Saint Francis from Assisi with Flying Dove wood statue

St. Francis of Assisi with the flying dove - Dolfi Christian keychain; Francis was born in Assisi in 1182, at the height of the ferment of the communal age. As a young man, the son of a merchant aspired to enter the circle of the small town nobility. For this reason, he sought glory through military exploits until he understood that he only had to serve the Lord. So he gave himself up to a life of penance and solitude in utter poverty, having abandoned his family and worldly goods. In 1209, after another inspiration, he began to preach the Gospel in the cities and the first disciples joined him. With them he went to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III. for his choice of life. From 1210 to 1224 he wandered the streets and squares of Italy: wherever he went, crowds of people flocked to him, as did crowds of disciples whom he called "brothers." He then took in the young Clare, who founded the second Franciscan order, and founded a third order for those who wished to live as penitents, with rules suitable for laypeople. He died on the evening of October 3, 1226 in the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi. He was founded on July 16, 1228 by Pope Gregory IX. canonized. Pope Pius XII proclaimed him and St. Catherine of Siena as main patrons of Italy on June 18, 1939. The remains of the man who became known as the "Poor Man of Assisi" are venerated in the basilica dedicated to him in Assisi, in the crypt of the lower church.

Patronage: Italy, Ecologists, Animals, Birds, Scouts/Coccins. AGESCI

Etymology: Franz = free, from old German

Emblem: wolf, lamb and birds

Roman Martyrology: Commemoration of St. Francis, who, after a carefree youth in Assisi, Umbria, converted to an evangelical life in order to serve Jesus Christ, whom he had come to know above all in the poor and disinherited, making himself poor. He joined the Friars Minor in community. He preached the love of God to everyone, even to the Holy Land, sought in his words and in his deeds the perfect imitation of Christ, and he wanted to die on the bare earth. This product is characterized by a sophisticated brunito finish that gives an elegant and high-quality appearance.