Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/82-1226) founded the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans) after a dramatic conversion from the life of a wealthy merchant's son. Marked by literal imitation of the Gospel, embrace of holy poverty, devotion to the Eucharist and Mary, and tenderness toward all creation, he received the stigmata at La Verna in 1224 — the first recorded stigmatic in the Church.