Francis is one of the most famous Christian saints. He was born
Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone into a wealthy family in Assisi in 1181. His
father was a silk merchant and was travelling in France when Giovanni was born;
he took to calling his son Francis in homage to his commercial success in
France. As a youth, Francis helped in his father’s business and hung out with a
lavish crowd. Even then, he had a heart for charity; he once gave away his
entire purse to a beggar, which resulted in mockery from his friends and anger
from his father.
In 1202, Francis joined a military expedition and was taken prisoner. He spent a year as a captive in the village of Collestrada. After his release, he resumed his previous lifestyle. In 1205, he left to reenlist, but on the way, he had a vision that called him to a more religious life. Francis felt called to identify with the poor, saying that he was marrying “Lady Poverty.” He returned to Assisi and avoided the parties and spending of his former friends. He made pilgrimage to Rome.
