stfrancis

Saint Francis of Assisi

      One of the greatest and most well-known of all the saints is Saint Francis of Assisi, a man who embodies in many ways exactly what the Christian religion and the Catholic Church are all about. He was handsome, popular and rich enough to do as he pleased, however it was only through losing his worldly success that he found true happiness in the arms of God.
       Francis Bernardone was born in Assisi, in the province of Umbria, Italy in 1181. His father was a wealthy cloth merchant and Francis grew to become a very indulgent, hedonistic young man, concerned mostly with his wealth. He served some time as a soldier and was known for being involved in streetfights. To many he seemed to be no more than a typical spoiled bully. However, God had a plan for Francis just as He does for everyone: the call to be a great saint.
       While in prison in Perugia, Francis had a conversion experience. He received a message from Christ telling him to leave his worldly

ways and devote himself to God. Just as He had said to the wealthy noble during his time on earth, Christ was again saying, 'give up all you have and follow Me'. Francis was thereafter a changed man, and one who experienced many visions and miracles. He devoted his life to the Gospels. Leaving all of his worldly success, he cut out a simple brown robe to wear and sustained himself only on the charity of others. He also preached the saving message of Christ.
St Francis was a gifted preacher, however, he also said that everyone should preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and when needed, use words. His example was probably the greatest sermon of all. He urged all people to live pure lives and strive for a world of peace, he preached

in the streets, in the prisons and comforted those in hospitals. He took in others as his brothers and sisters, joining him in the campaign for Christian purity and simplicity. He loved all of God's Creation and even spoke of animals as his "brothers and sisters".
At the chapel in San Damiano, St Francis prayed before the crucifix pictured above, Christ then spoke to him through the crucifix and told him to repair his house. St Francis first began working on the run down church of San Damiano, but then realized Christ was talking about His entire Church. Once, St Francis saw a vision of Jesus, suspended between two angels. Suddenly, light poured out from the wounds of Christ, hitting the corresponding areas on the body of St Francis. It was then that he received the stigmata, and for the rest of his life he bore the living wounds of the crucified Christ.

St Francis had experienced Christ as few people ever do. He also had been given a clear mission, and one that would require the support and cooperation of Mother Holy Church. This he was sure to receive as God had been pleased to place on the Throne of St Peter at this time one of

the Church's greatest pontiffs, Pope Innocent III. St Francis approached the Holy Father with the request to form 'The Order of Friars Minor". Pope Innocent III approved the order in April of 1209, thus begining the long and gloriously pius history of the Franciscans.
In 1212, one of St Francis' female followers, Clare of Assisi, founded an order of contemplative nuns based on the example of St Francis. Known as the Poor Clares, the order was approved in 1253 by Pope Innocent IV. This order has had a major impact on the modern world in recent years through the work of Mother Angelica of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, foundress of the Eternal Word Television Network.
Truly it can be said that few people, in the history of the world, have had such an impact on their time and countless future generations as St Francis of Assisi. And, all of it was accomplished by simply rising above the attachments of the world and placing the glory of God before all else.

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