He died in 1226 and was named to sainthood by Pope Gregory IX two years later.įrancis underwent a spiritual conversion that ultimately never ended. Shortly before his death, Francis received the stigmata, wounds corresponding to those of Jesus at the crucifixion.
Likewise, he treated all of God’s creation with reverence and care, seeing in all things the reflection of God’s divine love. He went where no one else would go, bringing the healing message of God’s love to all.įrancis treated the impoverished and the marginalized with compassion and dignity, seeing the face of God in all he met. He preached the Gospel message and served the poor and the lepers in the valley. He was being called to revitalize the spirituality of God’s people.įrancis renounced his life of privilege and embraced a life of poverty, contemplation, and service to the poor. In time, however, he came to understand that God’s calling for him encompassed much more than the care of a structure. Taking this message quite literally, Francis began working to repair the San Damiano Church, which had fallen into disrepair. When he finally returned home, as he prayed before the crucifix in Assisi’s San Damiano Church, Francis heard the voice of God call out to him: “Repair my house.” After being captured and held as a prisoner of war in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, Francis experienced a spiritual conversion.
0 kommentar(er)
