Biographies are enjoyed by readers for the insight they offer about inspiring individuals. A Saint Francis of Assisi biography does just this, revealing much about his struggles and triumphs. Fortunately, authentic documents exist, providing material from which to draw these insights. His followers wrote about him and his own liturgical writings reveal much too.
From these documents it is evident how he captured the hearts of people around him with his devotion and passion. Many stories are told about his compassion as well as his love of animals and power over them. In his early years, there was little indication of the type of man he would eventually become.
He grew up in Umbria, Italy and his father was a rich merchant. As a young man he was known for his ready wit and fine clothes. He was gallant and courteous and always had plenty of money to spend. He had no interest in becoming a merchant or in learning.
During a petty war between his town and another small town he became a prisoner for a full year. He also suffered some illness and slowly his thoughts turned more to things spiritual. A significant event at this time was when he gave all the money on him to a leper. He began devoting much attention to the poor and sick after this.
He cut himself off from his father and began wandering around, speaking to people about repentance and the love of God. Some significant people were influenced by his message. One of these was a wealthy merchant who sold all his possessions, gave them to the poor and joined him. Another was a canon who left the cathedral to join him.
Papal approval was received and the name Little Brothers (Friars Minor) was given to the order. The first Franciscan convent was formed, consisting of small huts with a hedge around them, built in grounds of the chapel of Porzuincola. This was a chapel Francis had helped to restore. Soon many more were attracted to the order and other communities began springing up all over.
The desire for a contemplative life was strong but so too was the desire to convert the infidels. This inspired missions outside of Italy. After some time away, he returned to find that in his absence, the order had made changes felt necessary to cope with the increased numbers and bring more organization. He was unhappy with these changes as he felt there had been a drift away from the simplicity and vows of poverty the order was known for.
It was while he was praying during a 40 day fast in the latter part of his life that he saw a seraph in a vision and afterwards found a wound in his side and nails in his hands and feet. A clear and simple account of this happening and the stigmata that appeared was written by one of the brothers with him at the time. This is just one account in the life of a remarkable man who continues to inspire readers today.
From these documents it is evident how he captured the hearts of people around him with his devotion and passion. Many stories are told about his compassion as well as his love of animals and power over them. In his early years, there was little indication of the type of man he would eventually become.
He grew up in Umbria, Italy and his father was a rich merchant. As a young man he was known for his ready wit and fine clothes. He was gallant and courteous and always had plenty of money to spend. He had no interest in becoming a merchant or in learning.
During a petty war between his town and another small town he became a prisoner for a full year. He also suffered some illness and slowly his thoughts turned more to things spiritual. A significant event at this time was when he gave all the money on him to a leper. He began devoting much attention to the poor and sick after this.
He cut himself off from his father and began wandering around, speaking to people about repentance and the love of God. Some significant people were influenced by his message. One of these was a wealthy merchant who sold all his possessions, gave them to the poor and joined him. Another was a canon who left the cathedral to join him.
Papal approval was received and the name Little Brothers (Friars Minor) was given to the order. The first Franciscan convent was formed, consisting of small huts with a hedge around them, built in grounds of the chapel of Porzuincola. This was a chapel Francis had helped to restore. Soon many more were attracted to the order and other communities began springing up all over.
The desire for a contemplative life was strong but so too was the desire to convert the infidels. This inspired missions outside of Italy. After some time away, he returned to find that in his absence, the order had made changes felt necessary to cope with the increased numbers and bring more organization. He was unhappy with these changes as he felt there had been a drift away from the simplicity and vows of poverty the order was known for.
It was while he was praying during a 40 day fast in the latter part of his life that he saw a seraph in a vision and afterwards found a wound in his side and nails in his hands and feet. A clear and simple account of this happening and the stigmata that appeared was written by one of the brothers with him at the time. This is just one account in the life of a remarkable man who continues to inspire readers today.
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