sh the Franciscan nuns. St. Francis was known to have a close bond or relationship with animals. Storiesare told about him preaching to the birds, telling them that God loves them and that theyshould praise Him for everything they have been given, such as wings to fly freely through the sky. There is also another favorite story about the wolf who terrorized a town by killing the townsmen and their animals. Francis approached the wolf and madea deal with him that if he would stop killing, then the people of the town would leave himfood for the rest of his life. The wolf agreed and went door to door for the rest of its lifefor food. In the end, when the wolf finally dies, the people of the town realize that they miss the wolf. Another story told of Francis saving a lamb on its way to slaughter by convincing a merchant to give it to him. He then brought the lamb with him on his wayto see the Bishop. These stories are thought to emphasize St. Francis’ consideration forall elements of the physical universe, and his identity with them. This is the reason whyhe is sometimes called the patron of natural conservation.Page 4History 1010In St. Francis’ later years, some of the most famous incidents of his life happened.One of these incidents was the inauguration of the Christmas crib at Grecchio, prepared by friar John, where Francis read the Gospel with such devotion that it made men cry.Another incident was the canticle of the Sun, in 1224. He wrote it when he visited Clareat Assisi while he was extremely sick and uncomfortable. And most important of all theincidents, in 1224, while praying in his cell on Mount Alverna, when he received the stigmata. This was considered the climax of supernatural events that had occurred to himthroughout his life. St. Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226, at age forty five. He was canonized in 1228 by his old friend, Gregory IX. St. Francis was buried in the church of St. Giorgio...
