Saint Francis of Assisi
By: Catherine Canchola
About St. Francis of Assisi
Born: November 26, 1182
Born in Assisi, Italy
Died: October 3, 1226
Occupation: Catholic Friar
Biography
Saint Francis of Assisi was a Catholic friar who gave up a life of wealth to live a life of poverty. He established the Franciscan Order of friars and the women's Order of the Poor Ladies.
Visions from God
Around when Francis was 20-24 years old he began to see visions from God that changed his life. The first vision was when he was sick with a high fever. At first he thought that God had called him to fight in the Crusades. However he had another vision that told him to help the sick. Finally when praying in a church Francis heard God tell him to "Repair my church which is falling in ruins." And then Francis gave all his money to the church. His father became very angry with him. Francis then left his father's home and took a vow of poverty. (poor)
Death
Francis became ill and spent the last few years of his life mostly blind. He died in 1226 while singing Psalm 141. He was declared a St. of the Catholic Church only two years after his death.