Today, we remember the life and works of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis was born in 1182 in Assisi, Umbria, in Italy and was given the name Giovanni di Bernardone by his mother. He was the son of Pietro di Bernardone, a wealthy merchant. His name which was taken from John the Baptist was changed to Francesco because his father wanted to give his son a name after a businessman rather than a saint. Francis lived a luxurious life. He was renowned for drinking and partying in his youth. He was very popular and everyone excused his flaws. He was considered as one of the leaders of the nonconformist youth of Assisi. He joined the battle between Assisi and Perugia and was captured and imprisoned. He suffered a serious disease but he survived and he had a change of heart and change of life. After his release from prison, while praying in the chapel of St. Damiano outside the Assisi, Francis heard the voice of Jesus from the crucifix telling him, “Francis, repair my house, which is falling into ruins.” He sold his horse and some clothes from his father’s shop, give his money to the poor and began restoring the small chapel. His father was furious at wasting money on churches and beggars. He was brought before the bishop’s palace to bring him to his senses. In front of the palace, Francis stripped himself of his clothes and said: “These clothes are yours, I have called you father on earth; but now I say: Our Father, who are in heaven.” Barefoot and dressed in old and torn clothes, Francis began a life of penance and prayer. He preached the goodness of the Lord, purity, and about being detached from material things. He dedicated his life to caring care for the poor and the sick. Francis founded the Friars Minors together with a group of young people. Ordained a deacon, he reformed the Church with his examples of poverty and love. He praised God the Creator and wanted everyone to do the same. He loved God’s creation, including the birds and the beasts. He treated all creation as brothers and sisters. In his “Canticle of Creatures,” he called the sun brother and the moon sister. His way of life was referred as his marriage to Lady Poverty. He assisted St. Clare in founding the religious order of the Poor Clares. In 1224, while praying at Mt. Alvernia, St. Francis reportedly received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ, making him the first person to receive the holy wounds. He was practically blind and very ill during the last two years of his life. He died in October 1226 in Portiuncula, Italy. On July 16, 1228, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX. As we remember the life of St. Francis of Assisi, let us be inspired by his love for all creation. Let us take care of our environment, especially now that our country has been experiencing natural calamities.