Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And it's in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it's in dying that we are born to Eternal Life
Amen

St. Francis Assisi was born in Italy in the town of Assisi. He was of privileged background and family. He was also bright and would probobly be chosen "best all-around" in many high schools. Francis served in the military and was a prisoner of war. eventually, he would develp a disdain for the material things in life. He began to nurture his relationship with the Lord. Francis experienced a mystical vision in which the Lord instructed Francis to work to save His Church.  The vows of poverty, chastity, and devotion became the center point of the future saint's life.  
     The Monastic order of Fransiscans were founded by St. Francis.  He is the patron saint of animals, the environment, and his home country of Italy.