransom. While in prison, he began to receive visions from God.
When Francis was released from prison and returned home, he gave up his life of luxury. God told him to live a life of poverty, preach the word of Christ, and care for the poor and the sick, and that is what he did. The Church at that time was a very wealthy family unto itself, and Saint Francis' radical departure to a life of poverty and charitable acts for the poor was absolutely ground breaking. He set an inspiring example that many would eagerly follow.
Word soon spread of this marvelous man and followers flocked to him. He went on to found the Franciscan order, a charitable order which continues to this day; followers take a vow of poverty, perform charitable acts and share the teachings of Christ.
Saint Francis is also quite famously known as the first person to bear the stigmata of Christ, which is the wounds in His hands and His side from the crucifixion. They appeared in 1224 and remained visible on Saint Francis' body for the rest of his life.