Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi is known by many as the patron of animals, pets, and nature. Others may know him as the patron saint of Italy. His statue is often found outside in gardens or holding bird baths, and he is one of the most well known saints worldwide. He founded the Franciscan Order, received the Stigmata, and was an eloquent preacher who vehemently defended The Church against heresy. Yet, this great and humble saint was not always the poor preacher who saw God’s Goodness in all things great and small. As a young man Francis often caves to sin and vice and was motivated not by charity and humility, but rather by greed and ambition.
Saint Francis was born to wealthy, noble parents in 1181 in the town of Assisi. His mother had him baptized despite his father's wishes. Permitted to do nearly anything he wished because of his fathers wealth and noble status, Francis grew up with a carefree spirit and without much direction in his faith. As a young man Francis grew very popular and spent many nights enjoying parties with his wealthy friends. When speaking of this time of his life, the saint is quoted as saying, “I lived in sin.”
Francis, while happy with his life and status, longed for glory; in particular, the glory of knighthood and battle. Francis got his opportunity when his town of Assisi attacked Perguia, a town not too far away. Francis and the army of Assisi, however, lost the battle, and Francis was taken prisoner. One would think his year in prison would have led to his conversion but by all accounts, Francis remained much the same man as before the battle, that is, he continued to party with reckless abandon.
Another call to arms reached the young saint’s ears, this time, to join the Crusades. Donning his beautiful gold inlaid, suit of armor, Francis rode for glory! Yet, it is here, just a day’s journey from his hometown, when the ever popular Francis dreamt of God telling him to return home. The humiliation and ridicule he must have faced was immense, yet Francis humbly turned more and more to prayer.
Photo: Guymore Fire Tower Trail, Otisville, NY
Cedit: Dominick Russo
Once, while praying in a ruined church, Francis heard the voice of God calling to him from the crucifix, “Francis, repair my church.” Thinking at first he was meant to repair the ruins of the church at San Damiano where he was praying, Francis took fabrics from his father and sold them to raise the money he needed. His father however, accused Francis of theft. A Bishop ordered Francis to repay his father and told the saint, “God will Provide.” Francis took these words to heart, he repaid his father and cast off his clothes, declaring “Pietro Bernardone is no longer my father. From now on I can say with complete freedom, 'Our Father who art in heaven.'”
Francis began preaching and eventually gained a following. He Founded the Franciscan Orders, valuing poverty, and seeing in it a holiness many do not. Saint Francis and his brother friars lived amongst nature, and would go into towns in pairs preaching the Gospel. Eventually, Francis grew ill, causing him to go blind. Despite this blindness, Francis composed the Canticle of the Sun, praising God’s creation and all His works. Saint Francis died as a result of his sickness on October 4, 1226. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228 and Pope Saint John Paul II declared him the Patron of Ecologists in1979.
The Team at Curating Creation has chosen Saint Francis to be our patron as well. We call upon this great saint to help guide us on our mission to revive Earth’s natural beauty and help us as he did to commit to real action in doing so. Saint Francis, Pray for us!