Blog: Discover Italy

St. Francis of Assisi (1181 – 1226) is one of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church. He is known for his deep devotion to Christ, his love of animals and nature, his dedication and compassion for the poor and marginalized, and his foundational role in the Franciscan Order. But did you know that St. Francis is also responsible for creating the first nativity? In 1223, St. Francis was making his way back home to Assisi from a trip to Rome, where he was having the Rule for his Order …