Brazilian Handcrafted Saint Francis Ceramic Figurine, "Portly Saint Francis"

White doves alight on Saint Francis, the venerable monk, as portrayed in terracotta by Leslie Bassi Gaffuri. Founder of the Franciscan order, Francis of Assisi believed in the brotherhood of all of God's creation. It is said that he once preached to hundreds of birds about being thankful to God for their wonderful clothes, for their independence, and for God's care. The birds stood still as the saint walked among them, flying off only when he said they could leave.