Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most radiant figures in Christian history—a man who left behind wealth and comfort to follow Christ in total simplicity. Born in 1181 (or 1182) in Assisi, Italy, Francis grew up in a prosperous family. His father was a wealthy cloth merchant, and Francis was known in his youth for being joyful, charming, and generous. Yet beneath that easy laughter, God was quietly calling him to something far deeper.
After a period of illness and prayer, Francis experienced a powerful conversion. While praying before the crucifix in the dilapidated church of San Damiano, he heard Christ speak to him: “Francis, rebuild my Church, which is falling into ruin.” At first, he thought this meant repairing the old stone chapel, but soon he realized the Lord was calling him to renew the spiritual life of the Church itself through poverty, humility, and love.
Francis renounced his inheritance and chose to live as a poor man, depending only on God. Dressed in a rough tunic tied with a rope, he walked the roads of Italy preaching the Gospel with joy. His message was simple but revolutionary: “The Gospel lived.” He reminded people that holiness is not about riches or power, but about love, peace, and gratitude for every creature. From his deep reverence for creation came his famous “Canticle of the Sun,” where he praised God for “Brother Sun,” “Sister Moon,” and “our Sister Mother Earth.”
The Church soon recognized the beauty of his vision. He founded the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans), later followed by Saint Clare and her order of the Poor Clares. Together, they sought to live the Gospel literally—owning nothing, serving the poor, and rejoicing in God’s goodness. Near the end of his life, while praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, as a sign of his total union with the crucified Lord.
Saint Francis died in 1226, praising God with his final breath. Two years later, he was canonized. To this day, his life continues to move countless hearts—reminding us that joy is found not in possessing, but in surrendering everything to God.
May the simplicity of Saint Francis remind us that holiness is not about doing great things, but about doing small things with great love. Let us, like him, see Christ in every person and in every part of creation.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
