(1181-1226) Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, nicknamed “Francesco,” was one of several children born to a wealthy merchant family in Italy. Popular with his peers and wanting to become a knight in his youth, Francis altered his life, renounced his inheritance, and set out to be brother and servant to all after an encounter with war, imprisonment, and, most importantly, God. He heard Christ ask him to “repair my house” and eventually founded the Franciscans. He received the stigmata around age 43, which persisted for the remaining two years of his life.
Members of Catholic in Recovery, and some in Alcoholics Anonymous, are familiar with the “Saint Francis Prayer,” which first appeared in a French magazine in the early 20th century and was popularized as a prayer for peace during both world wars. Though not written by Francis, the prayer reflects what Pope Benedict XVI said about Francis in a General Audience, January 27, 2010: “Looking at the testimony of Saint Francis, we understand that this is the secret of true happiness: to become saints, close to God!”
“Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society” (Saint Francis of Assisi).
Reflection by Brad Farmer