While we tend to think of St Francis of Assisi as someone who was kind to animals, the story of why he continues to be important to the church is much more interesting!
Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God’s creation and is commemorated as a “Renewer of the Church.” He was born into a wealthy family but gave up his inheritance to serve the poor. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), to continue that work and who took on poverty and the task of preaching “using words if necessary.”
Today there is an Order of Lutheran Franciscans which is open to all ELCA!