Saint Francis of Assisi

Francis was born in Assisi, Umbria, around 1181, son of the wealthy merchant Pietro di Bernardone. His youth was marked by festivities, dreams of military glory, and love of earthly goods — until serious illness and encounters with lepers began to change his heart.

In 1206, praying before the crucifix at San Damiano chapel, he heard Christ say: “Rebuild my Church.” Francis understood that mission began with personal conversion and radical renunciation of wealth.

He donned a poor habit, restored ruined chapels, and drew companions. In 1209 the Order of Friars Minor was born, approved by Pope Innocent III. Francis sought to live the Gospel literally: without property, in fraternity, proclaiming Christ's peace.

In 1223 he instituted the living Nativity at Greccio, a devotion that endured for centuries. In 1224, on Mount Alverna, he received the stigmata — the marks of Christ's Passion on his body — a sign of deep mystical union.

Blind and weakened, he composed the Canticle of the Creatures, praising God for sun, moon, water, and death, our sister. He died on October 3, 1226, singing. He was canonized in 1228 by Gregory IX.

His liturgical feast is celebrated on October 4. The prayer for peace linked to his name expresses the Franciscan desire to be God's instrument — though the text became widely known especially in the twentieth century.