In the year 1181, Francis was born amidst a blissful atmosphere at Umbria. Pica, his mother, called him John, after the beloved disciple, but Peter, his father, renamed him "Francesco" which means, a little Frenchman". From his adolescence, Francis loved poetry and music. Belonging to the upper class, he spent money extravagantly among his friends. Early in youth, his heart and mind had already been captivated by the fascinating adventures of the knights and by the roaming lyricists.

When he was twenty years old, while pursuing his military ambition, he volunteered to go to Apulia as a cavalier. There after falling ill for the second time, the remorse of his conscience tormented him and seemed to remind him of his resolutions. His soul underwent a real conflict: was he to follow the worldly amusements of his youth or should he consider the call of a higher and more sublime life? Then a mysterious voice telling him about the vanity of all worldly pursuits left Francis a new man. He began to spend his time in solitude, prayers and meditations. He began to conquer himself by making his body subject to the directives of God in serving men especially the poor.

He also took upon himself the task of restoring churches - St. Damien's, the sanctuary of St. Peter's and the little shrine of St. Mary of the Angels in Subasio. Dressed in the same habit of the mendicant Friar Minors, Francis and his disciples, then reaching the number of twelve, went to Rome to ask for the blessing and approval of the Church. Upon seeing them, Pope Innocent III was moved with the humility of Francis and appointed him the first Minister-General of the order.

The work of Francis, that is, of preaching and exemplary lives, expanded and grew. He loved God unreservedly and uncompromisingly that he could joyfully encountered the bitterest crosses with cheerfulness and a smile. His life is indeed a standing proof that young men and women, however frivolous, thoughtless and carefree they might have been, can transform themselves by redirecting their love towards the divine. All of us need a spiritual conversion from wordliness to godliness.

Feast: October 4.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Poblacion, Meycauayan

(044) 935-3487

Nstra. Sra. De Salamabao Mission Parish

Binuangan, Obando

(02) 277-3497

San Isidro-San Roque Parish

Malhacan, Meycauayan

(044) 840-8760/935-1803

San Pascual Baylon Parish

Poblacion, Obando

(02) 294-5527

Holy Cross Parish

Paco, Obando

(02) 293-2671

Sto. Nino Parish

Sto. Nino, Meycauayan

(02) 695-3190

St. Joseph Parish

Punturin, Valenzuela

(02) 983-9210

Our Lady of Fatima Parish

Heritage, Meycauayan

(044) 720-1588

St. Bartholomew Parish

Tugatog, Meycauayan

(044) 935-3917/840-3535

St. Joseph Parish

St. Francis Subd., Meycauayan

(044) 840-0332

Muling Pagkabuhay Parish

Lawang-Bato, Meycauayan

(044) 721-1316/935-4113

Msgr. Epitacio Castro

Fr. Teodoro Esguerra

Fr. Nap Baltazar

Fr. Candido Pobre, Jr.

Fr. Candido Ersando

Fr. Ireneo Empay

Fr. Danilo delos Reyes

Fr. Dennis Cruz

Fr. Roger dela Cruz

Fr. Roberto Lunod

Msgr. Macario Manahan

Fr. Enrico Crisostomo

Fr. Arnel Alejandro

Fr. Gil Cajurao

Fr. Nicanor Castro

Fr. Ireneo Cabasal

Fr. Roman Caleon