St. Francis of Assisi
1181-1226
📅 Feast Day: Oct 4
📖 Life Timeline
1181/82
Born in Assisi
1205
Conversion; serves lepers
1210
Pope approves Rule of Poverty
1224
Receives stigmata
1226
Dies at Porciuncula
✝ Biography
Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone on Sept 27, 1181-1182 in Assisi, Umbria, son of a wealthy merchant. Called 'Francesco' for his love of France. In his youth he was a carefree soldier who dreamed of glory. Captured at the battle of Collestrada in 1202, imprisoned for a year. After a profound conversion experience—first hearing Christ's voice from a crucifix at San Damiano saying 'Repair my church'—he renounced his father's wealth publicly in 1209, stripping naked before the bishop. Lived in absolute poverty, preaching repentance and repairing churches. Founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) in 1209 with 12 companions. Pope Innocent III orally approved the rule in 1209-1210. Founded the Poor Clares for women (1212) with St Clare. Received the stigmata on Mt La Verna in 1224, the first recorded instance in Christian history. Delivered a sermon to the birds of San Damiano. Died Oct 3, 1226. Canonized in 1228 by Pope Gregory IX. Patron of ecology, merchants, and Italy.
🛡 Patronage
Patron of: Ecology, animals, merchants, Italy, the poor, and the environment.
💬 Words of the Saint
Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.
📜 Key Facts
Born
1182, Assisi, Italy
Died
October 3, 1226, Assisi
Feast Day
Oct 4
Canonized
1228 by Pope Gregory IX
🕊 Legacy
The Franciscan movement transformed Christian history. His love of creation inspired modern environmental theology. Pope Francis chose his name in honor of this saint.
📜 Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words — their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
📖 Canticle of the Sun
Canticle of Brother Sun
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, yours are the praises, the glory and the honour and every blessing. Blessed are you, Lord. All your creatures praise you and glorify you and give you thanks and serve you in humility. Blessed be my Lord through Brother Wind and through the Air, cloudy and serene, every weather, through which you give sustenance to your creatures.
— St. Francis of Assisi
📖 Canticle of the Sun
Sister Death and Final Praise
Blessed be my Lord through Sister Bodily Death, to whom no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are those she finds in your most holy will, for the second death shall do them no harm. Praise and bless and serve the Lord with great humility.
— St. Francis of Assisi
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