October 4
Francis of Assisi, Founder (c. 1181–1226)
Deacon and founder
Practical advice
As an offering to the Lord, give your time first to the person who needs it most, remembering that holiness is built in ordinary life.
Biography
Francis of Assisi left behind wealth and social ambition to follow the poor and crucified Christ with radical simplicity. He embraced lepers, rebuilt churches, preached conversion, and gathered brothers who wished to live the Gospel without possessions. His joy, humility, love for creation, reverence for the Eucharist, and desire for peace drew many people to renewal. He founded the Friars Minor, inspired the Poor Clares, and helped form a lay Third Order. Near the end of his life he received the stigmata, bearing in his body a sign of his union with Christ.
Example of
Self-givingPerseveranceFounder