Who is St. Francis?

St. Francis of Assisi, distinguished on earth as a visionary Italian mystic and a gifted poet, is the founder of the Franciscan Order. His deep devotion to living in poverty and fraternity, boundless mercy for others and profound reverence for all creation has inspired generations.   

Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in Assisi, Italy, around 1181–1182, Francis grew up in a wealthy merchant family. Yet, after encountering the hardships of military service and imprisonment, he experienced a life-altering transformation.  

By age 25, inspired by powerful spiritual encounters, he renounced his worldly comforts to adopt a life of poverty and humility. In 1209, enlivened by his calling, Francis established the Franciscan Order, beginning a movement of compassion, simplicity and service that endures today. 

Did you know? 

Following his experience as a prisoner of war, Francis no longer felt as though he fit in the wealthy merchant class society in which he grew up. One day, he stopped to pray in the crumbling Church of San Damiano outside of Assisi. As he prayed before an icon of the crucified Christ, he heard a voice say, “Francis, rebuild my church.” Taking this message literally, he hurried home and sold his father’s inventory to raise money to restore the building. 

When his father heard this, he became enraged and publicly disowned Francis. In turn, Francis stripped himself naked in the public square and declared “Henceforth, I shall say ‘My Father who art in heaven’, not ‘My father Pietro Bernadone.’” From then on, Francis lived as a mendicant, owning nothing but a rough tunic and begging to support himself. 

St. Francis and the leper 

One of the most powerful spiritual encounters in Francis’s life was his encounter with the leper. In Francis’s time, lepers were social outcasts forced to live outside the city walls and required to ring a bell to announce their presence so other people could avoid them. 

One day, while riding his horse near Assisi, Francis encountered a leper on the road. He felt terrified and revolted, a common attitude for many in his day, but overcame his discomfort to show the leper mercy. Dismounting from his horse, he ran to embrace him and gave him his tunic. 

This was the beginning of Francis’s special concern for outcasts. Later, in his own words, he wrote in his “Testament”: 

“[I began] doing penance in this way: for when I was in sin, it seemed too bitter to me to see lepers. And the Lord himself led me among them and I showed mercy to them. And when I left them, what had seemed bitter to me was turned into sweetness of soul and body.”  

Did you know? 

Franciscans continue to care for the poor, the alienated and the marginalized in a variety of ways, from providing food and financial aid and health care to creating places of welcome and community. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Find a Franciscan ministry near you to volunteer – or consider becoming a friar! 

St. Francis and St. Clare 

Similar to Francis, St. Clare of Assisi lived an opulent life as a member of the nobility before her conversion. But as a child, she exemplified kindness, generosity and spirituality – qualities attributed later to the Franciscans. The traditional plan for her to marry well and live an equally comfortable life met a crossroads when Clare heard Francis preach at a Lenten service in the Church of San Giorgio in Assisi, proclaiming the Gospel as few in her time could. 

On Palm Sunday in 1212, Clare courageously left her home to join Francis in a life of poverty, prayer and service. Clare, the first Franciscan woman, took up her habit and, together with the women who joined her, settled at the Church of San Damiano. There she would live for over 40 years, supporting the surrounding community through manual labor and prayer. Devoted to living a life of strict poverty, she eventually wrote a Rule of Life based on Francis’s teachings and established the Order of Poor Ladies, later the Order of St. Clare. 

Did you know? 

Francis was named Giovanni (John), but his father started calling him Francesco (“the Frenchman”) as a child for unknown reasons. Unlike some who choose religious names after taking vows, Francis did not pick his own.   

St. Francis and the Canticle of the Creatures 

St. Francis’s love of nature continues to endear him to modern Christians. Yet his love of creation was simply an extension of his deep love for the Creator.  

In the spring of 1225, after receiving the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) at La Verna, St. Francis of Assisi spent 50 days at the Monastery of San Damiano. During a night of suffering, St. Francis was visited by the Lord, who assured the Franciscan founder of his love and salvation.   

Filled with gratitude, St. Francis was inspired to compose the Canticle of the Creatures, a song celebrating that creation manifests the goodness of God. The Canticle is an expression for St. Francis, and for us all, of thanks for God’s many gifts and a reminder of the interdependence between humans and creation.  

 Did you know? 

The Canticle of the Creatures served as the inspiration for Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’ (the first words of the Canticle in Italian, which translate to “Praise be to you”). The encyclical’s subtitle, “Care for Our Common Home,” calls us to live out our faith by caring for the natural environment and all people, especially those most of need of God’s healing and love. Learn more about the Canticle and integral ecology in this video.  

St. Francis and the wolf 

Many legends connect St. Francis and the natural world. St. Francis of Assisi reportedly tamed the Wolf of Gubbio, known for attacking people and livestock, by praying and commanding it to cease its violence as it charged him, teeth bared. The wolf reportedly rested his head in Francis's hands and followed him to the countryside hamlet.  

There, Francis spoke about forgiveness and explained the agreement with the townsfolk: if they fed the wolf, he would stay peaceful. The wolf lived two more years, became beloved by the villagers and was mourned when he passed away from old age. A church today marks the spot where Francis calmed him. Francis is sometimes pictured with the Wolf of Gubbio in artwork.   

Frequently asked questions 

What happens on St. Francis’s feast day? 

Oct. 4 commemorates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated with meaningful events in homage to his profound humility, reverence for all living things and unwavering pledge to God's grace. The night before the Feast of St. Francis, the Franciscan family traditionally gathers for a Transitus service that commemorates the saint’s passing to eternal life. Learn about this year’s events here. 

Blessing of the Animals 

Pets are brought to church for a blessing to honor Francis's love of animals on or near his feast day. Find a pet blessing near you. 

Why is St. Francis so special? 

St. Francis, patron saint of animals, ecology, merchants and Italy, is frequently shown with God's creatures and is honored for his connections to nature and trade. Pope Gregory IX canonized him in 1228, two years after Francis’s death. Francis is revered for his humility and service, pillars of the Order of Friars Minor, marked by his concern for the poor and marginalized. In addition to his care for God's creation, Francis also highly regarded the Blessed Mother as the most perfect example of loyalty and discipleship. 

Did you know? 

Many Franciscan ministries bear the name of the Order’s founder. For example, St. Francis Inn is a Catholic Franciscan soup kitchen that has served meals in Philadelphia's Kensington Avenue neighborhood every day since 1979.