Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi category

Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, is one of the Catholic Church's most beloved and venerated saints. Known for his life of poverty, profound humility and extraordinary love for all creation, he has inspired millions of people over the centuries. Find out here everything you need to know about Saint Francis of Assisi and why he is a central figure in Christian spirituality.

Who is Saint Francis of Assisi?

Saint Francis of Assisi was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy. The son of a wealthy merchant, he renounced his wealth to live a life of poverty and simplicity, following the example of Jesus Christ. In 1209, he founded the order of Friars Minor, known as the Franciscans. Francis is known for his love of the poor, the sick and animals, and for having received the stigmata, the marks of Christ's Passion, in 1224. He died in 1226 and was canonised in 1228.

Why pray to Saint Francis of Assisi?

The faithful pray to Saint Francis of Assisi to obtain his intercession in situations of need, for inner peace, and for the protection of the environment and animals. He is also invoked to live a simpler, more humble life, and to find joy in poverty and service to others. His prayer for peace is particularly famous and widely used.

How to pray to Saint Francis of Assisi?

To pray to Saint Francis of Assisi, we recommend reciting the following prayer with faith and devotion:

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offence, let me show forgiveness. Where there is discord, may I bring union. Where there is error, let me bring truth. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy. O Master, may I not seek so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in forgetting that we find, it is in forgiving that we are forgiven, it is in dying that we rise to eternal life. Amen."

What miracles are associated with Saint Francis of Assisi?

Many miracles are attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, both during his lifetime and after his death. Among the most famous are the healing of the sick, the preaching to the birds, the wolf of Gubbio who became peaceful after meeting Francis, and the stigmata he received in 1224. These miracles reinforced his reputation for holiness and his role as a powerful intercessor.

Where is the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi?

The Basilica of Saint Francis is located in Assisi, Italy. This basilica is an important place of pilgrimage and houses the tomb of Saint Francis. Built shortly after his canonisation, it consists of two superimposed churches, the upper church and the lower church, both decorated with magnificent frescoes illustrating the life of Saint Francis.

What is the story of Saint Francis of Assisi?

Saint Francis of Assisi lived a life of radical conversion. After a carefree youth, he renounced his possessions and devoted himself to a life of poverty and service. He founded the Franciscan order, based on the principles of poverty, humility and love for all creation. His exemplary life and teachings had a profound influence on the Church and the world, inspiring reforms and a new approach to Christian spirituality centred on simplicity and universal brotherhood.

To find out more about Saint Francis of Assisi and explore religious articles dedicated to him, visit our dedicated Saint Francis of Assisi section on our website. You'll find statues, medals, books and other devotional items to deepen your faith and devotion to this iconic saint.