SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Saint Francis of Assisi By Edward Matulanya Here are early life, Conversion, Vocation, Spirituality, Legacy, Death, Canonization, and Church Recognition of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/1182 – 1226). Early Life Francis was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in Assisi, Italy, around 1181 or 1182, into a wealthy merchant family. In his youth, he enjoyed luxury and dreams of knighthood, but after illness and captivity during a military campaign, he experienced a profound spiritual conversion (The Holy See, 1982/2000). Conversion and Vocation After hearing Christ speak to him from the cross of San Damiano, Francis renounced his inheritance and embraced a life of radical poverty, preaching repentance and love of God (The Holy See, 1982/2000). He founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) around 1209, which was approved by Pope Innocent III. Later, he helped establish the Poor Clares with St. Clare of Assisi and inspired the Third Order of St. Francis for layp...