Saint Francis of Assisi
Stored in Cargo: Saint Francis of Assisi
| Saint Francis of Assisi | |
| Feast Day | October 04 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | animals and ecology; Italy; merchants; Franciscan order |
| Birthplace | Assisi, Umbria, Italy |
| Death Place | Assisi, Umbria, Italy |
| Cause of Death | natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Piazza San Francesco, 06081 Assisi, Perugia, Italy |
Saint Francis of Assisi (Italian: San Francesco d'Assisi; Latin: Franciscus Assisiensis), born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone and later renamed Francesco, was a 12th-13th century Italian Catholic friar and founder of the Order of Friars Minor, known for his radical embrace of poverty, humility, and creation care in imitation of Christ.[1] According to verified historical accounts from early Franciscan sources like Thomas of Celano's Vita Prima (1228–1229), Francis was born circa July 5, 1182, in Assisi, Umbria, to a prosperous merchant family, renouncing wealth around 1205 after a pilgrimage to Rome and a vision at San Damiano, where he heard Christ's call to "rebuild my church."[2] He composed the Canticle of the Creatures and received the stigmata in 1224, the first recorded instance in Christian history, as documented in contemporary testimonies compiled during his canonization process.[3] Francis' life bridged medieval piety and reform, establishing the Franciscan rule approved by Pope Honorius III in 1223, influencing the Poor Clares and Third Order.
Canonized swiftly on July 16, 1228, by Pope Gregory IX—just two years after his death on October 3, 1226—Francis' sanctity was affirmed through over 40 reported miracles, including healings and resurrections, examined in the 1228 Assisi process, though modern scholarship notes these as hagiographic compilations rather than empirical records.[4] His feast day, October 4, commemorates his death (transitus), with traditions like animal blessings reflecting his affinity for nature, as in the Fioretti anecdotes of preaching to birds and taming Gubbio's wolf—elements from 14th-century devotional texts without primary verification.[5] As patron of Italy (declared 1939), animals, and ecology (1979 by Pope John Paul II), Francis inspires global Franciscan movements; while the stigmata's supernatural origin is affirmed by Church tradition, medical examinations in hagiographies describe unexplained wounds persisting until death.
Biography
Birth
Saint Francis was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in late 1181 or early 1182 in Assisi, within the Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gubbio, to Pietro di Bernardone, a wealthy cloth merchant, and Pica de Bourlemont, as recorded in early biographies like Bonaventure's Legenda Maior (1263).[6] Baptized in the Cathedral of San Rufino, his birth coincided with Umbria's feudal tensions, shaping a youth of privilege amid crusading fervor. No exact date survives, but July 5 is traditionally assigned based on liturgical calendars; historical evidence confirms his family's affluence through commercial records.
Francis' infancy reflected bourgeois norms, with education in Latin and French songs, though hagiographic traditions embellish a precocious piety unverified by contemporaries.[7] By adolescence, he participated in Assisi's 1202 civil war against Perugia, captured and ransomed, experiences documented in civic annals that marked his initial chivalric aspirations.
Early Life
From ages 14 to 22, Francis enjoyed a carefree youth as a troubadour and apprentice merchant, traveling to France and engaging in Assisi's social scene, as attested in Thomas of Celano's accounts drawing from eyewitness friars.[8] Illness around 1204–1205, including a pilgrimage to Rome where he embraced beggars, initiated spiritual conversion, though medical details remain speculative. Captivity in Perugia (1202–1203) exposed him to suffering, fostering empathy noted in later reflections.
Returning to Assisi, Francis experienced visions, including at San Damiano (1205), where he sold cloth to fund church repairs, leading to paternal conflict resolved in a public episcopal hearing, as chronicled in the Legenda.[9] Hagiographies describe leper ministry as pivotal, but these originate from post-mortem testimonies without independent corroboration.
Occupation
Initially, Francis trained as a merchant under his father, trading textiles across Umbria and beyond, a role evidenced by family business ties in 13th-century trade ledgers.[10] Post-conversion (1205–1206), he shifted to manual labor, rebuilding chapels like San Damiano and Santa Maria degli Angeli (Porziuncola), funded by alms, marking a vocational pivot from commerce to poverty.
By 1209, as leader of emerging friars, his "occupation" became itinerant preaching, seeking papal approval in Rome, as documented in the 1223 bull Solet annuere.[11] Traditions of mercantile renunciation symbolize detachment, verified through the episcopal trial transcript.
Vocation
Francis' vocation crystallized in 1208 during Mass at Porziuncola, interpreting Matthew 10:7–19 as a call to gospel poverty, gathering initial companions and drafting the primitive rule, approved orally by Innocent III per Celano.[12] Ordained a deacon (not priest), he focused on preaching repentance, founding female (Poor Clares, 1212) and lay branches. The 1223 solemn rule codified communal life, emphasizing minority and service.
In 1219–1220, he joined the Fifth Crusade, preaching peace to Sultan al-Kamil, an event in Jacques de Vitry's letters but details unconfirmed beyond Franciscan lore.[13] Retiring to Mount La Verna in 1224, he received stigmata on September 14, examined by contemporaries like Elias of Cortona, affirming his mystical union with Christ.
Death
Weakened by asceticism and stigmata complications, Francis dictated his Testament in 1226 at San Damiano, appointing successors amid order disputes, as preserved in the original Latin text.[14] Transferred to Porziuncola, he composed the Canticle during illness, dying October 3, 1226, aged 44, with friars present; autopsy traditions describe perforated feet, unverified medically.
Buried initially at San Giorgio, his body was translated to the new basilica in 1230, per papal decree.[15] An odor of sanctity was reported, a hagiographic motif without empirical proof.
Saint Francis of Assisi met his end peacefully in old age.
Significant events
- Renunciation of inheritance before Bishop Guido of Assisi, circa 1206, embracing poverty.
- Approval of the Franciscan rule by Pope Honorius III on November 29, 1223.
- Reception of the stigmata on September 14, 1224, on Mount La Verna.
- Composition of the Canticle of the Creatures in 1225, praising creation.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Assisi, Umbria, Italy
Death location: Assisi, Umbria, Italy
Notable location: Site of Franciscan rule approval and indulgences (Porziuncola Chapel, Via Porziuncola 1, 06081 Santa Maria degli Angeli, Perugia, Italy)
Notable location: Site of vision to repair the church (San Damiano Church, Via San Damiano, 06081 Assisi, Perugia, Italy)
Notable location: Hermitage for prayer and contemplation (Eremo delle Carceri, Via Eremo delle Carceri, 06081 Assisi, Perugia, Italy)
Notable location: Early friars' communal dwelling (Rivotorto Sanctuary, Via Fonte Nuova, 06081 Rivotorto di Assisi, Perugia, Italy)
Notable location: Site of first Christmas crib (Greccio Sanctuary, Via Greccio, 06049 Greccio, Rieti, Italy)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
- This UNESCO World Heritage papal basilica, constructed 1228–1253 over Francis' tomb, serves as the global Franciscan pilgrimage hub, designated by papal bull for devotion to his relics and stigmata; it qualifies under Canon 1230 through perpetual adoration, Masses, and indulgenced visits fostering poverty and peace.
- Pilgrimage details: Piazza San Francesco, 06081 Assisi, Italy; founded 1228; October 4 feasts with international processions; Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gubbio.
- Facts: "Houses Francis' incorrupt stigmata relics in the crypt."
Porziuncola Basilica
- Enclosing the 9th-century chapel where Francis approved the rule, this 16th-century basilica is a plenary indulgence site for Pardon of Assisi pilgrims, centered on Marian and Franciscan devotion; meets Canon 1230 via episcopal programs for confession and renewal.
- Pilgrimage details: Via Porziuncola 1, 06081 Santa Maria degli Angeli, Italy; chapel origins 9th century; August 2 pardon festival; Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gubbio.
- Facts: "Francis died here on October 3, 1226."
Sanctuary of San Damiano
- The ruined church rebuilt by Francis per his 1205 vision, now a Poor Clare site with pilgrim retreats on conversion; designated a shrine for vocational discernment under Canon 1230 through guided prayers and sacraments.
- Pilgrimage details: Via San Damiano, 06081 Assisi, Italy; rebuilt 1205–1212; annual vision commemorations; Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gubbio.
- Facts: "Site of Francis' call: 'Go and repair my house'."
Eremo delle Carceri
- Francis' mountain hermitage above Assisi, preserved as a Carthusian-Franciscan site for silent retreats, emphasizing solitude; qualifies under Canon 1230 for contemplative pilgrimages with Eucharistic focus.
- Pilgrimage details: Via Eremo delle Carceri, 06081 Assisi, Italy; used from 1205; Lent and Advent hermitages; Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gubbio.
- Facts: "Francis retreated here for prayer amid creation."
Sanctuary of Greccio
- Commemorating Francis' 1223 living nativity, this Rieti shrine hosts Christmas recreations and creche expositions; per Canon 1230 for incarnational devotion via family pilgrimages and liturgies.
- Pilgrimage details: Via Greccio, 06049 Greccio, Italy; founded 1223; December 24 vigils; Diocese of Rieti.
- Facts: "Birthplace of the Christmas crib tradition."
National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Dedicated in 1924 by the Capuchins in San Francisco, this U.S. site replicas Assisi chapels for American pilgrims seeking ecology and peace; meets Canon 1230 through diocesan indulgences and animal blessings.
- Pilgrimage details: 588 Dolores Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA; founded 1924; October 4 blessings; Archdiocese of San Francisco.
- Facts: "Hosts annual interfaith creation care events."
Shrine of Saint Francis, Skanda Vale
- A Welsh ecumenical shrine with 24-hour adoration, dedicated 2010 for Francis' intercession in unity; qualifies under Canon 1230 for cross-denominational prayer gatherings.
- Pilgrimage details: Skanda Vale, Llanelli SA14 9SG, UK; consecrated 2010; summer festivals; Diocese of Menevia.
- Facts: "Reflects Francis' dialogue with Sultan al-Kamil."
Canonization
Servant of God
As a 13th-century founder, Francis' cause began immediately post-death with Cardinal Ugolino's 1228 inquiry in Assisi, gathering testimonies without formal Servant phase.[16]
Venerable
No Venerable declaration; virtues affirmed via swift process based on stigmata witnesses.
Beatification
No formal beatification; local cult approved by Gregory IX amid miracle inquiries.
Canonization
Canonized on July 16, 1228, by Pope Gregory IX in Assisi following examination of over 40 miracles, including resurrections and healings, as detailed in the bull Mira circa nos; universal veneration extended immediately.[17] The stigmata served as principal sign.
Miracles
Over 40 miracles were reported and approved in Francis' 1228 canonization process, including healings, resurrections, and protections, as compiled in Celano's works; these reflect medieval hagiography with limited empirical verification.
Miracle for beatification
This section does not apply to pre-modern saints.
Miracle for canonization
This section does not apply to pre-modern saints; canonization relied on cumulative wonders like the stigmata and reported raisings of the dead.
Other notable miracles
- Reception of the stigmata on Mount La Verna, September 14, 1224, wounds bleeding until death, attested by Brother Leo.
- Sermon to birds at Bevagna, where they listened attentively, per Fioretti tradition.
- Taming of the wolf of Gubbio, reconciling beast and town through preaching, from 13th-century legends.
Patronage
Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and ecology (1979), Italy (1939), merchants, and the Franciscan order, invoked for peace and creation stewardship.[18]
Feast day
October 04
Veneration
Saint Francis of Assisi is venerated through October 4 liturgies, animal blessings, and creation novenas worldwide; the Canticle is sung in eco-spirituality. Relics, including tunic fragments, are kept in the Assisi Basilica.
Depicted in Giotto's Assisi frescoes (c. 1300) and El Greco paintings. Literature like the Fioretti della Nostra Beata Signora Santa Chiara portrays his joy. Shrines drive pilgrimages, influencing World Day of Animals and Laudato si'.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
- Catholic Online: St. Francis of Assisi
- Franciscan Media: Saint Francis of Assisi
- Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Francis of Assisi
- EWTN: Bull of Canonization
References
- ↑ "St. Francis of Assisi". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=50.
- ↑ "Saint Francis of Assisi". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi/.
- ↑ "St. Francis of Assisi". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=4829.
- ↑ "Miracles - Saint Francis of Assisi". Libero.it. https://digilander.libero.it/raxdi/inglese/miraf.htm.
- ↑ "Who Was St. Francis of Assisi?". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/who-was-st-francis-of-assisi/.
- ↑ "St. Francis of Assisi". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=4829.
- ↑ "Saint Francis of Assisi". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi/.
- ↑ "7 Key Moments in the Life of St. Francis". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/7-key-moments-in-the-life-of-st-francis/.
- ↑ "St. Francis of Assisi - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=50.
- ↑ "Who Was St. Francis of Assisi?". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/who-was-st-francis-of-assisi/.
- ↑ "St. Francis of Assisi". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=4829.
- ↑ "Saint Francis of Assisi". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi/.
- ↑ "St. Francis of Assisi - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=50.
- ↑ "Who Was St. Francis of Assisi?". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/who-was-st-francis-of-assisi/.
- ↑ "St. Francis of Assisi". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=4829.
- ↑ "The Bull of Canonization of St. Francis of Assisi". EWTN. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/bull-of-canonization-of-st-francis-of-assisimira-circa-nos-7860.
- ↑ "The Bull of Canonization of St. Francis of Assisi". EWTN. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/bull-of-canonization-of-st-francis-of-assisimira-circa-nos-7860.
- ↑ "St. Francis of Assisi - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=50.