<div><div><b>The inspiring story of the love and compassion of St. Francis</b></div><div></div><div>Long ago, in the busy little town of Assisi, a wealthy merchant and his wife had a baby boy: Francis. They gave their son all the good things that money could buy. But when Francis was a young man, he had a dream telling him to work for God—to follow the example of Jesus in loving those who were unloved, and giving everything he had to serve others. Francis’ life touched the hearts of many in his own lifetime. Even the wild birds and animals seemed to listen to what he had to say about God, their Maker. For hundreds of years, the story of this good man of Assisi has brought hope and encouragement to all those who long to know gentleness and love in the world.</div><div></div></div><br>