Francis of Assisi — A True Saint (1182-1226)
Today, we honor and remember Francis, the son of a prosperous Italian cloth merchant. His early years were spent in a carefree and comfortable life and later, he spent fruitless attempts to win military glory to fulfill his ambition in becoming a knight. After a lengthy illness, he made a pilgrimage to Rome where he experienced a conversion of faith. Francis received a vision with the words of Jesus from Matthew 10:7-10 to “cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils, receive no charge — take nothing with you.” He interpreted this Gospel to mean that all worldly goods should be freely given to the poor and sick.
Francis left home in a ragged cloak with a rope belt, which he took from a scarecrow 1. He wandered the countryside with a few followers begging from the rich and giving to the poor. His preaching, charm, humility and kindly manner attracted many followers.
In 1210, Francis obtained approval from Pope Innocent lll for his Order and “Simple Rule of Life” devoted to apostolic poverty. He began to call his associates Friars Minor (Lesser Brothers). The new order began to grow following its founder in preaching and caring for the poor and sick. Francis chose to emphasize his desire to be numbered among the “least” of God’s servants. The order grew rapidly all over Europe2.
A society for women known as the Poor Clares was formed in 1212, but by 1221, Francis lost control of the order because his ideal of strict and absolute poverty — both for the individual friars and the order as a whole — was too difficult for many to maintain.
In 1223, Pope Honorius lll confirmed a new rule that allowed for an elaborate organization at which time Francis laid down his leadership role and retired to a hermitage in Monte Alvernia, Italy, where it is reported that he received the stigmata (bodily wounds of Christ). Despite illness, pain and blindness, he composed his writings of “Canticle to the Sun,” his “Admonitions” and his “Testament,”3 as well as the following prayer attributed to him. Francis died at age 44 in 1226.
Lord, make us instrumentals of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union.; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek 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 pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Francis saw in created things objects of love that pointed to their Creator. It is reported that even birds and animals enjoyed his sermons.4 I invite you to join me in making this prayer part of your regular prayer time.
1, 3 and 4 “Eerdman’s Handbook to the History of Christianity.” pages 264-67.
2 “Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints,” page 622.
