Saint Francis of Assisi - Engraved Holding Cross

Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, better known as Saint Francis of Assisi (c. 1181 – 3 October 1226), was a mystic Italian Catholic friar, founder of the Franciscans, and one of the most venerated figures in Christianity. In 1223, he arranged for the first Christmas live nativity scene. Pope Gregory IX canonized him on 16 July 1228. Francis later became associated with patronage of animals and the natural environment. It became customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October.

In 1219, he went to Egypt in an attempt to convert the sultan al-Kamil and put an end to the conflict of the Fifth Crusade. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of St. Clare, the Third Order of St. Francis and the Custody of the Holy Land. Once his community was authorized by the Pope, he withdrew increasingly from external affairs.

Francis is known for his devotion to the Eucharist. According to Christian tradition, in 1224 he received the stigmata during the apparition of a Seraphic angel in a religious ecstasy. Along with Catherine of Siena, he was designated patron saint of Italy.

October 4th is the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi.  

Our St Francis of Assisi holding cross takes our largest holding cross and laser engraves a picture of Saint Francis of Assisi on the bottom of the cross.  The cross is 4" by 2" and is made to fit in your hand.  Hand crafted out of Bethlehem Olive Wood in the Holy Land, this cross comes with a St. Francis of Assisi prayer card and some more information about Saint Francis' feast day.