Biography
Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, known as Francis of Assisi, was born to a wealthy cloth merchant in Umbria, Italy. As a young man, he pursued a life of pleasure and dreamed of military glory. After being taken prisoner during a war between Assisi and Perugia, and suffering a serious illness, Francis underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He heard Christ speaking to him from the crucifix at the chapel of San Damiano: 'Francis, go and repair my house, which you see is falling into ruin.' Renouncing his inheritance and wealth dramatically in the public square before the bishop, Francis embraced radical poverty and began caring for lepers. He attracted followers who formed the first Friars Minor — a community committed to gospel poverty, fraternity, and preaching. Francis received the stigmata — the wounds of Christ — in September 1224, the first recorded stigmatist in history. He composed the 'Canticle of the Sun,' one of the earliest works of Italian literature, praising God through creation. He died singing Psalm 141 as requested.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦Receiving the stigmata on Mount La Verna in 1224
- ✦Taming the wolf of Gubbio
- ✦Preaching to the birds who listened without moving
- ✦Multiplying bread and fish for his friars
Wisdom & Quotes
“Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”
“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.”
“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”
“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”