St. Francis of Assisi
Early Life
Born around 1181 in Assisi, Italy, Francesco di Pietro di Bemardone grew up in a wealthy family. His
father, Pietro di Bemardone, was a cloth merchant. Francesco, or Francis would buy the best of clothes
and spend his money freely. He also enjoyed parties and good times. However, Francis had very little
interest in studying. Leaving him with a poor education. In 1190, Francis finally attended a parish
school. Giving him the education he needed.
father, Pietro di Bemardone, was a cloth merchant. Francesco, or Francis would buy the best of clothes
and spend his money freely. He also enjoyed parties and good times. However, Francis had very little
interest in studying. Leaving him with a poor education. In 1190, Francis finally attended a parish
school. Giving him the education he needed.
Hitting Reality
Statue of St. Francis of Assisi
Years later, Francis fell ill twice. He realized he was wasting time, and that he should be serving Jesus. He began praying more and making
sacrifices so he could be stronger in spirit. Leading him in the right direction, Francis decided to give to his expensive clothes and his money
to the poor and serve in sick hospitals. He also sold his property and gave
that money to the church. With these great decisions, he wanted to do more so he also began fasting. Dressed in rags, his wealthy father was not happy, Francis now lived without shelter and he would get food from kind people that were willing to give it to him. Continuing his faith, he went around begging people to stop sinning and return to God. Seeing how close Francis would teach his followers about the Gospel message with pleasure. This is how the Franciscan order begun. This order involved people like is followers, to help the poor and sick, and serve as teachers. Two years after he past on October third, 1226, he was claimed a saint by Pope Gregory IX.
sacrifices so he could be stronger in spirit. Leading him in the right direction, Francis decided to give to his expensive clothes and his money
to the poor and serve in sick hospitals. He also sold his property and gave
that money to the church. With these great decisions, he wanted to do more so he also began fasting. Dressed in rags, his wealthy father was not happy, Francis now lived without shelter and he would get food from kind people that were willing to give it to him. Continuing his faith, he went around begging people to stop sinning and return to God. Seeing how close Francis would teach his followers about the Gospel message with pleasure. This is how the Franciscan order begun. This order involved people like is followers, to help the poor and sick, and serve as teachers. Two years after he past on October third, 1226, he was claimed a saint by Pope Gregory IX.
Devoted To Animals
St. Francis showing his care for animals
Not only being a great leader, St. Francis of Assisi loved all animals. He would call all creatures his brothers and sisters. His love for animals was so strong that the animals felt safe with his kindness. It's said that Francis could also tame wild animals. An old story tells us about a dangerous wolf that was in the town of Gubbio. This wolf was killing people and sheep. The people of the town were very frightened and did not know what to or where to go. Being brave, Francis went to the town to try and confront this wolf. The wolf growled at Francis and was prepared to attack. However, Francis made the sign of the cross and told the wolf not to harm anyone else. The wolf then became tame. Leaving the town and its people safe Birds and animals would also easily obey his commands. This made him a patron of environment and animals.
What About Now?
A statue of Francis of Assisi
To this day, we celebrate Feast Day on October 4th. Feast day recognizes many saints, including St. Francis. Some children bring their pets to the church to be blessed, because of Francis’ love for animals.
Works Cited
"Adobe Church of St. Francis of Assisi." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images/131_1877233?subjectId=0&collectionId=0&keyword=church+of+St.+Francis+of+Assisi&localizeMetaData=false>.
"Adobe Church of St. Francis of Assisi." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images/131_1883701?subjectId=0&collectionId=0&keyword=church+of+St.+Francis+of+Assisi&localizeMetaData=false>.
Catholic Encyclopedia. N.p.: n.p., n.d. New Advent. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. <http://www.newadvent.org>.
Catholic Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. <http://www.catholic.org>.
Encyclopedia Britannica. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. <http://www.school.eb.com>.
"Francis of Assisi." Bri. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images>.
"Francis of Assisi- Chalice." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images/109_163542?subjectId=0&collectionId=0&keyword=St.+Francis+of+Assisi&localizeMetaData=false>.
"Francis of Assisi Statue." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images>.
"St. Francis." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images/109_120331?subjectId=0&collectionId=0&keyword=St.+Francis+of+Assisi&localizeMetaData=false>.
"Adobe Church of St. Francis of Assisi." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images/131_1877233?subjectId=0&collectionId=0&keyword=church+of+St.+Francis+of+Assisi&localizeMetaData=false>.
"Adobe Church of St. Francis of Assisi." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images/131_1883701?subjectId=0&collectionId=0&keyword=church+of+St.+Francis+of+Assisi&localizeMetaData=false>.
Catholic Encyclopedia. N.p.: n.p., n.d. New Advent. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. <http://www.newadvent.org>.
Catholic Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. <http://www.catholic.org>.
Encyclopedia Britannica. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. <http://www.school.eb.com>.
"Francis of Assisi." Bri. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images>.
"Francis of Assisi- Chalice." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images/109_163542?subjectId=0&collectionId=0&keyword=St.+Francis+of+Assisi&localizeMetaData=false>.
"Francis of Assisi Statue." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images>.
"St. Francis." Britannica Image Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. <http://quest.eb.com/images/109_120331?subjectId=0&collectionId=0&keyword=St.+Francis+of+Assisi&localizeMetaData=false>.