FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1181?-1226):
founder of the Franciscan Order and son of a wealthy
textile merchant. In 1202, while taking part in a feud in a nearby city, he was imprisoned
for over a year. This experience led him to reflect on life and make a PILGRIMAGE to Rome
in 1205. After a VISION, he began to rebuild the CHURCH of SAINT DAMIAN near Assisi. His
father, assisted by the local Bishop, attempted to forcibly restore him to a secular
vocation but he persisted in his religious convictions whereupon his father disowned him.
In 1209 he began preaching brotherly love, apostolic poverty and REPENTANCE. This led to
the founding of his Order and his original Rule. In 1224 he retired to a HERMITAGE to
spend the remainder of his life in PRAYER. During this time he composed his Canticle
to the Sun and is alleged to have borne the STIGMATA. He was CANONIZED two years
after his death.
