The feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, is celebrated October 4. Born to a well-off family in Assisi, Francis later gave up his worldly possessions for a life of poverty. He is also known for his rapport with animals.
Today visitors and pilgrims flock to Assisi to see the Basilica of Saint Francis, or San Francesco, that holds his tomb. Outside town, in the woods he often visited, is the Saint Francis Woodlands Park. Read about more places associated with Saint Francis in Franciscan Sites in Italy and if you're in Assisi you can visit several Saint Francis spots in the guided tour, From Riches to Rags: The Story of Saint Francis of Assisi.
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Photo of Saint Francis and the Wolf © 2010 by Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com