Saint Francis of Assisi, Founder of the Order of Friars Minor

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) was the Seraphic Father and founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). Born to a prosperous cloth merchant in Assisi, Francis abandoned wealth, chivalric ambitions, and worldly glory after hearing Christ speak to him from the San Damiano crucifix: "Francis, go and repair my house, which is falling into ruin." Embracing radical Gospel poverty, Francis wed "Lady Poverty," preaching penance, fraternal charity, and peace throughout Italy and traveling to Egypt to witness before the Sultan. He received papal approval from Pope Innocent III after the Pope saw in a vision a poor man propping up the Lateran Basilica. In 1224 on Mount La Verna, Francis became the first recorded saint in history to receive the sacred Stigmata—the marks of the Passion of Christ in his hands, feet, and side.