St. Francis’ STE vs. Mad Max Francis of Assisi began as a young warrior, fighting with the city-states of Italy in the Middle Ages, until he nearly died and experienced a spiritual transformation. He renounced family and fortune, declared God his only father, and reoriented the basis of faith from ritual to love--love for God and love for nature. For Americans arming themselves with plans to kill other Americans, Francis has much to offer. We remember this on St. Francis Day, October 4, the day we bless the animals.