The connection I felt with Saint Francis of Assisi was because he is the patron saint of animals and the environment. Saint Francis always cared for animals whether they were young, old, sick, or well. His kindness towards God’s creation is a gift we should all strive to connect with. Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian Roman Catholic Friar and a preacher. He was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy. In his youth he lived a life of drinking and partying. After fighting in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, Francis was captured and taken in for ransom. He spent nearly a year in prison where he began gaining visions from God. After his father paid him out of prison, Francis heard the voice of Christ. The voice spoke to Francis, telling him to repair the Christian Church and live out a life of poverty. He threw away his old lifestyle and devoted himself to a life of faith. …show more content…
He was canonized as a saint just 2 years later on July 16, 1228. Saint Francis developed a great interest in nature and animals during his life, making him the patron saint of the environment and animals. Each October, many animals the world over are blessed on his feast day. He spent most of his prayer alone in remote areas. One of these areas was a mountain hideaway. He also would often pray at old and quite churches. Most of his early prayer was looking for answers to the troubles he had put upon himself. God definitely answered his prayers and gave him a clear path to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Later in life, Francis reportedly received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ. The stigmata of Christ are marks on a human body resembling the wounds of which Jesus suffered when he was crucified and died. Francis was the first person to receive these type of