St. Francis
Our portrait icon of Saint Francis depicts the saint with the two symbols that most characterize his life: the cross of sacrifice and the dove of divine peace. This icon of this well-loved saint is based upon an icon painted by a contemporary of St. Francis. Disinterested in his merchant father's business and in formal learning, as a youth Francis was bent on enjoying himself. But led by divine signs and inspiration, he took up a life of great charity and self-mortification. Disinherited by his father, he stripped himself of his clothes and gave them to his father, telling him "Hitherto I have called you father on earth; but now I say, 'Our Father, Who art in Heaven.'" As his first alms he was given the poor robe of a laborer, on which he made a cross with chalk.His love for God and "Lady Poverty" drew many disciples around him, giving birth to the Order of Friars Minor. During one of his desert retreats he saw a vision of crucified seraph and received in his hands, feet, and side the five bleeding wounds of Christ.
Saint of: dying alone, fire, merchants, Italy.
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