Saint Francis of Assisi

Biography

Saint Francis of Assisi, also known as Francis Bernardone or il Poverello, was born in 1181 in Assisi, Umbria, Italy to Pietro Bernardone, a wealthy cloth merchant. Although he received a good education and initially pursued a career in his father's business, Francis led a misspent youth, engaging in activities such as street brawling and serving as a soldier. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was captured during a conflict between Assisi and Perugia and spent over a year as a prisoner of war. It was during his time as a captive that Francis had a profound conversion experience. According to accounts, he received a message from Christ calling him to leave behind his worldly life and embrace a life devoted to God. Upon his release, Francis began to take his faith seriously and took the Gospels as the rule of his life, considering Jesus Christ as his literal example. Francis renounced his wealth and inheritance, formally disowned by his disapproving father. He embraced a life of poverty, dressing in rough clothes and begging for his sustenance. He preached purity and peace, visiting hospitals, serving the sick, and preaching on the streets. Francis treated all men and women as siblings, seeking to live out the teachings of Christ. In 1209, Francis started to attract followers, and with the blessing of the Pope, he founded the Franciscans, a religious order based on the simple statement of Jesus: "Leave all and follow me." This marked the beginning of a new movement in the Catholic Church, promoting a radical commitment to poverty and the imitation of Christ. In 1212, Clare of Assisi became Francis' spiritual student, leading to the founding of the Poor Clares, a religious order for women. Francis continued to deepen his devotion to God, visiting and preaching to the Saracens, composing songs and hymns to God and nature, and living in harmony with animals. He worked with his hands, cared for lepers, cleaned churches, and even sent food to thieves. In 1221, Francis decided to step down from the leadership of the Franciscans but remained active in his religious pursuits. He embarked on a period of intense spiritual reflection and solitude, spending time in meditation on Mount Alvernia in the Apennines. It was during this time that Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, which periodically bled until his death. Saint Francis of Assisi died on October 4, 1226, at the Portiuncula in Italy of natural causes. He was canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228, by Pope Gregory IX. Today, his relics are honored in Assisi, Italy. Throughout his life, Saint Francis of Assisi became known for his profound love and care for creation. He is often depicted with symbols such as the apparition of Our Savior, Christ child, birds, deer, fish, lamb, skull, stigmata, and a wolf. He is the patron saint of various causes, including animal welfare societies, ecology, the environment, families, peace, and merchants. His influence and spirituality continue to inspire countless individuals around the world. Numerous dioceses, cities, and organizations bear his name, and he is revered as one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic tradition.