in his conversion, the renunciation of his possessions, and a project of rebuilding churches. On February 24, 1208, the feast of Saint Matthias, Francis was working in the little church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Portiuncula, and heard the missionary discourse of Matthew’s Gospel. He responded immediately and embarked on the life of a poor, itinerant preacher proclaiming a message of penance and peace. Shortly afterward, his first followers joined him and formed a brotherhood dedicated to an