Artist Statement: St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) is the Roman Catholic Church's patron saint of animals and ecology. He abandoned a life of luxury after reportedly hearing the voice of God, who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and to live in poverty. St. Francis is remembered for the miracles that God performed through him and for his compassion for the vulnerable, especially poor people, sick people, and animals.

Francis of Assisi was well known throughout the Christian world. Because of his attention to animals, Francis is recognized by the church as the patron saint of animals. Francis considered all nature as the mirror of God. He called all creatures his “brothers” and “sisters.” The community started by Francis and his followers became the Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church, whose priests are distinguished by the rough robes they usually wear. The order still serves the poor worldwide. In 1228, only two years after his death, Pope Gregory IX canonized Francis as a saint based on evidence of miracles during his ministry. Many Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis on October 4 of each year.