Francis of Paola
Life and witness
Founder of the Minims, known for severe simplicity, peacemaking and counsel to rulers.
Biographical overview
Francis of Paola, O.M. (also known as Francis the Fire Handler; 27 March 1416 – 2 April 1507), was a Catholic friar from the town of Paola in Calabria who founded the Order of Minims. He was named after Francis of Assisi and like him (but unlike most founders of men's religious orders) Francis of Paola was never ordained a priest.