Saint Francis of Assisi is revered for his radical commitment to poverty, profound love for all creation, and founding of the Franciscan Order, which profoundly impacted the Church through its call to Gospel simplicity and service.
Born in Assisi, Italy, Saint Francis (c. 1181/1182 – 1226) underwent a profound conversion, renouncing his wealthy merchant family's lifestyle to embrace a life of absolute poverty and service to the poor and lepers, inspired by the Gospels. He founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), followed by the Poor Clares for women and the Third Order for laypeople, advocating for evangelical poverty, humility, and peace, and is famously known for his deep reverence for nature, often depicted preaching to animals, and for receiving the stigmata. His enduring legacy lies in inspiring countless individuals to live a more Christ-centered life, fostering care for creation, and renewing the Church through his joyful and radical imitation of Christ.
Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone around 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, Pietro di Bernardone, and his noble French wife, Pica de Bourlemont. His father, upon returning from France, affectionately nicknamed him Francesco, meaning "Frenchman." Francis enjoyed a privileged youth, indulging in lavish feasts, fashionable clothes, and the romantic ideals of chivalry and knighthood, often leading his companions in revelry. His early aspirations were worldly: to achieve glory as a knight, a dream that was abruptly halted by a year-long imprisonment during a conflict between Assisi and Perugia in 1202, followed by a severe illness. These experiences, coupled with a growing spiritual unease, began to turn his heart away from his former life, though he initially struggled to discern God's will amidst his discomfort with worldly pleasures and a burgeoning desire for something more profound.
His true conversion began to crystallize around 1205. While praying before a dilapidated crucifix in the abandoned church of San Damiano, Francis heard a voice, which he believed to be Christ's, saying, "Francis, go and rebuild my church, which you see is falling into ruin." Initially, Francis interpreted this command literally, selling some of his father's valuable cloth to acquire stones and repair the physical structure of San Damiano. This act, however, enraged his father, leading to a dramatic public confrontation before the Bishop of Assisi. In a pivotal moment of renunciation, Francis stripped off his fine clothes, returning them to his father, and declared that from that moment on, he would acknowledge only God as his Father. This profound act symbolized his complete detachment from worldly possessions and his radical commitment to a life of evangelical poverty, inspiring many and marking the definitive start of his spiritual journey.
Embracing a life of austerity, Francis dedicated himself to caring for the poor and, most significantly, for lepers, individuals who were outcasts of society and whom he had previously found repulsive. This act of mercy, overcoming his natural aversion, was a profound turning point, transforming bitterness into spiritual sweetness. He lived as a hermit, begging for food and assisting in the restoration of neglected chapels, including the tiny Porziuncola, which would later become the heart of his nascent community. It was at the Porziuncola, in 1208 or 1209, during Mass, that he heard the Gospel passage from Matthew 10:7-10, where Jesus instructs his disciples to go forth without money, staff, or extra tunic, preaching the Kingdom of God. Francis immediately recognized this as his personal call and the blueprint for his life and the lives of those who would join him.
Soon, Francis attracted his first followers, notably Bernard of Quintavalle, a wealthy jurist, and Peter Catani, a canon, who likewise renounced their possessions to follow Christ in poverty. As their numbers grew to twelve, Francis penned a simple rule of life, based entirely on the Gospels, emphasizing poverty, humility, and fraternal love. In 1209 or 1210, he traveled to Rome with his eleven companions to seek papal approval from Pope Innocent III. Initially hesitant due to the radical nature of Francis's demands for absolute poverty, Pope Innocent III reportedly had a dream in which he saw Francis physically supporting the crumbling Lateran Basilica. Recognizing the divine hand at work, he granted oral approval to Francis's Rule, thus formally establishing the Order of Friars Minor (Lesser Brothers), a pivotal moment for the burgeoning Franciscan movement.
The Franciscan movement rapidly expanded. In 1212, Francis extended his vision to women, helping Saint Clare of Assisi establish the Order of Poor Ladies (later known as the Poor Clares), who lived a contemplative life of strict enclosure and poverty, mirroring the friars' commitment. Around 1221, he also established the Third Order of Penance (now known as the Secular Franciscan Order) for laypeople, allowing married men and women and those unable to join the friars or Poor Clares to live a Franciscan spirituality in the world, embodying Gospel values in their daily lives. Francis himself was a passionate missionary, attempting to travel to the Holy Land and Morocco to preach the Gospel, and famously met with Sultan al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade in 1219, demonstrating a profound commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue, even in times of conflict. His later years were marked by administrative challenges within the rapidly growing Order and increasing personal suffering.
In 1224, while on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata, the visible wounds of Christ's Passion on his hands, feet, and side, a profound mystical experience that left him physically marked as an *alter Christus* (another Christ). His health continued to decline, suffering from various ailments and near-blindness. Despite his physical suffering, his spirit remained joyful and deeply connected to God and creation, as evidenced by his composition of the "Canticle of the Creatures" (or "Canticle of the Sun"), a beautiful hymn praising God through all elements of creation. Saint Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226, at the Porziuncola, asking to be laid naked on the bare ground, truly embracing poverty even in death. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX just two years later, in 1228. His legacy as a radical follower of Christ, a lover of creation, a peacemaker, and a champion of the poor continues to profoundly influence the Catholic Church and beyond, inspiring millions to live lives of simplicity, charity, and joyful discipleship.
In the wild hills surrounding the ancient town of Gubbio, a terrifying shadow had fallen upon the people. A ferocious wolf, monstrous in its size and ferocity, stalked the countryside, preying not only on livestock but, more tragically, on human beings. Fear gripped every heart; no one dared venture outside the town walls unarmed, and even within, whispers of the beast's latest depredations chilled the blood. The people of Gubbio were desperate, their lives held hostage by this savage creature.
It was then that Saint Francis, hearing of their plight, decided to journey to Gubbio, his heart filled with compassion for the suffering townsfolk. Despite the fervent warnings of the frightened inhabitants, who implored him not to risk his life against such a monster, Francis, with his characteristic trust in divine providence, calmly walked out of the town, making his way towards the wolf's suspected lair. He was armed with nothing but his profound faith and an unshakeable love for all God's creatures.
As he approached the place where the wolf was often seen, the dreaded beast, jaws agape and teeth bared, suddenly lunged towards him. The townsfolk who had cautiously followed from a distance cried out in terror, convinced that Francis was doomed. But Francis, undaunted, made the sign of the cross and, with a voice full of authority and tenderness, called out, "Come here, Brother Wolf! I command you, in the name of Christ, do no harm to me or to anyone!"
And then, a miracle unfolded before their very eyes. The great wolf, which had been charging with murderous intent, suddenly halted. It closed its fearsome jaws, lowered its head, and, whimpering like a docile lamb, lay down at Francis's feet. The saint extended his hand and stroked its head, as if it were a pet. "Brother Wolf," Francis began, his voice gentle yet firm, "you have done great evil in this land, bringing terror and death. You have done so much harm that the people fear you and hold you in abhorrence. But I wish to make peace between you and them."
Francis then proposed a pact: if the wolf would cease its depredations and live peacefully, the people of Gubbio would pledge to feed it regularly, ensuring it would never again suffer from hunger. The wolf, by its gestures and the wagging of its tail, seemed to understand and assent. Francis asked the wolf to give him a pledge of its good faith, and the wolf, lifting its right paw, placed it gently in Francis's outstretched hand, as if sealing a sacred covenant. The townsfolk, witnessing this extraordinary scene, were overcome with awe and wonder, their fear replaced by profound relief and joy.
From that day forward, the Wolf of Gubbio lived among the people, a beloved and gentle creature. It wandered through the streets, entering houses, and was fed by the hands of those who had once trembled at its name. It never again harmed a soul, living out its days in peace and friendship with the human inhabitants, a living testament to Saint Francis's power of love, his reverence for all creation, and his ability to transform even the most savage heart through Christ's grace. When, after two years, the wolf died of old age, the people mourned it deeply, remembering the saint who had brought peace to their town and to the heart of a wild beast.
November 29, 1223
THE RULE OF THE FRIARS MINOR
HONORIUS, Bishop, Servant of the servants of God, to our beloved sons, Friar Francis and the other Friars Minor, greetings and apostolic benediction.
The Apostolic See is accustomed to grant pious wishes and to favor the laudable desires of those who serve God. Wherefore, beloved sons in the Lord, inclining to your pious prayers, we confirm for you by Apostolic authority and we enclose in the present document your Rule, approved by our predecessor Pope Innocent of happy memory, which is as follows:
CHAPTER I: OF THE LIFE OF THE FRIARS MINOR
The Rule and life of the Friars Minor is this: to observe the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience, without property, and in chastity. Friar Francis promises obedience and reverence to the Lord Pope Honorius and his canonically elected successors, and to the Roman Church. And the other friars are bound to obey Friar Francis and his successors.
CHAPTER II: OF THOSE WHO WISH TO ADOPT THIS LIFE, AND HOW THEY ARE TO BE RECEIVED
If any wish to adopt this life and come to our friars, they should send them to their provincial ministers, to whom alone, and not to others, permission is granted to receive friars. The ministers should carefully examine them in the Catholic faith and the Sacraments of the Church. And if they believe all these things and wish to confess them faithfully and observe them to the end; and if they have no wives, or if they have wives and these have already entered a monastery, or if they have given them permission to do so, with the authority of the diocesan bishop, and they themselves have already made a vow of chastity, and their wives are of such an age that no suspicion can arise concerning them; let them speak to them the words of the holy Gospel, that they should go and sell all their possessions and strive to give them to the poor. And if they cannot do this, their good will is sufficient. And the friars and their ministers should be careful not to be solicitous about their temporal goods, so that they may do with them whatever the Lord inspires them to do. Nevertheless, if they ask for counsel, the ministers may send them to some God-fearing men, by whose counsel their goods may be distributed to the poor. Afterwards, let them grant them the clothes of probation, namely two tunics without a hood, a cord, and breeches, and a caperon reaching to the cord, unless it should seem otherwise to the minister. When the year of probation is completed, they shall be received to obedience, promising always to observe this life and Rule. And in no way shall it be lawful for them to leave this religion according to the Rule of the Pope; for, according to the holy Gospel, no one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God. And those who have promised obedience, let them have one tunic with a hood, and another without a hood, if they wish, and a cord and breeches. And all the friars should wear poor clothes, and they can patch them with sackcloth and other pieces with the blessing of God. I admonish and exhort them not to despise or judge men whom they see clad in soft and colored garments, and using delicate foods and drinks, but rather let each one judge and despise himself.
CHAPTER III: OF THE OFFICE OF THE DIVINE SERVICE, OF THE FAST, AND HOW THE FRIARS SHOULD GO THROUGH THE WORLD
The clerics should perform the Divine Office according to the order of the Holy Roman Church, except for the Psalter, of which they may have breviaries. The laymen should say twenty-four Our Fathers for Matins, five for Lauds, seven for Prime, Terce, Sext, and None, for Vespers twelve, for Compline seven. And they should pray for the dead. And they should fast from the feast of All Saints until the Nativity of the Lord; and from the Epiphany, when Christ began to fast, until Easter. At other times, they are not bound to fast according to this Rule, except on Fridays. And in time of manifest necessity, the friars are not bound to corporal fast. I counsel, however, and admonish my friars in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they be careful not to be disturbed by anything in the world, and not to contend about anything, nor to judge others, but that they be meek, peaceable, modest, gentle, and humble, speaking honorably to all, as is fitting. And they should not ride on horseback, unless compelled by manifest necessity or infirmity. Into whatever house they enter, first say: Peace to this house. And according to the holy Gospel, they may eat of all foods that are set before them.
CHAPTER IV: THAT THE FRIARS SHOULD NOT RECEIVE MONEY
I strictly command all the friars that in no way shall they receive money or coin, either directly or through an intermediary. Nevertheless, for the needs of the sick and for clothing the other friars, the ministers alone and the guardians may, through spiritual friends, according to the place and season and cold climate, provide for their necessities, always with this understanding, that, as has been said, they shall not receive money or coin.
CHAPTER V: OF THE MANNER OF WORKING
Those friars to whom the Lord has given the grace to work, let them work faithfully and devoutly, so that, avoiding idleness, the enemy of the soul, they may not extinguish the spirit of holy prayer and devotion, to which other temporal things must be subservient. And as the price of their labor, they may receive for themselves and their friars the things necessary for the body, except money or coin. And if it should be necessary, let them go for alms like other friars. And they should have their tools and instruments necessary for their work. And all the friars, both clerics and laymen, should wear poor clothes, and they can patch them with sackcloth and other pieces with the blessing of God. I admonish and exhort them not to despise or judge men whom they see clad in soft and colored garments, and using delicate foods and drinks, but rather let each one judge and despise himself.
CHAPTER VI: THAT THE FRIARS SHOULD HAVE NOTHING OF THEIR OWN, AND OF BEGGING ALMS, AND OF THE POOR FRIARS
Let the friars appropriate nothing to themselves, neither house, nor place, nor anything; but as pilgrims and strangers in this world, serving the Lord in poverty and humility, let them confidently go for alms. Nor should they be ashamed, for the Lord made Himself poor for us in this world. This is the excellence of the highest poverty, which has made you, my most beloved friars, heirs and kings of the Kingdom of Heaven, poor in things, but exalted in virtues. Let this be your portion, which leads to the land of the living. And adhering wholly to it, my most beloved friars, for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, never wish to have anything else under heaven.
And wherever the friars are and can be, let them strive to serve and work faithfully and devoutly. And if they do not receive the price of their labor, let them go to the table of the Lord, begging alms from door to door. And I strictly command all the friars that they shall not be solicitous about clothing, or food, or drink, or other necessities for their bodies, for the Lord provides for all these things, as He has done and will do. And let them love one another, as the Lord says: That you love one another as I have loved you. And let them show forth by their works their love for one another. And let them be free to manifest their needs one to another. And let each one love and nourish his brother, as a mother loves and nourishes her own son, in those things in which he is in need. And let the one who is sick be served by the others, as they would wish to be served themselves.
CHAPTER VII: OF THE MINISTERS AND GUARDIANS, AND OF THE CHAPTER OF PENTECOST
Let all the friars be bound to have one of the friars as Minister General and servant of the whole brotherhood, and let them be strictly bound to obey him. And when he dies, the election of his successor shall be made by the provincial ministers and guardians in the Chapter of Pentecost, in which the provincial ministers are always bound to assemble, and all the guardians, if it seems good to the Minister General, and the other friars, if it is necessary. And let them not be bound to eat meat in the said Chapter, but let them eat whatever is set before them. And when the Chapter of Pentecost is celebrated, the Minister General and the other provincial ministers may not be absent from it without a manifest cause and without the permission of the Minister General. And if any of the provincial ministers should die, the friars of his province should elect another minister, and send him to the Minister General of the whole brotherhood. And the Minister General should send him to the Pope, that he may receive his blessing.
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE ELECTION OF THE PROVINCIAL MINISTERS, AND OF THE OTHER FRIARS
Let all the friars be bound to obey the provincial ministers in all those things which pertain to the salvation of their soul and the observance of the Rule. And if any of the friars, contrary to our Rule, should fall into sin, the provincial minister of that place, or the guardian, should correct him, and bring him back to the way of truth. And if he should not be able to correct him, let him send him to the Minister General of the whole brotherhood. And the Minister General should correct him, and bring him back to the way of truth. And if he should not be able to correct him, let him do with him whatever he can, according to God, for the salvation of his soul. And let all the friars be bound to have one of the friars as Minister General and servant of the whole brotherhood, and let them be strictly bound to obey him.
CHAPTER IX: OF PREACHERS
Let the friars not preach in the diocese of any bishop if they have been forbidden by him. And let no friar dare to preach to the people unless he has been examined and approved by the Minister General of the whole brotherhood, and permission granted to him to preach. I admonish and exhort these friars that in their preaching they should be careful not to use words of wisdom and human eloquence, but let them speak the words of Christ simply and devoutly, so that they may edify the people. And let them preach to them about virtues and vices, punishment and glory, and let them be brief, for the Lord made His words brief upon the earth.
CHAPTER X: OF THE ADMONITION AND CORRECTION OF THE FRIARS
Let the friars who are ministers and servants of the other friars visit and admonish their friars, and humbly and charitably correct them, not commanding them anything that is against their soul or our Rule. And if any of the friars are not able to observe the Rule spiritually, let them have recourse to their ministers, and the ministers should receive them charitably and kindly, and be so familiar with them that they may speak to them as masters to their servants. For the ministers should be servants of all the friars. I admonish and exhort the friars in the Lord Jesus Christ that they beware of all pride, vainglory, envy, avarice, care and solicitude for the world, detraction and murmuring. And let them not judge or condemn others, but let them be humble, peaceable, gentle, mild, and modest, and speak honorably to all, as is fitting.
CHAPTER XI: OF NOT ENTERING MONASTERIES OF NUNS
I strictly command all the friars that they shall not have suspect dealings or converse with women, and that they shall not enter monasteries of nuns, except those to whom special permission has been granted by the Apostolic See. And let them not be godfathers of men or women, so that no scandal may arise concerning them or the friars.
CHAPTER XII: OF THOSE WHO GO AMONG THE SARACENS AND OTHER INFIDELS
Any of the friars who, by divine inspiration, wish to go among the Saracens and other infidels, let them ask permission from their provincial ministers. But the ministers shall grant permission to go to no one except those whom they find fit to be sent. And I enjoin upon the ministers by obedience that they ask the Lord Pope for one of the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church to be the governor, protector, and corrector of this brotherhood, so that, always subject and submissive at the feet of the same Holy Church, firm in the Catholic faith, we may observe poverty and humility and the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we have firmly promised.
Given at the Lateran, on the 29th day of November, in the 8th year of our Pontificate.
c. 1228-1229
THE FIRST LIFE OF SAINT FRANCIS
PROLOGUE
I. CONCERNING HIS FORMER LIFE AND CONVERSION
There was a man in the city of Assisi, Francis by name, who from his earliest years was brought up in vanity amidst the vain sons of men, and spent his youthful years in wretchedness among the wretched, so that up to his twenty-fifth year or thereabouts, he wasted and squandered his time. Yea, and he even outdid others in the follies of vanity, and strove to go beyond them in all kinds of buffoonery; for he was a great mocker of those who were more simple, and a lover of those who were more foolish. But the divine mercy, which was always with him, held him back from falling into the abyss of desperation, and brought him back from the broad way of perdition, and led him to the narrow path of salvation. For when he was in the midst of his follies, and was striving to outdo all others in the vanities of the world, he was smitten by the hand of the Lord, and his body was afflicted with a long and severe illness, which brought him to the point of death. And when he had recovered his bodily strength, though not yet his spiritual strength, he went forth from his house, and began to go about the city, and to look upon the things of the world with other eyes. But the beauty of the fields, and the pleasantness of the vineyards, and whatever was fair to look upon, could not delight him, for he was still bound by the chains of his former life. And he turned back to his house, and began to think within himself what he should do.
II. HOW HE ABANDONED THE WORLD AND FOLLOWED CHRIST
And when he had returned to his house, and was thinking within himself what he should do, the Lord opened his heart, and he began to despise all the things of the world. And he went to a certain church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was called the Porziuncola, and there he began to pray devoutly to the Lord, that He would show him what he should do. And as he was praying, he heard a voice from the crucifix, saying to him: "Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin." And Francis, hearing this, was greatly astonished, and began to tremble. And he thought that the voice was speaking of the material church, which was then falling into ruin. And he went and bought some cloth, and sold it, and brought the money to the priest of the church, that he might repair the church. But the priest refused to receive the money, for he feared the anger of the boy's father. And Francis, being sad because the priest would not receive the money, threw it out of the window. And his father, hearing of this, came to the church, and found his son, and took him away, and shut him up in his house, and bound him with chains. But Francis, trusting in the Lord, broke the chains, and went forth from his house, and went to the Bishop of Assisi, and told him all that he had done.
III. HOW HE REPAIRED THE CHURCH OF ST. DAMIANO AND HOW HE ACCEPTED THE EVANGELICAL LIFE
And when Francis had come to the Bishop, he told him all that he had done, and how he had heard the voice from the crucifix, saying to him: "Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin." And the Bishop, seeing his simplicity and devotion, rejoiced greatly, and received him kindly. And Francis, being desirous of fulfilling the command of the Lord, began to repair the church of St. Damiano, which was then falling into ruin. And he went about the city, begging stones, and brought them to the church, and with his own hands he built up the walls. And when he had repaired the church of St. Damiano, he went to another church, which was called St. Peter, and repaired it in like manner. And then he went to another church, which was called the Porziuncola, and repaired it also. And as he was repairing the church of the Porziuncola, he heard the Gospel read, in which the Lord says: "Do not possess gold, nor silver, nor money in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats, nor sandals, nor staff; for the workman is worthy of his meat." And Francis, hearing this, was greatly astonished, and began to understand the will of the Lord. And he threw away his staff, and his scrip, and his shoes, and his two coats, and put on a poor tunic, and girded himself with a cord, and began to preach the Gospel, saying: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." And many began to follow him, and to imitate his life, and to observe the holy Gospel. And thus began the Order of Friars Minor.
The Blessing of Animals is widely celebrated in parishes and churches, where people bring their pets and other animals to be blessed by a priest. This often takes place on or around October 4th.
Saint Francis is the patron saint of animals and ecology, known for his deep love and respect for all of God's creation, including animals, which he often referred to as 'brothers' and 'sisters'.
Many churches, particularly Franciscan ones, hold a 'Transitus' service on the evening of October 3rd, commemorating the passing of Saint Francis from this life to eternal life. This service often includes readings from his final moments, the Canticle of the Creatures, and the lighting of candles.
The Transitus is a traditional Franciscan commemoration of the death of Saint Francis, held on the eve of his feast day, recounting his final hours and his joyful embrace of 'Sister Death'.
In Assisi, Italy, the city where Saint Francis lived and died, grand celebrations take place, including a solemn Mass in the Basilica of Saint Francis and a procession with the 'Lamp of Peace' (Fiaccola della Pace), which is lit by oil offered by different Italian regions each year.
Assisi is the birthplace and final resting place of Saint Francis, and these celebrations honor his life and his message of peace, which is symbolized by the Lamp of Peace.