Saint Francis of Assisi, Founder of the Order of Friars Minor

October 4

AD 1181 — AD 1226

Order of Friars Minor (Franciscan Patriarch)

Historically Documented

I. Overview & The Seraphic Father

Saint Francis of Assisi, affectionately known as Il Poverello ("The Little Poor Man"), is one of the most beloved saints in Christian history. Founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), co-founder of the Poor Clares with Saint Clare, and instigator of the Franciscan Third Order for laypeople, Francis ignited a spiritual renewal across medieval Europe through radical gospel poverty, seraphic love for Christ Crucified, and poetic reverence for all God's creation.

II. Early Life & Worldly Ambitions

Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone was born in 1181 AD in Assisi, Umbria, the son of Pietro di Bernardone, a prosperous silk merchant, and his noble French wife, Pica. Given the nickname Francesco ("the Frenchman") by his father, the young Francis lived a life of worldly luxury, leading the youth of Assisi in revelry and aspiring to chivalric knighthood.

In 1202 AD, during a border war between Assisi and Perugia, Francis was captured and imprisoned for over a year. Suffering from severe illness during his captivity and subsequent recovery, Francis began to experience a profound interior disillusionment with worldly glory.

III. Conversion & The San Damiano Crucifix

The decisive moment of Francis's conversion occurred in 1205 AD while praying before an ancient Byzantine crucifix in the dilapidated church of San Damiano outside Assisi. The image of Christ miraculously spoke to his heart: "Francis, go and repair My house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin."

Initially interpreting the command literally, Francis sold valuable cloth from his father's shop to restore San Damiano. His enraged father summoned Francis before the Bishop of Assisi, Guido. In a dramatic public gesture of total renunciation, Francis stripped off his fine garments, returned them to his father, and declared: