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He was treading through the streets of Assisi, that he once knew. On the outskirts of town began the forest he had used to play with the animals in. This was so familiar and he was so happy to see this place once more.

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St. Francis stopped to admire his hometown and he gently sat on a flat, wide rock. He looked around gingerly and his eyes locked with a small, kind looking bear cub.

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The cub looked so happy and Francis was sure the cub was smiling at him, he was happy to see the bear too. Animals were always so gentle and pure and this was the main reason he loved them so much.

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Francis had a warm smile that lit up the entire forest, he was so happy to be back in Assisi. He gestured with his hand for the bear cub to come to him, and the bear softly walked as if he were walking across clouds.

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The bear sat in front of the saint and listened as nothing else mattered to him. Saint Francis talked to animals, he always had. This time, he had lived his entire life, he could tell his entire life story  and be able to tell the end. So that was exactly what he set out to do. As he started, more animals gradually joined.

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At this point, Saint Francis was surrounded by the bear, two rabbits, and a few birds. The story starts in 1181, in his young years Francis was rebellious and a sinner. His parents were rich, and Francis was spoiled and did a lot of inappropriate things for his age. The now saint would throw crazy parties, indulge food, and drink wine. He was an archer, wrestler, and a horse rider.

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The animals were close to him, they were always close because of their innocence and pureness. By now, at the end of the story, Francis was surrounded by animals of all kinds it was as if all of the animals in the world were right there listening to him, he was so happy to be back

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Francis sold everything he owned, his father was beyond furious that his son was wasting his wealth. A bishop told him to return his father's money, Francis stripped off his clothes and dressed in rags before returning the money. For the rest of his life, Saint Francis would be made fun of, beaten, and belittled, but nonetheless, he would never turn away from God.

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St. Francis of Assisi was a prisoner of war and his captors decided to spare his life because he could offer a decent ransom. When Francis came back, his mind was changed and he wanted to devote his life to Jesus. Years later, while he was praying, Francis heard the voice of God. He was told to live a life of extreme poverty and rebuild the church he was in. St. Francis accepted this and lived the rest of his life as a devoted Christian.

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Story by: Hailey Pray and Gracie Plecha
Source: https://www.biography.com/people/st-francis-of-assisi-21152679

http://www.messengersaintanthony.com/content/st-francis-conversion