Who was St. Francis of Assisi?
St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) is one of the most beloved and influential saints in the Catholic Church. Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in the Italian town of Assisi, Francis lived a life of radical poverty, humility, and love for God and all creation. He is known as the 'Poor Man of Assisi' and is the founder of the Franciscan Order, which has had a profound impact on the Church and the world for over 800 years. Francis's life is a powerful example of what it means to follow Christ completely, embracing poverty, simplicity, and love for all of God's creatures.
Francis's story is particularly inspiring because it shows how God can transform even the most unlikely person into a great saint. As a young man, Francis was known for his love of parties, fine clothes, and worldly pleasures. However, through a series of powerful encounters with God, Francis was completely transformed and became a living example of the Gospel message. His life continues to inspire millions of people around the world to live more simply, to care for the poor, and to love God and His creation.
Early Life and Youth
Francis was born in 1181 to Pietro di Bernardone, a wealthy cloth merchant, and his wife Pica. His father was away on business when Francis was born, and upon his return, he was so happy to have a son that he nicknamed him 'Francesco' (the Frenchman), which later became his official name. Francis grew up in a wealthy family and enjoyed all the privileges that came with his social status. He was educated in Latin and French, and he showed a talent for business and a love for the finer things in life.
As a young man, Francis was known for his charm, generosity, and love of parties. He dreamed of becoming a knight and achieving great military glory. In 1202, he joined the army and fought in a war between Assisi and Perugia. However, he was captured and spent a year as a prisoner of war. This experience, along with a serious illness that followed his release, began to change Francis's outlook on life and made him question his values and priorities.
The Beginning of Conversion
After his release from prison and recovery from illness, Francis began to experience a gradual conversion. He started to spend more time in prayer and reflection, and he became increasingly aware of the suffering of the poor and the emptiness of his former lifestyle. One day, while riding his horse, Francis encountered a leper. Previously, Francis had been repulsed by lepers, but on this day, he felt compelled to dismount and embrace the leper. This act of charity marked a turning point in Francis's life and was the beginning of his radical conversion.
Francis also began to spend time in abandoned churches, praying and seeking God's will for his life. During one of these prayer sessions in the church of San Damiano, Francis heard a voice from the crucifix saying, 'Francis, go and repair my house, which is falling into ruin.' Francis initially took this literally and began to repair the physical church building, but he would later understand that God was calling him to help rebuild the spiritual house of the Church.
The Radical Decision for Poverty
Francis's conversion reached its climax when he made the radical decision to renounce his wealth and live in complete poverty. In a dramatic scene in the town square of Assisi, Francis stripped off his fine clothes and returned them to his father, declaring that he now had only one father - his Father in heaven. This act of renunciation was a complete break with his former life and marked the beginning of his new life as a follower of Christ.
Francis then began to live as a hermit, wearing simple clothes and begging for his food. He dedicated himself to prayer, penance, and serving the poor. His lifestyle was so radical that many people thought he was crazy, but Francis was completely happy and at peace. He had found his true calling in following Christ and living the Gospel message of poverty, humility, and love.
The Founding of the Franciscan Order
As Francis's reputation for holiness grew, other men began to join him in his way of life. In 1209, Francis and his first followers went to Rome to seek approval from Pope Innocent III for their new religious order. The Pope was initially skeptical, but after having a dream in which he saw Francis holding up the Lateran Basilica (the mother church of Christendom), he approved the new order. This was the beginning of the Franciscan Order, which would become one of the most important religious orders in the Church.
The Franciscan Order was based on the principles of poverty, chastity, and obedience, with a special emphasis on living in complete poverty, just as Christ and the apostles had lived. Francis and his followers traveled throughout Italy and beyond, preaching the Gospel, serving the poor, and living as witnesses to the love of Christ. They became known as the 'Friars Minor' (Lesser Brothers) because they considered themselves the least of all people.
St. Francis and Creation
One of the most distinctive aspects of Francis's spirituality was his deep love for all of God's creation. Francis saw all creatures as his brothers and sisters, and he treated them with respect and love. He is famous for preaching to the birds, taming a fierce wolf, and composing the 'Canticle of the Sun,' a beautiful hymn praising God for all of creation. Francis's love for creation was not sentimental, but was based on his understanding that all things come from God and reflect His goodness and beauty.
Francis's attitude toward creation has made him the patron saint of ecology and environmental protection. His example reminds us that we are called to be good stewards of God's creation and to treat all living things with respect and care. Francis's love for creation was also a reflection of his love for God, as he saw the beauty and goodness of creation as a reflection of the beauty and goodness of the Creator.
The Stigmata and Final Years
In 1224, while praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata - the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side. This was a unique grace that God gave to Francis as a sign of his complete identification with Christ and his suffering. The stigmata was both a physical and spiritual experience that deepened Francis's union with Christ and his understanding of the mystery of the cross.
During his final years, Francis's health declined, and he became increasingly blind. However, he continued to serve God and others with joy and love. He composed his famous 'Canticle of the Sun' during this time, and he continued to preach and minister to others. Francis died on October 3, 1226, at the age of 44, surrounded by his brothers and singing praises to God.
St. Francis's Legacy
St. Francis's legacy is immense and continues to this day. The Franciscan Order he founded has grown to include thousands of men and women around the world, and his spirituality has influenced countless people of all faiths. Francis's emphasis on poverty, simplicity, and love for all creation has made him one of the most popular and beloved saints in the Church.
Francis's life and teachings have also had a profound impact on the Church and society. His emphasis on serving the poor and living in solidarity with them has inspired countless works of charity and social justice. His love for creation has helped to shape the Church's understanding of environmental stewardship. His simple and direct approach to the Gospel has made the Christian message accessible to people of all backgrounds and cultures.
St. Francis's Writings
Although Francis was not a scholar or theologian, he left behind several important writings that continue to inspire people today. His most famous work is the 'Canticle of the Sun,' a beautiful hymn praising God for all of creation. He also wrote a simple rule for his order, various prayers, and letters to his brothers and sisters.
Francis's writings are characterized by their simplicity, directness, and deep love for God and others. They reflect his understanding that the Gospel message is simple and accessible to everyone, regardless of their education or social status. Francis's writings continue to be studied and prayed with by people around the world who seek to follow his example of simple, loving faith.
St. Francis Today
St. Francis continues to be relevant and inspiring today for many reasons. His emphasis on simplicity and poverty speaks to people who are seeking to live more meaningful lives in a world that often values material wealth and success. His love for creation and concern for the environment resonates with people who are worried about the state of our planet. His commitment to serving the poor and marginalized challenges us to examine our own priorities and values.
Francis's life also shows us that conversion and transformation are always possible, no matter how unlikely they may seem. His dramatic change from a wealthy, pleasure-seeking young man to a poor, humble servant of God gives hope to everyone who is seeking to change their lives and grow closer to God. Francis's example reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or past, to do great things for His kingdom.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of St. Francis
St. Francis of Assisi remains one of the most beloved and influential saints in the Catholic Church because his life and message speak to the deepest longings of the human heart. His radical commitment to following Christ, his love for all of God's creation, and his simple, direct approach to the Gospel continue to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
Francis's life shows us what it means to truly follow Christ - to embrace poverty and simplicity, to serve others with love and humility, and to see all of creation as a gift from God. His example challenges us to examine our own lives and to ask ourselves how we can better follow Christ and serve others. Most importantly, Francis's life reminds us that God's love and grace are available to everyone, and that we are all called to be saints.