Francis Bernadone was born to a wealthy Italian family. While a sick and imprisoned young soldier, Francis decided to change his life. He gave away everything, inlcuding the clothes he wore. As a poor man, he found true riches. With God's love, Francis learned to love the earth, its people, and even its animals. Francis influenced other people to follow him and live as he did. These people are now called Franciscans. Francis was declared a saint shortly after his death. His feast day is October 4.

Excerpted from Come, Follow Me (grade 8) by Rev. Bernard Marthaler, OFM Conv. and Rev. Gerard Weber. Copyright © 1998 by Benziger Publishing Company, PO Box 544, Blacklick, OH, 43004-0544. Used with permission of the publisher.