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 in Italy with a rich merchant for a father, showing little interest in the business or in learning. He enjoyed the money he was given to spend on entertainment and fine clothes. He was known for his quick wit as well as his courteous behavior.
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.
Taking to the highways, he lived a life of poverty, and spread his message to all he came across. His passion drew attention and he soon had a band of followers. Some were rich individuals who believed in his message fervently enough to give up all they owned.
Francis and his followers eventually gained papal approval and he gave his order the name Friars Minor or Little Brothers, signifying their humble status. They did not believe in owning property but when given the chapel at Porzuincola, they accepted use of the grounds and built huts there. Soon communities began to spring up all over and the Franciscan order spread far and wide.
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 in Italy with a rich merchant for a father, showing little interest in the business or in learning. He enjoyed the money he was given to spend on entertainment and fine clothes. He was known for his quick wit as well as his courteous behavior.
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.
Taking to the highways, he lived a life of poverty, and spread his message to all he came across. His passion drew attention and he soon had a band of followers. Some were rich individuals who believed in his message fervently enough to give up all they owned.
Francis and his followers eventually gained papal approval and he gave his order the name Friars Minor or Little Brothers, signifying their humble status. They did not believe in owning property but when given the chapel at Porzuincola, they accepted use of the grounds and built huts there. Soon communities began to spring up all over and the Franciscan order spread far and wide.
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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