Francis’ Early Life and Journey

• Born into a wealthy merchant family in 1182.
• Known for his charm, and leadership skills.
• Became a noble knight during the Assisi war on Perugia in1202.
• Captive in Perugia, after his release, he wandered aimlessly, seeking God’s guidance.

Francis’ Conversion and Journey

• Converted after 25 years of waiting, dedicating more time to prayer and contemplation in 1205.
• Met a leper, and saw it as a trial.
• Began preaching, urging people to return to God and obey the Church.
• Became a man of action, seeking approval for his brotherhood from Pope Innocent III in 1209.
• His brotherhood grew rapidly, reaching 5000 members in ten years and compelled to leave the hut in Rivotorto, the growing group moved to the Porziuncola in 1210.

Francis’ Final Years

• Felt suffering and humiliation, receiving the stigmata in 1224.
• Started to go blind due to years of poverty and wandering; during this time, he wrote the “Canticle of the Sun,” expressing his brotherhood with creation in 1225.
• Died on October 4, 1226, at age 44.
• Founded the Franciscan Order and is the patron saint of ecology.