St. Francis was born in Assis, in ltaly, in 1182. The only son of rich parents, he received an excellent education in accordance with his social position. His own life epitomized the fundamental Christian virtures: faith and charity. St. Francis was in love with God and with mankind. His ideal was to appear like Christ upon the Cross.
He was a gentle man who sought simplicity. He looked at God and loved Him. It was said of him "This man is your brother, and has faith." He is known and loved as the "poor little brother" for his humility, the blessed St. Francis of Assis.
In 1212 the Order of the Little Brothers of St. Francis was founded. With his health broken, and almost blind, he composed his "Canticle to Brother Sun", the first Italian work written in the vernacular. It expresses his yearning for the infinite light of cosmic brother- hood, integrating all elements of the Creation .St. Francis is called the patron saint of the environment.