St. Francis of Assisi, O.F.M. (ca. 1181-1226)
Feast Day - October 4th
The young Francis lived fashionably as merchant and soldier until captivity, illness, and mystical experiences moved him to care more earnestly for the sick and poor. At prayer in church he heard a voice: ""Go, Francis, and repair my house, which as you see is falling into ruin." Understanding this literally, he sold some of his father's wares to donate toward repairs. His father beat him and brought him before the bishop's judgment, where Francis so fully renounced his father's goods that he returned the very clothes off his back. Redoubling his works of charity, Francis begged his way through the countryside exhorting others to penance, love, and peace. Followers soon gathered, whom Francis organized under a simple rule as Friars Minor, obtaining papal permission for them to preach. Francis was particularly devoted to Christ's humanity, and was the first to share our Lord's stigmata and construct a creche celebrating His birth. Francis taught his humble friars that their boast would be to glorify God "if, while serving Him faithfully, we ascribe to Him whatever He gives." Patron of Italy, animals, the environment.
DonorThe Friars of the Franciscan Conventual Order |
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