Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi was one of the greatest figures that lived when the Church was going through great difficulties. However, his good deeds made this particular saint someone very important in the history of the Church. "Francis was born in the month of September, probably in the year 1182, although some claim it was in 1181."[1] Although he came from a very wealthy family, he demonstrated his preference for spiritual goods over material things by renouncing his heritage. Francis was not a passive religious person, but a very active person who was always ready to serve others. In fact, this extraordinary virtue of charity is one of the defining characteristics about his vocation. Not only did he constantly pray and do fervent penance, but he also went looking for the poor and needy in order to help them. Although this simple man would have probably preferred to devote himself to contemplation prayer, St. Francis was also a very generous person. St. Francis embodies the Church's teaching that preaching is not contrary to action.

The way that Saint Francis behaved was not common during his time; many people saw him as a madman and even laughed at him. Moreover, no one had ever seen a person come down from the monastery to preach in the squares or streets. The saint taught something fundamental and original: one can be religious even in the midst of the world's influences or persecution. Francis had a missionary spirit yet always retained his religious spirituality. For example, he was obedient, spent moments alone with God, had a love for liturgical prayer, and had the desire for contemplation.

One of the essential features of any saint is love. However, what distinguishes each of them is the charisma and way in which he or she loved their neighbor. The way in which Saint Francis loved his brothers and sisters was radical. He gave his life for the sake of others by doing great works of mercy. "He had become a man of peace, and the story of his meeting with the Sultan Malik al-Kamil is an example of the ultimate step that one man took to bring about harmony between European Christendom and the Muslim world."[2] He renounced the world and chose to live in poverty. Also, his humility made him capable of accomplishing some of the greatest achievements of his time such as the Evangelical Reformation.

Saint Francis decided to live a life of poverty for two reasons. The first reason is because he wanted to carry out an evangelical life without obstacles by following Jesus' words: "Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep"(Mt 10: 9-10 NAB). The second reason was because he wanted to suffer with the poor and be united with them in a more profound way. The Friars used habits to approach or identify with farmers, construction workers, and beggars. In this manner, the Gospel could penetrate society in order to give it the "fresh air" that it had needed for centuries. Finally, the friars introduced a new spirituality in the life of the Church. They succeeded in this endeavor by effectively integrating the life of the monastic discipline with the preaching of the Gospel.

In 1224, Saint Francis went to Mount Alvernia and there he received a lot of revelations, as well as, the miracle of the stigmata, that is, the signals of the Passion of Christ. Francis's health was getting worse, the stigmas made him suffer, and he was losing his sight. "He insisted that the brothers pour ashes over him. For he said soon I shall be nothing but dust and ashes."[3] Finally, he died on October 3, 1226, singing the psalm 142, until the last verse: "Lead me forth from prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The just shall gather around me when you have been good to me"(Psalm 142: 8 NAB). He was 44 years old and was buried in the Church of St. George in Assisi.

            

            [1] Mrsg. Leon Cristiani, Saint francis of Assisi, (St. Paul Editions , 1983), 18

            [2] Laurence P. Prior, “Francis of Assisi and a Cosmic Spirituality,” Religion and Teology 50, 173-194 (2011) 793.

            

            [3] Cristiani, Saint francis of Assisi, 163.

Bibliography

Cristiani, Mrgs. Leon, Saint francis of Assisi, St. Paul Editions , 1983.

Prior, Laurence P. Francis of Assisi and a Cosmic Spirituality, 50, 173-194 (2011)
            793.