https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi

Saint Francis was born in Italy in 1181. He was born into a well off family, his father was a wealthy clothing merchant. Because of this he was very spoiled, often causing trouble by partying, drinking, and staying out past his curfew. A war broke out between Assisi and Perugia, and Francis was eager to fight. During the war, many Assisi warriors were killed immediately. Francis was captured and imprisoned for nearly a year, waiting for his father to come rescue him and bring his ransom. During this time, he connected with god and began to receive visions from him.

After he was released, he returned to Assisi, and was very different. He spent his days praying and helping lepurs. He heard the voice of Christ, and was told to rebuild the Catholic Church and to live a life of poverty. He began teaching to many different villages, and also animals. Francis received another vision from Christ, and he was left with wounds that were similar to the wounds from Jesus's crucifixtion.

Saint Francis is the patron of animals, merchants, and ecology. He was always surrounded by animals, and they always listened to him. He would talk to animals just like they were people. One time, he even quieted a flock of birds during a religious ceremony. Francis died from malaria on October 3rd, 1226, he also had trachoma toward the end of his life, a serious eye infection that caused blindness.

Saint Francis was canonized as a Saint about two years after his death on July 16th, 1228. His feast day is October 4th, and animals are honored in the "Blessing of the Animals."

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with Saint Francis. He began his life in a world of trouble, but quickly over came his sins. He lived a life of goodness and charity. Hopefully we can all be a bit like Saint Francis some day. Amen.

I have neither given nor received help on this assignment. -Bryce Clark