Francis was the son of a wealthy merchant who wanted to find worldly glory by becoming a knight. But one day, while praying in front of a cross  in San Damiano, he heard God calling him to rebuild His Church. He rebuilt San Damiano, then San Pietro and the Porziuncola, with his own hands.

Only later Francis would understand that command meant something greater than three buildings. Embracing poverty and obedience, he devoted his life to becoming like Christ. His inner transformation sparked a movement that would help reform the Church and inspire Catholics around the world for hundreds of years after his death.