The 10 of Hearts

St. Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian religious leader. After his conversion to holy life he attempted to live literally by the Gospel, renouncing material goods and family ties. Wandering as a preacher he gathered a large following, leading to the establishment of the Franciscan order of priests. He is known as the patron saint of animals, the environment and and it is customary for Catholic churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October.