'Christian Encounters', a series of biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers, highlights important lives from all ages and areas of the Church. Some are familiar faces. Others are unexpected guests. But all, through their relationships, struggles, prayers, and desires, uniquely illuminate our shared experience.

He's more than just a statue of the saint in the neighbour's garden surrounded by adoring animals. As a wealthy young man, Francis was a member of the 'brat pack' of his day, wearing bright clothing, hanging out with rich friends, engaging in street brawls, and partying. After a dream in which God called him into service, Francis abandoned all his rights and possessions and began preaching simplicity and poverty, relying on God's providence rather than worldly goods.

In this Christian Encounters biography, read about this patron saint of animals who so delighted in God's works that he once preached a sermon to a flock of birds.