St. Francis was born into a wealthy family in the 12th century, but eventually gave away all of his earthly possessions to live a pious life dedicated to the Lord. He is remembered especially for his love of nature as well as for founding the Franciscan Order. He is the patron saint of animals and birds, ecologists, merchants, and of Italy. St. Francis' feast day is celebrated on October 4. This St Francis medal is the size of a quarter, made of fine sterling silver, and has the image of St. Francis skillfully embossed on the front of the medal along with the saint's name. The back of the saint's medal is blank which allows for personalized engraving (offered by St. Patrick's Guild for the reasonable price of $9.95 for two lines of engraving. Click here for more details. The St. Francis medal comes on a 24 inch, stainless steel endless chain, which is a great size for most men. Our St. Francis medal necklace makes an especially personalized inspirational gift for the young person who is making his or her Confirmation and has chosen Francis as his or her Confirmation name. Also a great gift idea for any animal lover. The St. Francis medal comes packaged in a handsome hinged jewelry gift box.