Biographies are enjoyed by readers for the insight they offer about inspiring individuals. A Saint Francis of Assisi biography does just this, revealing much about his struggles and triumphs. Fortunately, authentic documents exist, providing material from which to draw these insights. His followers wrote about him and his own liturgical writings reveal much too.
A clear picture emerges from authentic documents of a man who managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of many of his contemporaries. His simplicity, love of nature and animals and his great compassion for the poor were evident in his life. However, he did not start off with such admirable qualities.
He grew up in Umbria in Italy with a rich merchant for a father, showing little interest in the business or in learning. He enjoyed the money he was given to spend on entertainment and fine clothes. He was known for his quick wit as well as his courteous behavior.
During a petty war between his town and another small town he became a prisoner for a full year. He also suffered some illness and slowly his thoughts turned more to things spiritual. A significant event at this time was when he gave all the money on him to a leper. He began devoting much attention to the poor and sick after this.
Taking to the highways, he lived a life of poverty, and spread his message to all he came across. His passion drew attention and he soon had a band of followers. Some were rich individuals who believed in his message fervently enough to give up all they owned.
Francis and his followers eventually gained papal approval and he gave his order the name Friars Minor or Little Brothers, signifying their humble status. They did not believe in owning property but when given the chapel at Porzuincola, they accepted use of the grounds and built huts there. Soon communities began to spring up all over and the Franciscan order spread far and wide.
The desire for a contemplative life was strong but so too was the desire to convert the infidels. This inspired missions outside of Italy. After some time away, he returned to find that in his absence, the order had made changes felt necessary to cope with the increased numbers and bring more organization. He was unhappy with these changes as he felt there had been a drift away from the simplicity and vows of poverty the order was known for.
Some time before his death in 1226 at the age of only 44 or 45 he was praying on the mountainside when he saw a vision and stigmata appeared on his body. One of the brothers who was with him at the time described a wound in his right side and nails in both his hands and feet. This is just one incident in the life of a remarkable man who not only manage to inspire his contemporaries but whose life story still has much interest for modern readers.
A clear picture emerges from authentic documents of a man who managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of many of his contemporaries. His simplicity, love of nature and animals and his great compassion for the poor were evident in his life. However, he did not start off with such admirable qualities.
He grew up in Umbria in Italy with a rich merchant for a father, showing little interest in the business or in learning. He enjoyed the money he was given to spend on entertainment and fine clothes. He was known for his quick wit as well as his courteous behavior.
During a petty war between his town and another small town he became a prisoner for a full year. He also suffered some illness and slowly his thoughts turned more to things spiritual. A significant event at this time was when he gave all the money on him to a leper. He began devoting much attention to the poor and sick after this.
Taking to the highways, he lived a life of poverty, and spread his message to all he came across. His passion drew attention and he soon had a band of followers. Some were rich individuals who believed in his message fervently enough to give up all they owned.
Francis and his followers eventually gained papal approval and he gave his order the name Friars Minor or Little Brothers, signifying their humble status. They did not believe in owning property but when given the chapel at Porzuincola, they accepted use of the grounds and built huts there. Soon communities began to spring up all over and the Franciscan order spread far and wide.
The desire for a contemplative life was strong but so too was the desire to convert the infidels. This inspired missions outside of Italy. After some time away, he returned to find that in his absence, the order had made changes felt necessary to cope with the increased numbers and bring more organization. He was unhappy with these changes as he felt there had been a drift away from the simplicity and vows of poverty the order was known for.
Some time before his death in 1226 at the age of only 44 or 45 he was praying on the mountainside when he saw a vision and stigmata appeared on his body. One of the brothers who was with him at the time described a wound in his right side and nails in both his hands and feet. This is just one incident in the life of a remarkable man who not only manage to inspire his contemporaries but whose life story still has much interest for modern readers.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire