*** *** *** St. Francis of Assisi (d. 1226), the mystic friar and stigmatist who founded the Franciscans, and along with his friend St. Clare, also founded the Order of Poor Clares.

— Part of Franciscan history involves the San Damiano Cross. According to tradition, it was while praying in the chapel of San Damiano that Francis received a message from Christ Crucified to rebuild the Church. This cross now hangs in the Basilica of Saint Clare and remains a popular site for pilgrims.