Historical Happenings: A Compilation of Coursework: The Early Life of St. Francis of Assisi

While much can be said about the later years of St. Francis of Assisi, it is worth taking note of the early years that led to such a great saint. Francis of Assisi was born in 1182. Francis’ father was Pietro Bernadone, and was considered to be one of region’s most prosperous individuals. He was a regular traveler to Champagne and Provence where he would sell linens.¹Francis’ mother was a Frenchwoman named Pica, she originally named Francis, Giovanni, but upon returning home, Pietro would have no part of it, naming the child “Francesco.” ²The Bernadone family lived in il sotto, while Clare of Assisi and her family lived in la sopra. Clare was born several years after Francis and would have been a toddler during Francis’s early years. ³

It is said that during Francis’ early adulthood, he was an avid partier and often would be the person who funded the events. Pope Benedict XVI even used the term “playboy” to define the character of Francis in his earlier years. ⁴It is reported by several biographers that Francis was arrogant and vain in his regards toward others. Being supported by a wealthy family, money was easily available to Francis to fund the lavish parties for his friends. The name of Francis would certainly have been known throughout the city, and caught the attention of many with his “delicate features and large shining eyes.” ⁵This would carry on through approximately the twenty-fifth year of his life. Francis would help fight in the revolt that occurred in 1198, and would leave him with a lasting impression. In one particular battle, many of Francis’ friends were either wounded or killed. Francis himself was taken as a prisoner of war. ⁶ After approximately one year, Francis was released from prison by his father’s payment. Francis’ time in prison took the wind out of his sails. He had become gravely sick and the experience itself left a lasting impact on his youthful spirit. ⁷Francis began to spend time alone praying in the caves outside of Assisi. Francis became absent minded and his companions questioned him if he had a woman on his mind. He would reply in the affirmative, but it is commonly held that this “woman” is in fact “Lady Poverty” to which Francis would develop a great affection. ⁸His dreams of knighthood died, and inner turmoil took over. This turmoil would result in his religious vows, but took time to come to fruition. Meanwhile, Francis found peace in his retreats to the caves. He had a love for creation often spending time alone amidst its beauty. ⁹

Another pivotal turning point in Francis’ life is his encounter with a leper. Francis feared the stench from a leper more than the bloodshed of war. One day however, he would overcome his repulsion by embracing a leper with all his might. Francis was known to struggle with temptations of the flesh for most of his life, and this may have been one of the ways in which he dealt with those temptations. ¹⁰ Francis went to “repair the Church” after being told to do so by Christ. Francis’ father was furious at his son’s actions and would stop at nothing to gain back control of his son. Francis would spend a month in the underground of the Church he was rebuilding to hide from his father. He became an object of ridicule to the town, so Pietro found Francis, forced him to return home and would beat Francis to get him to “come to his senses.” While away on business, Francis’ mother freed him, and upon returning home Pietro beat her as well. Francis would end up on trial for his father’s charges, but would explain that he was no longer under his father’s care because he was an oblate in the Church. Pietro’s attitude would help win sympathy for Francis in his case as it went before the bishop. In a heroic statement, Francis returned everything to his father, including the very clothes he was wearing and broke ties with his family forever. ¹¹ Author Kenneth Wolf speaks of the irony in Francis removing his tunic in the way he did. Francis wore splendid clothing in the days of his youth that would often set him visibly apart from others around him. Francis was also expected to carry on the family business of making cloth like his father. By completely stripping himself, Francis is asserting that he has cut ties not only with his past ways, but also with his father. ¹²Francis was now free to serve his Father in heaven.