This week in Christian history: Francis of Assisi dies, Mother Teresa starts new order

St. Francis of Assisi dies – Oct. 4, 1226

This week marks the anniversary of when St. Francis of Assisi, the influential monk known for, among other things, his love of animals and founding the Franciscan order, died.

A native of Italy, St. Francis came from a wealthy background and had a brief stint as a solider before having a conversion experience that led him to renounce his worldly lifestyle.

Francis would garner the title of patron saint of animals and ecologists, with The Humane Society of the United States saying that he “could be viewed as the original Earth Day advocate.”

“Francis' devotion to God was expressed through his love for all of God's creation,” noted the Society. “St. Francis cared for the poor and sick, he preached sermons to animals and praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God.”