St Francis of Assisi During the medieval ages many people depended on religion. Upon those people was Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, also known as St Francis of Assisi. Although St Francis lived a life full of wealth and content, he did not feel fulfilled by the way he lived his life. St. Francis was born around 1182 C. E. in the Italian city of Assisi. The son of Pietro di Bernardone and lady Pica he liked to speak French and fell in love with France and was given a good education, but was not a scholar. For instance,
Francis spent most of his time partying and "enjoying" life. He savored a very rich and effortless life where no one governed him and he was free to do what he pleased. Everyone adored him and he became the leader of a group of people that were addicted to participating in immoral acts. Therefore, Francis did not feel complete with his life as a wealthy person; he wanted to be a noble. Francis felt that battle was the perfect place to obtain the glory he strived for. For example, in 1202 Francis got his chance for glory and declared war on Perugia.
This shows that although he was eld captive for a year, chained in a harsh dark dungeon, he did not change his style of life. As a result he returned to his life full of wealth and pleasure. Soon after his release Francis became ill, and this caused him to consider the course of his life. Subsequently, in 1205 he set out to Join an expedition, but again felt ill. For example, Francis heard a voice telling him to return to Assisi, Italy. He later reflected on his life and had a change of heart. As a result, Francis' change of heart was symbolized by his encounter with a leper, a person suffering from leprosy, utside of Assisi.
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Afterwards Francis devoted his life to prayer and contemplation of God and Jesus of Nazareth. He gave all of his possessions to the poor and managed to change the trajectory of his life with the help of god. For example, Jesus spoke to Francis in the church of St. Damian, and told him to rebuild the church. He took cloth from his father's warehouse to help rebuild the church and his father became upset, therefore Francis gave up family ties and his riches to embrace a world of poverty. This shows that Francis now had nothing but at the same time he had everything.
As a result he preached a message of prayer and poverty, his character and charisma attracted followers. The people who followed Francis combined prayer with service to the poor to create a monastic ideal. His followers were known as the Friars Minors. Francis created a set of rules that were designed to let his followers live a simple life. His goal was for him and his followers to live a life as close to that of Jesus and his Apostles lives'. In conclusion, St. Francis devoted his life to God and helping others in need.
In 1219 Francis made an attempt to convert the Muslims in Damietta, Egypt. Sadly Sultan A1-Malik refused to convert to Christianity, and Francis returned to Italy. During his absence disaster had struck, thousands had Joined his order and it had fallen apart because it lacked a set of rules to keep order. This shows that they needed to establish a set ot rules and in 1 hey created a set ot rules that were approved by church leadership. Then in 1224 Francis received the stigmata, which were marks on the hands and feet resembling wounds from Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
This caused him great pain and his health continued to fail. Francis returned to Assisi where he died October 3, 1226. As a result he was later canonized as a saint July 16, 1228, because he helped others and followed the steps of God. In conclusion, St Francis of Assisi truly deserved being considered a saint. He came from a wealthy family and had all he could desire. But Francis did not feel absolute so he had a change in heart to live a basic life committed to god and helping others. Therefore his canonization was well Justified.
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