Story of St. Francis

St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

St. Francis or the Poverello as he is lovingly referred to was born in the small town of Assisi in central Italy, between Perugia and Foligno, on or around September 26, 1181 to Pietro di Bernardone, a wealthy cloth merchant and Pica Bourlemont his French wife. While Pietro was in France on business, Pica gave birth and baptized their son, Giovanni di Bernardone.  Upon his return, Pietro changed his sons name to Francesco in honor of his maternal heritage.  Francis spent most of his youth pursuing the good life, frolicking and celebrating throughout the Umbrian countryside with friends.