1182
Assisi, Italy

October 3, 1226
Portiuncula, Italy

Founder of the Franciscan Order

"Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor, Of You Most High, he bears the likeness."

—Francis of Assisi, "Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi." Catholic Online. http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/prayers.php?section_id=41&name=Saint%20Prayers.

An Italian of the Middle Ages, Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscans, an important religious order (group)...