In these times of massive materialism, impurity, and rebelliousness of all sorts, especially against God’s design, we turn to St. Francis of Assisi, on his feast day, particularly for today’s youth.

Born into a wealthy family, Francis was very worldly and known to be the leader of a crowd of young people addicted to sin who spent their nights in wild parties. 

Over many years, the Lord tugged on Francis until the calling was so great that he renounced all his father’s wealth and heritage in exchange for a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience that would eventually inspire countless to do the same.

Few know that, by praying to share in Christ’s passion, Francis became the first to receive the stigmata —the marks of the nails and the lance wound Christ suffered in his own body. He died on October 4, 1226, at the age of 45. Francis is considered the founder of all Franciscan orders and the patron saint of ecologists and merchants.