High Middle Ages (12th–13th century)
Feast: October 4
A merchant’s son who embraced poverty, peace, and creation as a hymn to the Gospel.
Francis (1181/2–1226) renounced wealth after a conversion experience and founded the Franciscan order. He sought to live the Gospel literally—preaching, serving lepers, and reconciling enemies. His Canticle of the Creatures praises God through the natural world. He received the stigmata near the end of his life.