Early Life
Francis of Assisi was born in 1181 to a fat cloth trafficker in the Italian city of Assisi. In his youth, Francis lived a lavish life, spending his time and plutocrat on fine clothes, nags, and parties.
Still, a series of events would change the course of his life. While serving in the service, Francis was captured and spent a time as a internee of war. After his release, he came seriously ill and had a vision in which he heard a voice telling him to “rebuild my church.” This experience marked a turning point in Francis’ life, and he began to part himself from his former materialistic life.
The Founding of the Franciscan Order
In 1205, Francis formally renounced his wealth and devoted himself to a life of poverty and service to God. He began to sermonize the philosophy and gained a following of like- inclined individualities who sought to live a simple, humble life in service to others.
Francis and his followers were known as “ Lesser Sisters ” and latterly as “ Friars Minor. ” In 1209, Pope Innocent III officially approved the Franciscan Order, which came one of the largest and most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church.
Teaching and Ministry
Francis was known for his love and respect for all of creation, and his training emphasized the significance of living in harmony with nature and all of God’s creation. He believed that all brutes, including creatures, were meritorious of respect and care.
Francis also placed a strong emphasis on modesty, poverty, and service to others. He believed that by following these principles, Christians could more completely embody the training of Jesus and live a life that was pleasing to God.
Heritage
Francis failed in 1226 at the age of 44, but his training and heritage continued to inspire individualities and religious orders for centuries to come. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, and is flashed back as the patron saint of creatures and the terrain.
The Franciscan Order continues to be a thriving religious order, and the training of St. Francis continue to inspire individualities and communities around the world to live a life of simplicity, modesty, and service to others.
Application for Today
The life and training ofSt. Francis offer a important model for Christians moment. By embracing modesty, simplicity, and a life of service, we can draw near to God and live a life that’s further aligned with his will and purposes.
We can also follow the illustration of St. Francis by treating all of God’s creation with respect and care, feting that all living effects are meritorious of our love and attention. By doing so, we can live a life that’s further in line with God’s heart and bring glory to his name.
