Selasa, 18 November 2014

Looking For A Saint Francis Of Assisi Biography

By Christa Jarvis


Many people enjoy reading biographies for the insight they provide into the lives of interesting individuals. Reading a Saint Francis of Assisi biography reveals more about the life of a medieval saint. An author writing about him would have much material to draw from as several of his disciples wrote about him and there are also poems, letters and liturgical writings to examine.

A clear picture emerges from authentic documents of a man who managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of many of his contemporaries. His simplicity, love of nature and animals and his great compassion for the poor were evident in his life. However, he did not start off with such admirable qualities.

He grew up in Umbria in Italy with a rich merchant for a father, showing little interest in the business or in learning. He enjoyed the money he was given to spend on entertainment and fine clothes. He was known for his quick wit as well as his courteous behavior.

During a petty war between his town and another small town he became a prisoner for a full year. He also suffered some illness and slowly his thoughts turned more to things spiritual. A significant event at this time was when he gave all the money on him to a leper. He began devoting much attention to the poor and sick after this.

His beliefs eventually lead to him cutting himself off from his family and he wandered the highways, singing the praises of God and speaking to all about the love of God and the need for repentance. His beliefs were so sincere that a number of people started following him. One of his early disciples was a rich merchant who sold all his goods, gave the money to the poor and joined him.

Papal approval was received and the name Little Brothers (Friars Minor) was given to the order. The first Franciscan convent was formed, consisting of small huts with a hedge around them, built in grounds of the chapel of Porzuincola. This was a chapel Francis had helped to restore. Soon many more were attracted to the order and other communities began springing up all over.

This saint had a strong desire to reach the infidels and even shed his blood for Christ if needs be. His desire for a life of contemplation was set aside in his attempts to evangelize them. The simple lifestyle practiced by the order at the outset became less easy as the numbers grew. On his return from his journeys, Francis realized that changes had taken place. He feared that the brothers were moving away from the simple principles of poverty, chastity and obedience and spent the rest of his life trying to bring them back to this.

It was while he was praying during a 40 day fast in the latter part of his life that he saw a seraph in a vision and afterwards found a wound in his side and nails in his hands and feet. A clear and simple account of this happening and the stigmata that appeared was written by one of the brothers with him at the time. This is just one account in the life of a remarkable man who continues to inspire readers today.




About the Author:



Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar