Francis grew up in a wealthy family with his father Peter Bernardone, a trader who sold spice and fabric from Asia. However, Francis' father was often away on business trips. In fact, he was in Asia when Francis was born. Upon his return, Francis' mother Mona Pico had already named him John, but Peter Bernardone decided to rename him Francis.
Francis, belonging to a wealthy family, pursued studies in Latin, vernacular, and provincial subjects. Additionally, he explored music, songs, and poetry. Although portraying himself as a diligent learner, Francis also assumed a leadership role in the town's escapades with the youth. While engaged in his father's cloth shop one day, a beggar approached him. Initially displaying discourteous behavior, Francis promptly expelled the beggar. However, he soon realized his mistake and sought after the beggar, offering financial assistance and expres
...sing remorse for his previous actions.
From this point, we can observe the compassion and affection within Francis' heart. At approximately 20 years old, Francis enlisted in the conflict between Assisi and Perugia. Gradually deteriorating in health, he was unable to continue and upon his return to Assisi, he was severely ill.
After being taken care of by his mother and receiving love and care from her and others who assisted him, Francis developed an understanding of compassion. Upon recovering, Francis chose to assist lepers instead of fleeing, which caused his father and friend to become upset. Despite the opinions of others, Francis remained indifferent and discovered his purpose in Christianity. He frequently visited a small church dedicated to St.
Damian received a message from God in a dream, instructing him to restore God's dilapidated house. Inspired, Damian sold
his father's fabric to collect money for the church and began his journey. Along the way, Damian gathered numerous followers and eventually formed a community known as the Franciscans in 1209.
The group was known for their aid to others and for spreading Christianity to towns through their travels, rather than solely praying in church. Towards the end of his relatively short life (he died at 44), he suffered from partial blindness and serious illness. Two years prior to his death, he experienced the stigmata, which are actual and painful wounds imitating those of Christ on his hands, feet, and side. While on his deathbed, he repeatedly recited the final addition to his Canticle of the Sun, saying "Be praised, O Lord, for our Sister Death." He also requested that his superior remove his clothes when his final hour arrived and be allowed to peacefully pass away lying naked on the ground, following the example set by his Lord.
St. Francis, Rabbits and Fish
Francis was once brought a rabbit that had been caught in a trap. He gave the rabbit some advice and released it from the trap. However, instead of running away, the rabbit hopped back onto Francis' lap because it wanted to be close to him. So, Francis took the rabbit a little further into the woods and let it go.
However, the rabbit continued to follow Francis and even jumped onto his lap once again. Eventually, Francis asked one of his fellow friars to take the rabbit deep into the woods and release it. This solution proved effective. Francis frequently encountered similar situations, which he viewed as opportunities to exalt
God's magnificence. If such ordinary creatures were blessed with God's awe-inspiring attributes, then how much more so were we humans! Additionally, Francis had a remarkable influence over fish. Whenever he was present when a fish was caught, he would return it to the water and caution it against being captured again. On several occasions, the fish would remain near the boat, attentively listening to Francis preach until he granted them permission to leave.
Then, they would swim away. St. Francis referred to every work of art as creation and praised the artist, our loving Creator.
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