Feast Day: October 04
Francis was born at Assisi in
Umbria and, following his father's example, as a young man became a merchant. After
recovering from a serious illness he began most eagerly to undertake works of charity and,
since his father indignantly objected, he gave up to him everything he had, adding that
henceforth he had a better right to say, "Our Father who art in heaven." Having
heard the Gospel words concerning the poverty of Apostles, he took off his sandals and
kept only one cloak and, when he had gained twelve disciples, founded the Order of Friars
Minor, This was confirmed by Pope Innocent III, who had been divinely forewarned, and it
spread in a wonderful way. Later Francis went to the solitude of Mount Alvernia where, on
the day of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, he received the stigmata from a Seraph
carrying between his wings the image of the Crucified; the traces of the nails and the
lance then appeared in his hands, feet and side. Two years afterwards he fell very ill
and, in the Church of St. Mary of the Angels where he had received the spirit of grace
from God, he exhorted the brothers to poverty, patience and the preservation of the faith
of the holy Roman Church and, on October 4, most lovingly breathed forth his soul.
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