Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
Place of Birth: Assisi in Central Italy
Description: Founder of Franciscan Order
Background: Little education; after experiencing a deep spiritual awakening, made a pilgrimage to Rome
Notable Practices: Adopted strict asceticism, which separated him from family and society; drafted set of rules for his life (1210)
Christian Work: Asked for and received papal permission to start a new order; monks (known as Friars Minor) took vow of poverty and went about two by two to preach, sing, care for sick; brotherhood spread; Franciscan Order put in his hands and given new rules (1222)
Writings: Francis and Clare, New York: Paulist Press, 1982
Biography: Adolf Holl, The Last Christian. A Biography of Francis of Assisi, Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, 1979.
