Today, October 4, is the memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Francis was the son of a rich cloth merchant, enjoyed a good education, and worked in his father’s business. The downside was, he had a rather wayward youth. He engaged in street fighting and even became a soldier. When he became a prisoner of war, he had a conversion experience, including a reported message from Christ calling him to leave this worldly life. Upon release, Francis began taking his faith seriously.
The Gospels became his rule of life, with Jesus as his role model. He wore rough clothing, begged for his daily survival, and preached. His family did not appreciate this, more so his father who disinherited him. At this point, Francis renounced earthly riches. He visited the sick and treated everyone as his siblings.
His way of life attracted followers in 1209, and, with a papal blessing, Francis founded the Franciscans based on Jesus’ statement, “Leave all and follow me.” Francis composed songs and hymns to God and nature. He lived with animals, did manual labor, cleaned churches, and even fed thieves.
While in meditation on Mount Alvernia in the Apennines in September 1224, Francis received the stigmata, which periodically bled during the remaining two years of his life.
Francis died in 1226. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on July 16, 1228.