Guido da Cortona was a 13th-century Italian Franciscan priest who was among the earliest followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Born into a wealthy family in Cortona in 1187, he decided to abandon his possessions to support the poor after meeting Francis in 1211. He eventually joined the burgeoning Franciscan movement and established a small community at the hermitage of Le Celle. Recognized for his piety, he served as a preacher and remained a close associate of Francis until their final meeting in 1226.