Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181 – 3 October 1226), known as Francis of Assisi, was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon, mystic, and preacher. He is one of the most revered saints in Christianity, known for his devotion to poverty, humility, and simplicity. Francis was born into a wealthy family but chose a life of poverty and service to others, which eventually led to the founding of the Franciscan Order.
Francis underwent a profound conversion experience during his early adulthood, leading him to renounce his family’s wealth and embrace a life of poverty. He famously stripped himself of his clothes in the town square of Assisi and dedicated himself to serving God and the poor.
In 1209 he composed a simple rule for his followers (“friars”), the Regula primitiva or “Primitive Rule”, which came from verses in the Bible. The rule was “to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” He then led eleven followers to Rome to seek permission from Pope Innocent III to found a new religious order, the Franciscan Order, also known as the Order of Friars Minor. The order was based on the principles of simplicity, poverty, and preaching the Gospel. It grew rapidly and became one of the most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church.
Francis had a deep reverence for nature and animals, believing them to be expressions of God’s love and deserving of respect and care. He is often depicted preaching to birds and is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
While he was praying on the mountain of Verna, during a forty-day fast in preparation for Michaelmas, Francis is said to have had a vision on or about 13 September 1224, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, as a result of which he received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on his hands, feet, and side. This event further solidified his reputation as a holy man.
Francis was committed to promoting peace and reconciliation, both within the Church and in the wider world. He famously traveled to Egypt during the Fifth Crusade to meet with Sultan al-Kamil in an attempt to end the conflict.
Saint Francis of Assisi left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire people around the world. He is remembered for his humility, compassion, and dedication to the poor. His teachings on simplicity and care for creation are particularly relevant in today’s world.
Saint Francis of Assisi was canonized as a saint by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, just two years after his death. He is commonly referred to as the patron saint of animals, ecology, and merchants, among other things. His feast day is celebrated on October 4th each year. Along with Catherine of Siena, he was designated patron saint of Italy. He is also the namesake of San Francisco, thus the Priory of St. Francis chose St. Francis of Assisi to be our Patron Saint.
The annual investiture of new knights and dames is held close to the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.