Saint13th century · Feast October 4
Also known as Francesco d'Assisi, Il Poverello
Merchant's son turned poor brother, whose radical simplicity renewed the medieval Church and continues to move the world.
Francis renounced his family's wealth to embrace evangelical poverty, gathering brothers who preached the Gospel in the towns of Italy. He befriended the natural world, cared for lepers and, near the end of his life, received the wounds of Christ on Mount La Verna. Test
The thirteenth century was an age of new cities, new commerce and new religious hunger. Francis's poverty was a countercultural sign.
Radical poverty, joyful praise of creation and closeness to the crucified Christ.
Francis is a companion in questions of consumption, creation and simplicity, and a witness that joy and poverty can coexist.
People turn to St Francis of Assisi in matters of:
God of peace, by the example of St Francis lead us to simplicity, joy and love for all your creatures. Amen.
1181
Born in Assisi
1206
Renounces his inheritance
1209
Rule of life approved
1224
Receives the stigmata at La Verna
1226
Dies at Assisi
October 4 · Other
St Francis of Assisi
Source-quality status: unverified prototype
Thematic
A short pathway with saints whose lives passed through anxious seasons — and the small practices that steadied them.
Saint13th century · Feast August 11
Noblewoman who left everything to follow Christ in poverty, founding a contemplative community that endures today.
Saint6th century · Feast July 11
Father of Western monasticism whose Rule shaped Christian community life for fifteen centuries.