Saint Francis of Assisi was a Catholic friar. He abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christianity. He established the Franciscan Order of friars and the women’s Order of the Poor Ladies according to, britannica.com, ducksters.com, and biography.com.

He was also a leader of the movement of evangelical poverty in the early 13th century. His compassion and love to help the poverty, charity, and charisma attracted thousands of followers. His devotion to Jesus and his calling to follow his example reflected and radiated throughout him. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in the Roman Catholic history and he and St. Catherine of Siena are the patron saints of Italy. 

In 1202 he was apart of a war between Assisi and Perugia, where he was held prisoner for almost a year, and sadly on his release fell seriously ill. After he recovered he had a dream to return to Assisi and accept that call he envisioned. He dedicated himself to solitude and prayer. 

Francis renounced worldly goods and family ties so he could fully embrace a life of poverty. He also repaired the Church of San Damiano, refurbished a chapel dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle, and restored the now-famous little chapel of St. Mary of the Angels. 

Sadly, in October 1226 Francis passed away. He was 44 years old when he left earthside, he had gone to his home town as soon his health began to decline rapidly. Knights were stationed at his bedside as soon as he took his last breath to make sure his body would not be carried  off since he was seen as a valuable relic. 

Today, the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi still inspires millions of Franciscans globally. His famous prayer still lives on and is a constant reminder of all that he stood for:

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.”