Saint Francis of Assisi
Stories of the Saints
Inspiring Lives of Faith and Virtue
By: Ulysses C. Ybiernas | October 4, 2021
Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals
In the small town of Assisi, nestled among the hills of Italy, a young man named Francesco Bernardone was born in 1182. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, Pietro, and grew up in the lap of luxury, surrounded by fine clothes, lavish feasts, and the promise of a prosperous future. Francesco, known affectionately as "Francesco" or "Francis," was once a carefree, jovial youth who loved to revel in the pleasures of the world.
However, the life of wealth and indulgence did not bring him lasting joy. At the age of 20, Francis fought in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, hoping for glory and honor, but he was captured and imprisoned for a year. The experience was a turning point in his life. During his imprisonment, Francis had time to reflect on his life, and when he was finally released, he returned home with a deep sense of emptiness.
As he wandered through the fields and streets of Assisi, seeking meaning, he had a profound spiritual awakening. One day, while praying at the dilapidated chapel of San Damiano, Francis heard the voice of Christ call out, "Francis, go and rebuild My Church, which is falling into ruin."
At first, Francis thought the message was about restoring the chapel itself. He sold some of his father's goods to finance repairs, but this act of defiance angered his father. In front of the town's bishop, Francis renounced his wealth and inheritance, stripping off his fine clothes and saying, "I will no longer call Pietro Bernardone my father. I have found my true Father in heaven."
From that moment, Francis embraced a life of poverty, humility, and service. He wandered the hills, living among the poor and lepers, embracing the suffering he once sought to avoid. His simple, joyful love for all creatures, human and animal alike, began to draw others to him. They, too, desired to follow his example of living the Gospel in its purest form.
Yet, Francis faced many challenges. The world was not kind to those who rejected wealth and power. He was often misunderstood, mocked by those who valued status over virtue. His brothers, the first followers he had gathered, also faced doubts and struggles as they tried to live according to his vision.
But Francis remained steadfast, his heart full of love for God and for all creation. He preached not only to people but also to animals, believing that all creatures were siblings in God's creation. In one famous moment, he preached to a flock of birds, urging them to praise God for the beauty of creation. The birds, as if understanding, remained still and silent, listening to his words.
The challenges Francis faced, both internal and external, were many. His health deteriorated, and he suffered from painful illnesses. Despite this, his spirit remained unbroken. In 1224, while praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata, the five wounds of Christ, on his hands, feet, and side. This miraculous sign deepened his union with the suffering of Jesus.
present-day Assisi in Italy
Francis died in 1226, at the age of 44, surrounded by his brothers. The simple, humble man who had once been a wealthy youth had transformed into one of the most beloved saints in history. His life, marked by radical love, peace, and joy, was a living testament to the power of grace and humility.
In 1228, just two years after his death, Pope Gregory IX declared Francis a saint. His legacy endures, not in the wealth he renounced, but in the lives he touched with his love for God and all of creation.
St. Francis' remains lie on this tomb, in Assisi, Italy
And so, the man who once sought glory and riches found his true calling in poverty, humility, and the service of others, becoming a saint whose life continues to inspire millions around the world.
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