Francis of Assisi

The Lives Of The Saints: Volume 11, October, Pt. 1 · S. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, C.

S. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, C.

(a.d. 1226.)

[Roman and Franciscan Martyrologies. Canonized by Gregory IX., in 1228. Authorities: — (1) A Life by Thomas de Celano, his disciple.

(2) Another Life by S. Bonaventura (d. 1274). (3) A Life, perhaps by Thomas Ceprani, fl 1245. (4) An Appendix to the Life by Thomas de Celano, by three associates of the Saint, Brothers Leo, Rufinus, and Angelus; published by the Bollandists. (5) “ Speculum vitae S. Fran- cisci,” a singular work, composed subsequently, perhaps in the 14th cent. There are several editions, one of Metz of 1509, another of Ant- werp of 1620, a third of Cologne of 1623, all somewhat differing from one another. The “Speculum” is of no historical value towards the

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Biographical overview

Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181 – 3 October 1226), known as Francis of Assisi, was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Inspired to lead a Christian life of poverty, he became a beggar and an itinerant preacher. One of the most venerated figures in Christianity, Francis was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 16 July 1228. He is commonly portrayed wearing a brown habit with a rope tied around his waist, featuring three knots symbolizing the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. In 1219, Francis went to Egypt in an attempt to convert the sultan Al-Kamil and put an end to the conflict of the Fifth Crusade. In 1223, he arranged for the first live nativity scene as part of the annual Christmas celebration in Greccio. According to Christian tradition, Francis displayed stigmata resembling the wounds on the hands and feet of crucified Christ during the apparition of a seraphic angel in a religious ecstasy in 1224. Francis is associated with patronage of animals and the environment. It became customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October, which became World Animal Day. Francis was noted for his devotion to the Eucharist. Along with Catherine of Siena, Francis was designated patron saint of Italy. He is also the namesake of the city of San Francisco. The feast of Francis' stigmatization is 17 September.

The Lives Of The Saints: Volume 11, October, Pt. 1 · S. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, C.

(a.d. 1226.)

[Roman and Franciscan Martyrologies. Canonized by Gregory IX., in 1228. Authorities: — (1) A Life by Thomas de Celano, his disciple.

(2) Another Life by S. Bonaventura (d. 1274). (3) A Life, perhaps by Thomas Ceprani, fl 1245. (4) An Appendix to the Life by Thomas de Celano, by three associates of the Saint, Brothers Leo, Rufinus, and Angelus; published by the Bollandists. (5) “ Speculum vitae S. Fran- cisci,” a singular work, composed subsequently, perhaps in the 14th cent. There are several editions, one of Metz of 1509, another of Ant- werp of 1620, a third of Cologne of 1623, all somewhat differing from one another. The “Speculum” is of no historical value towards the

* — — *

Digitized by LjOOQle

Digitized by

Googl

Oct. 4.]