Saint Francis of Assisi was a uniquely spiritual man who gave up a life of wealth and position to lead a life of poverty in accordance and service to God. Embracing a life according to the Gospels, Francis went on to establish a Monastic Order, known as the Franciscans. In the midst of the political climate within the religious community of Italy, Francis emerged a champion for the poor and sick, with humility and no regard for himself. Francis exhibited his love for God through his love and admiration for all of God's creation including nature. The principles of Saint Francis are as relevant today as they were in thirteenth century Italy; service and love to all of God’s creation. Francis was born with the baptismal name of John, to Peter Bernardone and his wife Pica, in the fall of 1182 while Peter was away. A well to do businessman in fabrics, furs and fine apparel, Peter was not pleased with the baptismal name that Pica had chosen in honor of John the Baptist, so he insisted on the name Franciscus or Francis in English. Francis was brought up in the privilege that Peter’s business permitted and Peter was grooming him to take over this business one day. During this grooming process, Francis came across many classes of people and all walks of life learning from each person. While learning the tools of Peter’s trade, Francis was learning that a life of privilege supported his life of parties, partiers, and an elaborate wardrobe. Even though his parents did not discipline or control his lavish behavior, they were concerned for his lack of interest in Peter’s business. However, Francis did take note of his wealth when a beggar came to his father’s shop; Francis dismissed him, but later saw his actions as greedy and was re... ... middle of paper ... ...as his acceptance of his life of poverty and service that serves as an example for us to use as a model for our actions in this world. Saint Francis of Assisi had a simple message to all in his time and in ours; live a life of humble simplicity in service to others to the glory of God. He came from a background of wealth and privilege yet put it behind him for the privilege of serving God and all His creation. To Francis everything sang out in praise to God; every person, plant, and bird to which he compelled us to be good stewards of the earth and its resources. He conveyed the truth of God’s love for us and all of creation and led by his example of service. References Spoto, D. (2002). The Reluctant Saint: The life of Francis of Assisi. New York: Penguin Group. Wambli. (2001, August 1). Native American Beliefs. Retrieved from http://home.earthlink.net/.
Chasing Francis, written by Ian Morgan Cron as a piece of wisdom literature, follows the pilgrimage of Chase Falson, a pastor experiencing an existential crisis as his logical approach to Christianity begins to fail him, to Italy in order to explore the life of the thirtieth century Saint Francis of Assisi. His journey leads him to explore a faith deeper than shallow reasoning but instead founded on beauty through the arts, simplicity and the casting off of materialism and transcendence through belief rooted in emotion and meditation. Falson's journey to Italy, as evident by the new convictions he acquires, distinguishes the differences between mere spiritual tourism and a pilgrimage in search of truth, deeper meaning and a religious experience.
After her graduation, she tried to join the Daughters of the Sacred Heart again. Mother Giovanna Francesca Grassi knew that Frances was full of virtue, but declined her request because she felt that Frances’ poor health would prevent her from fully participating in religious life. However, Mother Grassi kept her motivated by saying, “You are called to establish another Institute that will bring new glory to the Heart of Jesus.” Upset by the news, Frances returned to her hometown of Sant’Angelo and ta...
Peter Brown’s Augustine of Hippo is a dense, scholarly work outlining the entire life of the Catholic bishop. The University of California Press in Berkeley, California published the work in 1967. My version was the 1973 second paperback printing, found in the University library. Its smallish, scholarly, serifed, typewritten font allows for a instant respect for the subject matter: the words are at first imposing, but then revealing as their serious tone complements the complexity of the text. The pages are studded with footnotes, filling out this work with evidence of Brown’s exhaustive research. There is a three-page preface before the work, and, after the work, a seventeen-page bibliography, and ten-page index.
In his Earlier Rule, Francis encouraged the friars to preach through their actions rather than their words (Let all the brothers, however preach by their deeds). For Francis, gestures and symbols were as important as the words themselves. In the Franciscan sources, Francis depended as much on dramatic gestures and images as he did upon words he spoke (or didn’t speak) to preach his message. The meal at the Greccio provides an excellent example of how Francis used both of these elements, as well as words to make manifest “sermon”. This paper will examine this Greccio meal through the lens of two sources, the earlier Assisi Compilation and the later work, The Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul by Thomas of Celano. The Greccio meal will be compared and contrasted in these two sources, especially with regards to the significance of Francis unspoken actions within these writings. For Francis, actions did indeed speak louder than words.
When news came out saying that “Assis and Pergiua were in a war,” Francis eagerly joined the army. Francis was then later caught and taken as a prisoner by Pergiua. But, then he was released from the hands of Pergiua. Francis was injured. So, St. Francis had to stay in the hospital while he recovered. There were no TVs, tablets, smartphones, or computers back then, so he had to try to find a way to entertain his self. There was a book in his quarters and out of boredom, he started reading the book. The book was about the ministries of God and the scripture readings. St. Francis thought the book was very intriguing, so he read more of the book. Then he had the warm, loving feeling in his heart. While St. Francis was praying outside of the San Damiano, St. Francis he had a vision from God saying, “Francis, go and repair my church which as you can see is in ruins.” The Lord was with him! After his time in the hospital, St. Francis went out into the world and did wondrous
All human beings develop at different rates physically and mentally. Furthermore, there are some special characters that gain the ability to flourish in which they acquire a deeper understanding of life. This is usually as a result of one’s profound religious beliefs. Such as the disciples of Jesus Christ, they at some point of their life followed the teachings of Christ; subsequently, their beliefs allowed them to gain a deeper meaning of life. In this reading we will focus on the life of Francis, specifically on how he flourishes into Saint Frances. Saint Francis was an interesting character, which allows us to visualize how he matures from his self-indulging lifestyle into a humanitarian.
St. Francis of Assisi was born in Umbria in the year 1182. He was a child every father hoped for, he was filled with life, a determined and courageous individual. He was gifted with rather good looks, qualities that attracted friends and a gift of leadership. His father was an extremely wealthy merchant in Assisi. But this son, his favourite, was the one who broke Peter Bernardone’s heart. The boy turned on his father, and in a vicious event that eventually resulted into a public scene. St. Francis of Assisi stepped away from his father, his business and left his father in a state of immense emotional suffering.
Tellechea, Idigoras, Ignatius of Loyola The Pilgrim Saint. Loyola University Press Chicago 1994 pg.72, 77
Thomas Celano starts out by giving us a description of the opulence that surrounded a young Francis of Assisi. “…a man named Francis, who from his earliest years was brought up by his parents forwardly,
Blessed Raymond of Capua. The Life of Saint Catherine of Siena . Trans. George Lamb. New York: P.J. Kennedy and Sons, 1960.
Francis was born at Assisi in Umbria in the early 1180’s. His fath er was Pietro Bernadone, a very wealthy cloth merchant. His baptized name was Giovanni but it was changed to Francesco. Francis received a decent amount of schooling as a child although he did not show much interest in it. He was very spoiled and did not want to go into his father’s business. He had high status, was handsome, wore fine clothing, and was very well known with the people of Assisi.
Chapter one, ‘Beginnings at Assisi,’ offers a vivid description of the social, political, economic, cultural, demographic description of Assisi and its inhabitants. Here, the author describes the life of Francis and the situations and circumstances prompting his journey to spread the ideal gospel life to the world. This chapter is relevant in determining the circumstances that instigated a need for reforms in the Catholic Church. This chapter is applicable in my life because it offers insight on the fundamental Christian I can rely on in my daily life.
The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved February 21, 2010 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org
Robson, Micheal. Saint Francis of Assisi: The Legend and the Life. London: Geoffrey Chappan, 1997.
Pollen, John Hungerford. "St. Ignatius Loyola." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 7. New York: Robert Appleton Company,1910. 23 Mar. 2014 .