St. Francis Of Assisi Research Paper

Born July 5 1182 to Pietro and Pica de Bourlemont, Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, also known as St. Francis of Assisi was a Catholic friar from Italy. St. Francis is considered one of most respected figures in religious history. Having lived a mundane youth, the saint turned to a religious life characterized by poverty, and founded the Order of Friars Minor, better known as the Franciscans. Marked by itinerant preaching, the order reinvented the common practice of Catholicism at the time. Until then, religious groups used to set up in monasteries. St. Francis believed that the Gospel should be strictly followed and the life of Christ should be mirrored. He identified himself with the life of the latter and the problems of people in a time …show more content…
He became a missionary and drew his first converts, including Peter Catrani, who would be his successor in the Order. After hearing a sermon about Matthew, Francis decided to live a life of poverty and follow Christ’s footsteps, thus creating the Order. He preached repentance and an active simple life. Him and his followers, dedicated to the care of lepers and preaching. Many miracles performed by him were reported. His fame spread and he received invitations to places in which him and the brothers could perform their roles. In 1214, he preached to the Moors. Eventually, he fell ill. His brothers continued and he retuned to Italy. He received the news that his community in Assisi was in crisis, and asked the pope for help. Some of his followers had abandoned the religious lifestyle, characterized by the rigor of the …show more content…
His later years were illustrated by repeated visions and miracles. Crowds followed him. His health began deteriorating; he suffered from vision problems and had strong headaches. Doctors were of no help. When his health improved, he travelled to Cortona. However, his health worsened and he was taken home. Sensing his death was approaching, he requested a friend, to bring the necessary for his burial. He instructed others to bury him naked, and in October 3, 1226, he passed away surrounded by friends after dictating his Testament. He was buried the day after. The townspeople surrounded the area in order to pay him respect. Less than two years after his death, Pope Gregory IX went to the city and canonized him. The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi was opened in his honor. There is a feast day dedicated to