SAINT OF THE DAY · OCTOBER 4

Who was Saint Francis of Assisi?

Saintly Editorial 2 min read
In short

Saint Francis of Assisi: A poor man who followed Christ with joy. Lived about 1181 or 1182 to 1226. Born in Assisi, Umbria. Founder of the Friars Minor. Patron of Italy and ecology. Known for the Canticle of Creatures. Saintly remembers this saint on October 4.

  • Lived about 1181 or 1182 to 1226
  • Born in Assisi, Umbria
  • Founder of the Friars Minor
  • Patron of Italy and ecology
  • Known for the Canticle of Creatures

Who was Saint Francis of Assisi?

Francis was born in Assisi, a hill town in central Italy. His father, Peter, was a wealthy cloth merchant. His mother was called Pica. His father traded with France, and Francis grew up among fine fabrics and lively company. His early life looked set for comfort. Then war came.

When fighting broke out between Assisi and Perugia, Francis went to war and was captured. He spent about a year as a prisoner. After his release, a dangerous illness kept him in bed. The young man who had dreamed of glory now had time to question what he wanted.

After recovering, Francis set out in costly clothes to join a military campaign. On the road, he met a poor knight with threadbare clothing. Francis gave him his own fine outfit. That night, he dreamed of a palace filled with weapons marked with crosses. The dream seemed to promise a new kind of service.

In a little church called San Damiano, Francis prayed before a painted crucifix. Later accounts say he heard Christ call him to repair the church. He began by gathering stones and fixing the building. His father was furious. Before the bishop, Francis returned his father's money and clothes, choosing poverty.

Francis heard the Gospel read aloud about disciples traveling without money or spare clothes. He said these words were what he wanted to do. He began preaching repentance and gathering companions who shared his simple life. Their community became the Friars Minor, a brotherhood devoted to following Christ. Soon, more people joined them.

Francis and his brothers served people with leprosy, who were often shunned and feared. Francis insisted that they be treated as fellow Christians. He also spoke of animals as brothers and sisters. People remembered him preaching while birds gathered nearby. His love for creation flowed from his wonder at its Creator.

Near the end of his life, Francis withdrew to La Verna, a mountain hermitage. In 1224, he received the stigmata, wounds resembling those of Christ, after a vision of the Crucified Lord. His health grew weak. In 1226, he died at the Portiuncula, lying on bare earth. Two years later, the Church declared him a saint.

What can we learn from Saint Francis of Assisi today?

  • Repair one small thing at home, remembering Francis rebuilding San Damiano stone by stone.
  • Speak respectfully to someone others avoid, as Francis served people with leprosy.
  • Notice one creature today and thank God for its place in creation.

Francis shows how the Gospel can reshape an ordinary life. He left wealth to follow Christ, served people pushed aside, and praised God through creation. His joy did not depend on having more. It grew from belonging to Christ and receiving every person and creature as a gift.

When is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi?

Saintly remembers Saint Francis of Assisi on October 4, when the story above is the saint of the day in the app. Read how the Church declares someone a saint, or how to choose a patron saint.

Sources

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