Saint Francis of Assisi

Francis was born in Assisi around 1181, the son of a prosperous cloth merchant, Pietro di Bernardone. As a young man he was popular, generous with money, and hungry for glory as a knight. A year as a prisoner of war and a long illness began to change him.

Praying before the crucifix in the ruined chapel of San Damiano, Francis understood himself to be called to rebuild Christ’s house. He began with stones and mortar. Only later did he see that the call was larger than one chapel.

Poverty and brotherhood

Francis renounced his inheritance before the Bishop of Assisi and began to live as a poor man, preaching penance and caring for lepers. Others joined him. Around 1209 Pope Innocent III gave his approval to their simple way of life, and the Order of Friars Minor was born. A definitive Rule was confirmed by Pope Honorius III in 1223.

In 1212 a young noblewoman of Assisi, Clare, followed his example, and with her began the community now known as the Poor Clares.

Greccio and La Verna

At Christmas in 1223, in the hill town of Greccio, Francis arranged a manger with hay, an ox, and a donkey so that people could see with their own eyes the poverty of the Child of Bethlehem. The custom of the Christmas crib is traced to that night.

In 1224, while praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata, the marks of Christ’s wounds, in his own body. He died at Assisi on the evening of October 3, 1226, and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228.

What Francis teaches

Francis is often remembered for his love of animals and of creation, expressed in his Canticle of the Creatures. That love was real, but it flowed from something deeper: he loved the Creator, and so everything the Creator made became a brother or a sister.

His poverty was not contempt for good things. It was freedom. With nothing to protect, he could give his whole attention to Christ and to whoever stood in front of him.

Prayer to Saint Francis

Original prayer by Take Jesus Home.