Saint Francis of Assisi
July 14, 2022Saint Francis was born Giovanni Francesco Bernardone in Assisi, Italy in 1181. His father was a wealthy cloth merchant, and Francis was educated and groomed for a life in business. However, Francis had other plans.
At the age of 20, Francis had a life-changing experience while fighting in a war against the neighboring town of Perugia. He was taken prisoner and spent a year in jail before being released. This experience led him to question his previous life choices and he began to feel a strong call to serve God.
Forming the Franciscan Order
Saint Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan order of monks in 1209. The Franciscans were a religious order that stressed poverty, service to others, and simplicity. Francis was inspired to form this order after hearing a sermon about Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. Francis was so moved by this story that he decided to sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor.
He soon attracted followers who lived by the rule “to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and walk in his footsteps.” The group would eventually seek permission to form a new religious order from Pope Innocent III. On April 16, 1210 the pope endorsed the group and constituted the founding of the Francisan Order.
Saint Francis of Assis’s Legacy
Saint Francis of Assisi is best known for his love of nature and animals. He is also known for founding the Franciscan order of monks. The Franciscans were a religious order that stressed poverty, service to others, and simplicity. Saint Francis was also known for his great devotion to the Virgin Mary. He composed a popular prayer to her, called the "Prayer of Saint Francis." This prayer is still recited by many people today.
Saint Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226 at the age of 45. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, just two years after his death.
Saint Francis of Assis’s Feast Day
Saint Francis of Assis has a feast day that is celebrated on October 4th.
Check out Gaspard's Saint Francis of Assisi Chasuble here!
