Palau – 2013 – 1 Dollar – Saint Francis of Assisi (PROOF)

Description

Metal: Gold .9999
Weight: 0.5 g
Diameter: 11 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 25’000 pcs

Jorge Maria Bergoglio took the name Francis after being elected pope, in reference to St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). “For me, he is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation”, proclaimed the new pope within days of his election. Even after 800 years the life and message of Saint Francis has not lost its fascination and is perhaps more alive than ever today.

As the son of a rich merchant, Francis enjoyed the best education and dreamt of a military career. During the military expedition, Assisi against Perugia, the young lad was captured, whereupon he started doubting his worldly goals. After a pilgrimage to Rome and several visions Francis
decided to change his life radically. He left his family and friends and voluntarily chose to live in a hermitage in poverty and worship.

In addition to the monastic rule, the Canticle of the Sun “Praise of the creatures” is one of the most popular chants which Saint Francis created. Therein, the mendicant, who already lay in his sickbed, chimed a song of praise to God’s creation and refers to the sun, moon and earth as our siblings. The Bird Sermon and the Wolf of Gubbio are legends which also show his extraordinary love of animals and justify his reputation as the first environmental and animal rights
activist.

Since 1931 we have commemorated the International Animal Protection Day on October 4th, which was the day Saint Francis died. In 1980 Pope John Paul II appointed Saint Francis of Assisi as patron of environmental protection. Consequently, the Francis of Assisi Academy was founded in order to conserve the earth. This foundation contributes to peace, justice and the preservation of God’s creation.