What was St. Francis of Assisi famous for?

St. Francis of Assisi was famous for hearing the voice of God telling him to rebuild the Church and for his love for animals. He was canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228 and is the patron saint of animals and ecologists. St. Francis of Assisi's feast day is October 4.

St. Francis of Assisi was born into a wealthy family in 1181. He was captured and sent to prison in 1202 during the war with Perugia. During his year in prison, St. Francis began to see visions of god. After his release in 1203, he entered a life of poverty and devotion to Christianity. St. Francis spent the rest of his life preaching Christianity.