PEWTER ST FRANCIS PROTECTOR OF

St. Francis was born at Assisi in Umbria, Italy in 1182 to a wealthy merchant family. Well-liked, he spent his early life partying, drinking and wasting extravagant amounts of money before turning to a life of poverty and prayer. St. Francis later founded the Order of Mendicant Friars, also known as the Franciscans, who all took a vow of poverty, chastity, love and obedience. He continued to preach until his death on October 4, 1226. St. Francis medals are popular among animal-lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.