One of the few saints highly esteemed outside of Christianity is Saint Francis, known in German-speaking countries as Francis of Assisi. Francis was born in Assisi in 1181/82 and died in 1226. A bon vivant in his youth as the son of wealthy parents, he later turned to Christ. One day, while praying in the half-ruined church of San Damiano, situated on a hillside outside the city walls of Assisi, he heard the voice of Christ coming down from the cross, calling him to "rebuild his Church." At first, he took this request literally and restored the church building. Later, he came to realize that the Church was primarily about the community of believers.
Francis became a role model for many people; they joined him, and the "Order of the Friars Minor" (Ordo Fratrum Minorum) of Francis of Assisi was founded. Today, the vast Franciscan order family includes three male branches: the Franciscans, the Friars Minorites, and the Capuchins; and two female branches: the Franciscan nuns and the Poor Clares. In addition, there is the "Third" or "Secular" Order, which is open to women and men who do not take the traditional religious vows (poverty, chastity, and obedience) and continue to live in their families and professions.