St Francis of Assisi was born in 1182. Francis was one of seven children to Pietro di Bernardone and his wife, Pica de Bourlemont. When Francis was born, Pietro was on business in France, so Pica (His Mother) had him baptized as Giovanni. When Pietro returned, he renamed his son Francesco which means the Frenchman which people believe was in honor of his company success and excitement for things that are French.
As Francis grew older, he was known for his partying and drinking. After fighting in a war between Assisi and Perugia, Francis was arrested for ransom. He spent nearly a whole year waiting for his father to bail him out. After he was released from prison, Francis was sick emotionally and physically. Then all of a sudden Francis heard the voice of Christ. The voice told Francis to repair the Christian Church and live a life full of poverty. Therefore, Francis left his carefree wealthy life and then he became a follower of the faith. His good reputation quickly spread all over the world. After a while in his new life, Francis saw a vision that left him with the marks of the stigmata of Christ. He was the first person to receive the holy wounds from Christ. Francesco died on the 3rd October 1226 in Assisi , Umbria, Papal States. He was later canonized on the 16th July 1228 by Pope Gregory IX. Saint Francis’s Feast day is October 4th.
What I have learned from St Francis of Assisi is about giving and being selfless and not to take. I have also learned from St Francis of Assisi that where there is hatred, sow love, where there is despair, sow joy, where there is war, sow peace, where there is doubt, sow faith and where there is injury, sow pardon. St Francis is an inspiration to me because as he was younger he lived a wealthy carefree life, but until he heard the calling of God telling him to live a simple life. He has inspired me to stand up to those who have a higher position in the world. He also inspired me to be grateful for the things I have.
By: Fuatino.S
