Biographies written about the life of individuals give insight into their struggles and accomplishments. A Saint Francis of Assisi biography offers this insight into the life of a saint. We know more about this saint than many of the others thanks to letters, poems and liturgical writings as well as what his followers wrote about him.
This was a man who lived a simple life, embracing poverty and caring for the poor and the ill. He was also known for his love of nature and animals of all kinds. The young man, however, bore little resemblance to the one that would later influence so many others by his spiritual example.
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.
This saint had a strong desire to reach the infidels and even shed his blood for Christ if needs be. His desire for a life of contemplation was set aside in his attempts to evangelize them. The simple lifestyle practiced by the order at the outset became less easy as the numbers grew. On his return from his journeys, Francis realized that changes had taken place. He feared that the brothers were moving away from the simple principles of poverty, chastity and obedience and spent the rest of his life trying to bring them back to this.
It was in his latter life that this saint was fasting and praying on the mountain and had a spiritual encounter. He saw a vision of a seraph and after this one of the brothers with him at the time described a wound that appeared in his right side and black nails of flesh in his feet and hands with the points bent backwards. This incident is just one in the life of a saint who not only inspired his contemporaries but whose life will still hold meaning for readers no matter what time they are living in.
This was a man who lived a simple life, embracing poverty and caring for the poor and the ill. He was also known for his love of nature and animals of all kinds. The young man, however, bore little resemblance to the one that would later influence so many others by his spiritual example.
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.
This saint had a strong desire to reach the infidels and even shed his blood for Christ if needs be. His desire for a life of contemplation was set aside in his attempts to evangelize them. The simple lifestyle practiced by the order at the outset became less easy as the numbers grew. On his return from his journeys, Francis realized that changes had taken place. He feared that the brothers were moving away from the simple principles of poverty, chastity and obedience and spent the rest of his life trying to bring them back to this.
It was in his latter life that this saint was fasting and praying on the mountain and had a spiritual encounter. He saw a vision of a seraph and after this one of the brothers with him at the time described a wound that appeared in his right side and black nails of flesh in his feet and hands with the points bent backwards. This incident is just one in the life of a saint who not only inspired his contemporaries but whose life will still hold meaning for readers no matter what time they are living in.
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