Who is Saint Francis of Assisi? The precursor of inter-religious dialogue
Who is Saint Francis of Assisi? The precursor of inter-religious dialogue

Who is Saint Francis of Assisi? The precursor of inter-religious dialogue

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The Italian Saint Francis or the Catholic Churchman of the Middle Ages


Who is Saint Francis of Assisi?


Saint Francis of Assisi, born as Giovanni di Pietro Bernardone, was a Catholic religious man born in 1181 in Italy.
He was the first child of Pietro Bernardone dei Moriconi, a very wealthy draper, and Dona Joanna Pica de Bourlémont.
At the time of his birth, St. Francis was baptized by his mother with the name Giovanni. His father was at that time in France to procure cloths and fabrics at the fairs. On his return, as a tribute to France, he decided to rename his child Francis.
Born into a wealthy family, Saint Francis was educated in the school of the canons of the church of San Giorgio in Assisi. He later dropped out of school at the age of 14 to help his father in the merchant community.


Founder of the Order of Friars Minor


St Francis created a brotherhood which he named Friars Minor in 1209. This community is based on total poverty and preaching. Indeed, the Franciscans live solely on their own labour and almsgiving. Approved the following year by Pope Innocent 2*, the brotherhood quickly became very successful. As a result, several other similar groups were created.


This is how St Francis entered the religion


The conversion of St Francis


The religious conversion of St. Francis took place during a long illness that paralysed him for months in 1204. According to his will, his encounter with lepers was the cause of his change of heart.

In 1205, while praying in the chapel of San Damiano in Assisi, he heard a voice say to him: "Francis, go and repair my house". He then decided to abandon everything and dedicate himself to Christ. He decided to sell supplies to his father in order to restore the chapel. His father sued him for this act. This event caused a rupture in relations between father and son.

Some time later, he decided to correct his mistakes by giving his father the money he had left and all his clothes. He took the opportunity to declare that from now on he would entrust himself to the Heavenly Father, saying: "Until now I have called you father on earth; from now on I can say: Our father in heaven, since it is to him that I have entrusted my treasure and given my faith".
It is from this point on that the Church takes him under its full protection.


St. Francis of Assisi, the first stigmatist in history


Saint Francis of Assisi is the first person in the history of Christianity to have the stigmata of Jesus. They appeared while praying on Mount Verna, after 40 days of fasting.
His marks remained on his skin throughout his life. Nevertheless, he was able to hide them from everyone except his brothers.
However, his five stigmata were not discovered until after his death, which took place in the chapel of Transito on 3 October 1226.
He was later canonised in 1228 by Gregory IX. Since then, St. Francis of Assisi is commemorated on October 4 in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Note that he should not be confused with St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists, celebrated on January 24.



Praying to St Francis for animals


St. Francis of Assisi was such a compassionate person that animals naturally came to him.
St Francis of Assisi represented the very essence of compassion. This character trait, which every man recognised in him, was also perceived by the animals. It is said that the animals naturally came to him, seeking comfort. In fact, he is often depicted surrounded by animals in many iconographies.







Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi for peace


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



FAQ Saint Francis of Assisi


When is St. Francis' day? When is St. Francis Day celebrated?


St. Francis of Assisi is commemorated on October 4 in the Catholic liturgical calendar. However, he should not be confused with St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists, who is celebrated on 24 January.


Who is Saint Francis of Assisi?

Saint Francis of Assisi, born as Giovanni di Pietro Bernardone, was a Catholic religious born in 1181 in Italy. More about Saint Francis of Assisi



How did Saint Francis make his conversion?


The religious conversion of St Francis took place during a long illness that left him paralysed for months. Read more about the conversion of Saint Francis of Assisi


How did St Francis of Assisi die?


St Francis of Assisi died at the age of 44 on 3 October 1226 in Italy, in the small church of the Porziuncola, which became part of the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels. After the appearance of the stigmata, he often became ill and was subject to many anxiety attacks.


How to pray to St. Francis of Assisi?


The prayer of St. Francis begins as follows: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where hatred is, let me put love. Where there is offence, let me put forgiveness...." Learn more about the prayer of St. Francis.

Index Saint Francis of Assisi


Pope Innocent II : Innocent II, born in Rome, was the 164th pope of the Catholic Church. (Source: Wikipedia)


Franciscans: Franciscans are the members of the Order of Friars Minor (Source: Wikipedia)



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