St. Francis of Assisi

Born in medieval Italy to a wealthy family, Francis enjoyed the high life before becoming a prisoner of war, an experience that left him crippled. Disillusioned, he wandered the countryside until he heard a voice tell him to rebuild a dilapidated church. Feeling a new sense of purpose, Francis donned a pauper's robe and began to care for the sick and outcast. Joined by others, his group became known as the Franciscans. Today, the order includes millions of members who follow in the charitable footsteps of St. Francis.