ST.

GREGORY THE GREAT PROVINCIAL MAJOR SEMINARY

PARKOSO – KUMASI

COURSE:
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

ASSIGNMENT:
WRITE ABOUT ANY RELIGIOUS ORDER OF YOUR CHOICE

NAME:
STEPHEN OBENG YEBOAH
(SPIRITUAL YEAR)

LECTURER:
REV. FR. DR. BENEDICT ADU-FRIMPONG (PhD)

DATE
 APRIL 30, 2024.

THE LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, led a
remarkable life marked by profound spirituality, selflessness, and devotion to God. Renowned as
the patron saint of animals, ecology, and merchants, his legacy continues to inspire millions
worldwide. Here is a concise overview of his extraordinary journey:

Early Life:
Born into a wealthy family, Francis enjoyed a carefree youth, characterized by extravagance and
revelry. However, a series of transformative experiences, including encounters with lepers and a
vision from God, led him to renounce his material possessions and embrace a life of poverty and
simplicity.1
In 1209, Francis received papal approval for his religious order, “the Franciscans, dedicated to
living in poverty and serving the poor”,2 he attracted followers from all walks of life, inspiring
them through his humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.

In 1224, while praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata, wounds resembling
those of Christ’s crucifixion, making him the first recorded person to bear the marks of Christ’s
suffering.3 His spiritual influence continued to grow, drawing pilgrims and disciples seeking
guidance and solace.
Francis’s commitment to peace and reconciliation extended beyond Christian boundaries. In
1219, he traveled to Egypt, where he met with Sultan Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade,
engaging in dialogue and advocating for peace between Christians and Muslims.4
1
Chesterton G.K. “St. Francis of Assisi.” [Garden City, NY: Image Books, 1957], 15.
2
Saint Bonaventure, “The Life of St. Francis.” Translated by Ewert Cousins, [New York: HarperCollins,
1998], 32.
3
Thomas Celano, “The Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul.” Translated by Ignatius Brady. [New York:
Paulist Press, 1988], 45.
4
karen Armstrong, “Francis of Assisi: A Revolutionary Life.” [New York: Penguin Books, 2012], 62.

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St. Francis’s legacy endures through his teachings, writings, and the Franciscan order’s ongoing
work. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, just two years after his death.
His feast day is celebrated on October 4th, a testament to his enduring impact on the Catholic
Church and beyond.
This condensed overview captures the essence of St. Francis of Assisi’s remarkable life,
highlighting his profound spirituality, commitment to poverty, and enduring legacy.

THE RELIGIOUS ORDER OF FRANCISCANS

The Franciscan Order, officially known as the Order of Friars Minor, was founded by St. Francis
of Assisi in the early 13th century. Emerging during a time of social upheaval and religious fervor,
the order quickly gained prominence for its radical commitment to poverty, simplicity, and
service to the marginalized. Here is an overview of the Franciscan Order and its enduring legacy:
St. Francis of Assisi, inspired by his encounter with Christ and his teachings, established the
Franciscan Order in 1209 with the approval of Pope Innocent III.5 The order’s charism centered
on the imitation of Christ’s poverty, humility, and love for all creation. Francis exhorted his
followers to embrace a life of simplicity, detachment from material wealth, and devotion to
prayer and service.

The Franciscan Order evolved into three main branches: the Friars Minor (First Order), the Poor
Clares (Second Order), and the Third Order. The Friars Minor, composed of men, engaged in
itinerant preaching, ministering to the poor, and living in community. The Poor Clares, founded
by St. Clare of Assisi, consisted of women living a contemplative life of prayer and manual
labor. The Third Order, comprised of laypeople and secular clergy, sought to live out the
Franciscan ideals in their everyday lives.6

The Franciscans rapidly spread across Europe and beyond, establishing friaries, missions, and
schools. Their commitment to poverty, humility, and solidarity with the poor resonated with
5
Chesterton G.K. “St. Francis of Assisi.”[Garden City, NY: Image Books, 1957], 25.
6
Saint Bonaventure,“The Life of St. Francis.” Translated by Ewert Cousins, [New York:
HarperCollins, 1998], 40.

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people from all walks of life. The order played a significant role in promoting social justice,
education, and interfaith dialogue.

Franciscan spirituality is characterized by a deep reverence for creation, an emphasis on

simplicity and fraternity, and a profound love for Christ. The Franciscan tradition includes
practices such as contemplative prayer, Eucharistic devotion, and a special devotion to the
humanity of Christ and his passion.
Today, the Franciscan Order continues its mission of serving the poor, promoting peace, and
caring for creation. Franciscan friars and sisters are active in various ministries, including
education, healthcare, and advocacy for the marginalized. Their commitment to the Franciscan
values of poverty, humility, and fraternity remains as relevant as ever in a world marked by
inequality and injustice.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
Prayer and Contemplation: St. Francis emphasized the importance of prayer as a means of
deepening one’s relationship with God and nurturing the inner spiritual life.
Embrace of Poverty: Following Christ’s example of poverty, Francis encouraged his followers to
renounce worldly possessions and live a life of simplicity and humility.

Service to Others: Francis believed in the importance of serving others, especially the poor and
marginalized, as a way of expressing love for God and neighbor.
Harmony with Nature: Known for his love of creation, Francis saw all of nature as a reflection of
God’s beauty and encouraged stewardship of the environment.
Acts of Charity: Francis practiced acts of charity and compassion towards those in need,
demonstrating the importance of kindness and generosity.
Emulation of Christ’s Life: Francis sought to imitate Christ in all aspects of his life, particularly
in his humility, obedience, and self-sacrificial love.

Spiritual Discipline: Francis advocated for spiritual discipline through practices such as fasting,
self-denial, and self-examination, as a means of growing closer to God.

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Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Francis promoted forgiveness and reconciliation, encouraging
his followers to let go of grudges and reconcile with others in the spirit of peace and love.

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References

ARMSTRONG, KAREN, “Francis of Assisi: A Revolutionary Life.” New York: Penguin Books,
2012.

BONAVENTURE, SAINT, “The Life of St. Francis.” Translated by Ewert Cousins. New York:
HarperCollins, 1998.

CELANO, THOMAS, “The Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul.” Translated by Ignatius

Brady. New York: Paulist Press, 1988.

G.K, CHESTERTON, “St. Francis of Assisi.” Garden City, NY: Image Books, 1957.