Foundations

Blessed Among Us

St. Francis of Assisi  Founder, Friars Minor (1182–1226)

St. Francis was born in Assisi in the year 1182, son of a wealthy cloth merchant and a French mother. As a young man he was known for an active, frivolous social life but his heart longed for more. He lived during a time of considerable social upheaval, with a rising middle class that left behind many in poverty and a clash between rival Italian city states seeking power and advantage. Francis went off to fight for the Assisi forces in battles with neighboring Perugia. Injured and captured, he suffered imprisonment and a long recuperation from his injuries, giving him much time to think about the direction of his life. His father secured his release and Francis returned to Assisi, still searching for meaning. He prepared to take off to battle a second time, when a vision caused him to return to Assisi and deepen his search.

Renouncing the carefree lifestyle, he spent much time in prayer. A mystical vision before a crucifix in a chapel at San Damiano and an encounter with a leper were pivotal moments in his conversion. Though initially he misunderstood the request of Jesus that he “rebuild his Church” to mean repairing chapels which had fallen into ruin, he then began to focus his efforts on preaching the Gospel with great joy and living a life of poverty and service to the poor.

Others were attracted to his way of life and a group of followers came to be known as the Friars Minor, the First Order. Eventually women under the leadership of Clare of Assisi, a lifelong friend and follower of Francis, evolved into the cloistered Poor Clares, the Second Order. For people who could not leave their stations in life but desired to follow Francis, he formed the Third Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance, including laity and clergy who had their own rule incorporating Franciscan values. The secular Franciscan Order has its roots in the Third Order.

St. Francis is known for his great humility, radical dedication to Lady Poverty and devotion to the Eucharist. He organized the first live nativity and went on a peace mission to the Muslims during the Crusades. His connection to all of creation is highlighted in his masterpiece, Canticle of the Creatures.  There is much more to tell about the life of St. Francis and many excellent biographies available. See references below for suggestions.

 

JPIC Animators Handbook: This resource booklet (ctrl-click HERE) may be used as a guide for local and regional fraternities to further understand the meaning of JPIC and solid ways to make it part of life and ministry.   

Catholic Social Teachings: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching.cfm

Secular Franciscans USA JPIC: https://secularfranciscansusa.org/jpic/





Putting it All Together