History & Biographies

St. Francis of Assisi: Founder of the Friars Minor and Patron Saint of Animals

Holy Man 
•Feast day: October 4
•1181-1226

St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181, is one of the most beloved and influential saints in the history of the Catholic Church. He was born in Assisi, Italy, to Pietro di Bernardone, a wealthy cloth merchant, and his wife, Pica. Known for his love of nature, profound humility, and dedication to living the Gospel, St. Francis revolutionized religious life and inspired generations through his simple yet profound commitment to Christ.

Youth and Conversion

As a young man, Francis lived a carefree life, enjoying the wealth and privileges his father’s business afforded him. He pursued worldly pleasures and military glory, even participating in a campaign against Perugia. During this period, Francis was captured and imprisoned for a year, an experience that sowed the seeds of reflection and led to a significant change in his perspective. Upon his release, Francis suffered a severe illness, which further intensified his inner struggle between the worldly and the divine.

At 25, during a pivotal moment of prayer in the Church of San Damiano, Francis had a mystical experience. As he knelt before the crucifix, he heard Jesus say: “Francis, go and repair my Church, which you see is falling into ruins.” Taking this command literally, Francis began to rebuild the small chapel using his family’s resources. However, when his father grew angry and demanded his money and property back, Francis renounced all worldly possessions. In front of the Bishop of Assisi, Francis took off his fine clothes and proclaimed: “I have called you father on earth; but now I say, ‘Our Father, who art in heaven.’” This marked the beginning of his radical embrace of poverty.

Life of Penance and Founding of the Order

Francis began living a life of extreme poverty, penance, and simplicity, dedicating himself to prayer and serving the poor. His genuine love for the marginalized and profound humility soon attracted followers. These men became the first members of what would be known as the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). Francis desired his followers to live simply, just as Jesus did, without accumulating wealth or possessions. They traveled barefoot, wearing simple tunics, preaching the message of God’s love, and offering assistance to those in need.

In 1210, Francis and his followers traveled to Rome to seek approval for their way of life. Pope Innocent III was initially hesitant but, following a vision of the Church being supported by a small figure resembling Francis, he granted approval for the new order. Thus, the Franciscan Order was officially founded, with a rule centered on evangelical poverty, humility, and love.

The Spirit of Poverty and Humility

St. Francis emphasized total dependence on God, encouraging his followers to give up all material possessions. Unlike other religious orders of the time, the Franciscans did not reside in monasteries but lived among the people, embodying the values of humility and love in their daily lives. Francis himself was ordained a deacon but never sought priesthood, choosing instead to remain humble and serve others.

One notable story from his life was his practice of combating temptation. To mortify his flesh, Francis would cast himself into thorny bushes during the summer or into snow during the winter, embodying his deep commitment to penance and self-discipline.

Mission to the Muslims and Interfaith Dialogue

In 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, Francis traveled to Egypt and North Africa, seeking to bring the message of Christ even to the Muslim world. Francis fearlessly approached Sultan Al-Malik al-Kamil, the ruler of Egypt, with the hope of ending hostilities and sharing the Christian faith. Though his mission did not lead to the Sultan’s conversion, it resulted in a deep respect between them, and Francis was allowed to preach freely. This interaction is often cited as an example of early interfaith dialogue, demonstrating Francis’s respect for all people, regardless of their faith.

The First Christmas Crib and Love for Creation

In 1223, St. Francis began the beautiful tradition of the Nativity scene (Christmas crib) at Greccio, Italy. He wanted people to experience the humble beginnings of Jesus in a vivid way. He set up a manger, brought in animals, and gathered the townspeople for a Mass. This moving representation brought the Christmas story to life and has since become a cherished tradition worldwide.

Francis’s love for all of God’s creation was profound. He believed that nature itself was a mirror of God’s goodness. His “Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon”, one of the earliest works of literature in the Italian language, reflects his deep appreciation for the natural world. In this canticle, Francis speaks of the elements—sun, moon, wind, water, fire, and earth—as his brothers and sisters, expressing a theology of creation that emphasizes the unity of all creatures under God.

Receiving the Stigmata

In 1224, while on retreat at Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ’s crucifixion, on his hands, feet, and side. This mystical experience, making him the first recorded person in Christian history to bear the stigmata, was both a sign of his intimate union with Christ and a source of physical suffering that he bore until his death.

Final Years and Legacy

St. Francis spent his final years in increasing pain and blindness but remained joyful, often referring to death as “Sister Death.” On October 3, 1226, at the age of 44, Francis passed away in the Portiuncula, a small chapel he had restored and held dear. His final words to his friars were: “I have done my part; may Christ teach you to do yours.” Francis was canonized just two years later, in 1228, by Pope Gregory IX, who also laid the cornerstone for the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, where Francis is buried.

Impact and Canonization

St. Francis’s influence on the Church and the world is immeasurable. His dedication to poverty, humility, and the beauty of God’s creation has left a lasting legacy. The Franciscan Order grew rapidly, spreading throughout Europe and beyond, inspiring the faithful to embrace the simplicity of the Gospel. In 1979, Pope John Paul II declared St. Francis the patron saint of ecology, recognizing his deep love and respect for all of God’s creation.

Today, Francis’s example continues to inspire people of all faiths. His message of peace, poverty, care for the poor, and reverence for creation remains incredibly relevant. The current Pope, Pope Francis, took his name in honor of St. Francis, emphasizing his desire to lead the Church with humility, a focus on the poor, and a deep concern for the environment.

St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Order of Friars Minor, lived a life marked by simplicity, humility, and a profound love for all of God’s creation. His legacy of peace, compassion, and devotion to the Gospel continues to inspire millions of people around the world. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the power of living simply, loving deeply, and seeing all of creation as a reflection of the Creator’s love.