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St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis was born at Assisi in Umbria (modern day
Italy) around year 1181. His father, Piero Bernardone, was a prosperous
merchant. During childhood, Francis had dreams of following his father’s
trade or being a poet or a knight. In 1201 he took part in an attack on
Perugia (modern day south of Italy), was taken hostage, and remained a captive
there for a year. As a result of his captivity and a severe illness there,
his mind began to turn to Spirituality, but around 1205 he enlisted in another
military expedition. However, shortly after he had a spiritual dream in
which God called Francis to His service. So, Francic returned to Assisi
and began to care for the sick as a part of His service to God.
In 1206, Francis had a vision in which Christ called
him to repair a church. From then on, He resolved to leave worldly attachments
and devoted Himself to repairing the church. Two years later Francis was
divinely drawn to preach and was soon joined by spiritual companions. When
they numbered eleven He gave them a Rule (teachings) and formed a spiritual
group called Friars Minor.
The friars returned to Assisi and settled in huts there,
spreading Spirituality. They traveled throughout central Italy and beyond,
preaching for people to turn from worldly attachments to a life led in worship
of the Christ. In His life and teachings, Francis emphasized simplicity
and reliance on God's providence rather than worldly riches. Francis directed
His skills as a poet to the writing of prayers and hymns. In 1212 his follower,
Clara Sciffi, founded a spiritual group for women seekers (sisterhood) at
San Damiano, called the Poor Ladies, later the Poor Clares. In 1219 Francis
joined the crusaders and preached to the Sultan of Egypt.
Eventually, St. Francis wrote a more detailed Rule (guidance),
and gave up leadership of the group and retired to the mountains to live
in secluded prayer. There he received the Stigmata, the wounds of Christ.
Later He returned to visit the Franciscans, and Clara and her sisters, and
to spread Spirituality.
St. Francis passed away on October 3, 1226. He called
for simplicity of life, and service and humility before God. He worked to
care for the poor and one of His first actions after turning to Spirituality
was to care for lepers. Thousands were drawn to His sincerity, piety and
joy. In all his actions, St. Francis sought to follow fully the way of life
demonstrated by Jesus Christ. |