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Saint Essay DV

Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi is the saint of animals, ecology, and merchants. I chose St. Francis because I wanted to know more about him. I already knew that he was the patron saint of animals, but not a saint for merchants, people who trade, and ecology, the environment. Everyone knows him as a good person as a child, but I didn't truly believe it. Since he was from a rich family, I thought he was spoiled and stubborn so I wanted to research St. Francis.

St. Francis of Assisi was born in Italy circa 1181. His real name was Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, but was nicknamed Fracesco for short. His father was a prosperous silk merchant and had 7 other siblings. As a child and teen, Francis was spoiled and wasted money carelessly. Francis was very stubborn and left school when he was 14 years old. Many say he was a rebel and broke the city curfew, but was known for his charm and his fine dressing. He lived a happy life, common for a rich young man, and fought as a soldier for Assisi. While Francis was at war in 1204, he had a dream that told him to go back home. Because of that dream, he lost his taste in war life. On a journey to Rome, he joined the poor and hungry in St.Peter's Basilica. This new experience and feeling moved him to live his life in poverty. Once he returned home, Francis began preaching on the streets about the catholic faith. His Order was approved by Pope Innocent III in 1210. Afterward, he founded the Order of the Poor Clares, which is for women. Francis also established the Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance, but also know as the Third Order. In 1219, he went to Egypt to try to convert the Sultan and end the conflict of the Crusaders. After finishing his work, St. Francis died October 3, 1226.

St. Francis demonstrates the holy and apostolic marks of the Church. He is holy because he talked and showed the people he met about the sacraments and was part of the Church along with other religious preachers. Francis shows the apostolic mark by preaching the teachings of Jesus and showed his feelings about the Catholic faith. He told people of Jesus and built a church in Assisi.

We can learn a lot from St. Francis of Assisi. He was spoiled and stubborn at first, but changed as he grew and had the vision. We can be like him and be compassionate towards those who are poor and homeless. Caring about our environment and animals are things are things that Francis did in Assisi. Many people, the rich and poor, can learn to be caring and humble from St. Francis. He influenced everyone who knew the summery of his life. I know more about St. Francis and how to be more like him.

Bib:

"St. Francis of Assisi Biography." // Bio.com //. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2013.