LIFE OF SAINT FRANCIS
Saint Francis of Assisi, baptized Giovanni, renamed Francesco di Pietro di Bernardone by his father, born 1182 in Assisi, duchy of Spoleto (Italy) , his father Pietro Bernadone, was a very rich businessman. Pietro’s hope was that his son would follow in his footsteps as a cloth merchant,but it was Francis’ ambition to be a noble and a Knight; he wasn’t concerned about holiness. He decided that battle was a good place to win prestige and honour, and his time came when Assisi declared war on the nearby town of Perugia. Francis was captured, imprisoned and ransomed after a year. After a call for knights was made for the fourth Crusade he volunteered his services, but on his way from home he had a dream which turned him around.
On his return to Assisi he began to spend more time in prayer. One day when he met a leper, Francis was repulsed by the Leper’s appearance and smell, Francis kissed his hand and he was filled with joy. He visited San Damiano where he heard Christ on the Crucifix saying to him “Francis repair my church” and so he started rebuilding the church. He started selling his father cloth to repair the church.
Francis Spirituality has 5 pillars that hold Franciscan Missionary Charism these include; Penance, Fraternity, Prayer, commitment to evangelical counsel and mission. Through observing these values and pillars, all Franciscans will be able to bear witness to the love of God by following the gospel way of life.
People started joining him in his way of life although he never wanted it. This was what led to the foundation of Religious Order that now has brothers and sisters, living together in community, working in service of the poor all over the world.
After many years with many different struggles, Francis began to go blind, had stigmata. He died on 3 October, 1226, feast day October 4, aged 45 and canonized July 16, 1228