St Francis Of Assisi (1181-1226)
Saint, Founder of the Franciscan Order, Stigmatist, Prophet
1181
Birth of Francis, son of Peter Bernardone and Lady Pica in Assisi. He is baptised John in the church of San Rufino, renamed Francis by his father upon his return from a trip to France.
1195 – 96
At the age of 14 or 15, Francis offically enters the trade of his father, a cloth merchant, becoming a member of the Corporation of Merchants.
1198
Destruction of the Rocca Maggiore fortress in Assisi by the townspeople. Francis participate in the uprising and later collaborates in the restoration of the firtress. He learns the rudiments of mansonry.
1199
Civil was in Assisi. The city emancipated and becomes a Commune. Beginnings of the conflicts, which the neighboring city of Perugia.
1202
Battle of Ponte San Giovanni between Assisi and Perugia (November). Francis takes part in the battle and is improsoned in Perugia for a year. Onset of his ill health.
1203
Francis is ransomed and returns to Assisi seriously ill.
1204
Long convalescence: inner changes.
1205-06
Military campaigns in Apulia: Francis joins the Crusade of the papal army (Spring 1205). Health relapse on the way to Spoleto. A vision commands him to return home. Francis’ progressive withdrawal from the company of his friends and wordly life. Intervals of solitude and prayer. He serves the lepers and spends time with the poor. At San damiano, he hears a call from the Cross and begins a stint as a manual laborer by restoring the chapel. He adopts the hermit’s garb. Sale of the cloth at the fair in Foligno. Start of the conflict with his father.
1206
Francis’s trial before the Bishop Guido as demanded by his father (Spring) Renunciation of his worldly belongings. The bishop takes him under his wings.
1206-08
Ongoing work as penitent-mason: restoration of the churches of San Damiano, San Pietro, and Santa Maria degli Angeli (Portincula)
1208
Francis hears the Gospel of the feast of St. Matthias (February, 24). He becomes aware of his vocation: to live as a disciple of Jesus. Start of preaching and itinerancy in the vicinity of Assisi. Within a few months the first companions arrive (Bernard, Peter, Giles, and others). First missions outside of Umbria (Spring)
1209
The first twelve brothers present themselves before Pope Innocent III. Francis had written a brief “form of life.” Oral approval by the pope (Spring)
1209-10
The brothers settle in at the Portincula, the mother church of the Order of the Friars Minor. Communal period: organisation into provinces, convening of the brotherhood in “chapters”, establishment of obligatory novitiate, the place of studies, preaching and missions, formulation of the life plan.
1220
Francis’s return from a trip to the East. Internal difficulties in the Order. Francis renounces his post as Minister general, designates Peter of Catanii as his successor. At Francis’ request, Rome names Cardinal Hugolino as protector of the order. Rapid detoriation of his health (ophthalmitis, ulcers, fevrs, dropsy). Repeated Admonitions and Letters sent to the brothers and various categories of people (the faithfulm rulers, clerics, etc.)
1221
General Chapter (May 30). The Earlier Rule is written.
1223
Redaction of the Later Rule, discussed at a Chapter, approved by a Bull of Honorious III (November 29). Christmas celebration in the grotto at Greccio.
1224
Saint Michael’s Lent at Mount la Verna. On or about the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Francis receives the stigmata of the Passion.
1225
Worsening of Francis’ physical condition. He is treated by cauterization of his aphthalmitis. Sojourn at San damioano, he experiences the dark night of the soul. Composition of the Canticle of Creatures in the aftermath of a quarrel between the podesta of Assisi and the bishop. Another treatment for his eye ailment.
1226
Redaction of his Testament; death of Francis at the Portincula on October 3, burial at the church of Saint George.
1228
Francis is canonized by his friend Hugoliono, now Pope Gregory IX.
1229
Transportation of his body to the crypt of the new basilica built in his honor.
Books
Dive into the life of St. Francis, discover his love for God, creation, and simple living.
The Saint, Francis of Assisi: Early Documents
Volume I
by Regis J. Armstrong (Editor), O.F.M. Conv. J. A. Wayne Hellmann (Editor), O.F.M William J. Short (Editor)
The Founder, Francis of Assisi: Early Documents
Volume II
by Regis John Armstrong (Editor), O.F.M. Conv. J. A. Wayne Hellmann (Editor), O.F.M William J. Short (Editor)
The Prophet, Francis of Assisi: Early Documents
Volume III
by O.F.M. Cap. Regis John Armstrong (Author), O.F.M. Conv. J. A. Wayne Hellmann (Author), O.F.M William J. Short (Author)
Movies
Let St. Francis’ life guide your journey of faith.
Clare and Francis
2007
Written by Francesco Arlanch, Directed by Fabrizio Costa
The Flowers of St. Francis
1950
Directed by Roberto Rossellini, Written by Roberto Rossellini and Federico Fellini
Saint Francis
2002
Directed by Michele Soavi
Francesco
1989
Directed by Liliana Cavani, Written by Liliana Cavani, Roberta Mazzoni
