Saint Francis of Assisi (Italian: San Francesco d'Assis), born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, but nicknamed Francesco ("the Frenchman") by his father.
He was born at Assisi, a town of Umbria, in Italy, in the
year 1182, under the Pontificate of Lucius III. He was a Catholic deacon and
preacher. He also was the founder of the Order of Friars Minor, more commonly
known as the Franciscans. Francis is perhaps
the most universally loved and venerated
religious figures in history and he is known also as the patron saint of animals.
He proposed to himself to practise literally the precepts of
the Gospel, to conform himself entirely to Jesus Christ crucified, and to
inspire the whole world with God's love.
Such a purpose must seem great to all those who can
appreciate true grandeur by the light of religion. In its contempt of the goods
of the world, it manifests an elevation of mind far above the ostentation of
the ancient philosophers, in its deep humiliations, an heroical courage; in its
extreme simplicity, the most exalted sentiments; in its weakness, and in the
apparent foolishness of the cross, the strength and wisdom of God.
The infidels themselves admired all this, and it will be not
less meet to revive the fervor of Christians, and to increase the veneration
they have always entertained for St. Francis.
St. Francis was simple, but he had great qualities of mind
and heart; and his simplicity was a perfection in him-not a defect. He was
simple because he had no other intention in his mind, no other movement in his
heart, than to be conformed to Jesus Christ. In order to imitate His poverty,
His humility, His sufferings, all His virtues, he did many things far above the
ordinary rules of human wisdom; and, as to his language, it was formed on that
of the Gospel. If it induced him to do things of which human prudence
disapproves, it was because he was guided by Divine light; it was because he
sought to be despised by the world, to render himself more conformable to Jesus
Christ.
Men of his age were not deceived by it; they discovered the
principle which made him act and speak with such simplicity. His constant
endeavor to humble himself, and draw on himself contempt, only gave them a
greater esteem for his person.
Their most frequent exercise was prayer, and that more mental
than vocal. A wooden cross, of moderate size, which Francis had fixed in the
middle of the hut, round which they prayed, served them instead of a book. They
meditated on it unceasingly, and read in it with the eyes of faith, instructed
by the example of their saintly chief, who often discoursed to them on the
Passion and Cross of Jesus Christ.
The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis is attributed to him, an example of his universal love
and selfless service.
Lord, make me an
instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred,
let me sow love;
Where there is injury,
pardon;
Where there is error,
truth;
Where there is doubt,
faith;
Where there is
despair, hope;
Where there is
darkness, light;
And where there is
sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant
that I 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.
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