Believed to be born around 1181-1182, St. Francis of Assisi was initially baptized as Giovanni but was then renamed as Francesco. He was born into a well-to-do family– his father was a merchant and his mother was believed to be part of a French noble family. He grew up to be a popular young noble with his lavish lifestyle and exuberant personality. He was not very studious as a child and even when he grew up he did not show any interest in his father’s business. Instead he wanted to be a knight. In 1202, he joined the men of Assisi in the war between Assisi and Perugia where they were defeated. He was captured and taken in as a prisoner for almost a year. St. Francis fell ill due to the miserable conditions in the prison.
St. Francis had many episodes of receiving visions but there were two visions that were notable. These visions, among others, led him to embrace a life of poverty. He renounced all worldly possessions and dedicated himself to repairing and refurbishing churches. He listened to mass and preached to townspeople. He attracted followers and started leading a group of 12 disciples. They went to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III to recognize his order. On April 12, 1210, Pope Innocent III gave his oral approval of the Franciscan rule of life. This marked the official founding of the Franciscan order.
St. Francis became totally blind later on in his life. He was also in constant pain brought on by the stigmata. He died on October 3, 1226 at the age of 44 in Assisi, Italy. Only two years after his death, he was already canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228 by his former protector Pope Gregory IX.
