St. Francis was born to a wealthy merchant in the town of Assisi, Italy. He grew up very privileged and wanted for nothing. Francis greatly desired to make incredible triumphs in his life. This led him to becoming a knight when Assisi went to war. However, he was captured and was imprisoned for an entire year until he was ransomed back to his family. This did not end his desire for glory. He was headed off to join the 4th Crusade when he had a dream God told him to go home.
Francis had not been leading a holy life oriented towards God. He had never striven towards holiness, but he listened to God’s voice and returned home. From there, Francis began to pray. He repented of his sins and spent time in solitude. A big turning point in his conversion was when he encountered a leper in the countryside. Rather than avoid the leper, Francis embraced him. He truly believed that it was God who he embraced in that leper. He began to see God’s work in all mankind and all living creatures, and in nature itself, recognizing its value to its Creator.
Francis’ mission really began when he encountered the Lord in the San Damiano crucifix. From the crucifix, he heard Christ say, “Francis, repair my church.” Francis initially took this literally to mean “rebuild this chapel you are in.” Francis did this, but then went further in his mission to rebuild the Church. After being disowned by his father, Francis began to preach and started attaining followers. He wrote a very simple rule, which is a set of guidelines to follow in order to live as Christ did, and to live the Gospel, which has now attracted thousands over the years.
He became the founder of the Franciscan order. Two years before his death he received the stigmata, the real and painful wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side. He died on October 4, 1226 at the age of 45. Francis is considered the founder of all Franciscan orders and the patron saint of ecologists and merchants.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
