St Francis of Assist
Born SOO years ago this month, the son of a rich cloth merchant. Francis of Assisi abandoned the )uxurv of the Bernardone family to devote himself to a life of penance and poverty.
Though remembered for his love of animals,
Francis was best known in his own time as hermit and preacher. He attracted a great following which eventually led to the establishment of a religious community for both men and women, based on his message of peace and brotherhood. Anne MacNamara traces the events of his life and considers his extraordinary love of creation, which has led some to regard him as the Patron Saint of Ecology.
Producer HUGH FAUPEL BBC Manchester