Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Francis de Paul, and Saint Peter penitent

SS. Francis of Assisi and Francis de Paul, with St Peter (%3F) Wellcome V0017336

== Saint Francis of Assisi ==

Saint Francis of Assisi (Italian: San Francesco d'Assisi; born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone; 1181/1182 – October 3, 1226) was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon, and preacher. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of Saint Clare, the Third Order of Saint Francis and the Custody of the Holy Land. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity.

Early Life

Francis was born in Assisi, Umbria, to Pietro di Bernardone, a wealthy cloth merchant, and Pica de Bourlemont, a noblewoman. He was originally named Giovanni, but his father renamed him Francesco, reflecting his love for France.

Religious Conversion

In his early twenties, Francis experienced a series of events that led to his conversion. He renounced his father's wealth and devoted himself to a life of poverty and service to the poor. He began preaching around Assisi and attracted a group of followers who wished to live a life of poverty and simplicity.

Founding of the Franciscan Orders

In 1209, Francis and his followers received approval from Pope Innocent III to form a new religious order, the Order of Friars Minor. The order grew rapidly, and Francis traveled extensively to preach and establish new communities. He also founded the Order of Saint Clare for women and the Third Order of Saint Francis for laypeople who wished to live according to Franciscan principles.

Later Life and Death

In 1224, Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, making him the first recorded person to bear these marks. He died on October 3, 1226, and was canonized as a saint by Pope Gregory IX on July 16, 1228.

Legacy

Saint Francis is known for his love of nature and animals, and he is often depicted with birds and other creatures. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Saint Francis de Paul

Saint Francis de Paul (Italian: San Francesco di Paola; March 27, 1416 – April 2, 1507) was an Italian mendicant friar and the founder of the Order of Minims. He is known for his humility, piety, and miracles.

Early Life

Francis was born in Paola, Calabria, to a poor but devout family. From a young age, he showed a strong inclination towards religious life and spent time in a Franciscan friary.

Founding of the Order of Minims

In 1435, Francis founded the Order of Minims, a religious order that emphasized humility, penance, and charity. The order grew rapidly, and Francis established several monasteries in Italy and France.

Later Life and Death

Francis spent his later years in France, where he was invited by King Louis XI to serve as his spiritual advisor. He died on April 2, 1507, and was canonized by Pope Leo X in 1519.

Legacy

Saint Francis de Paul is remembered for his deep humility and commitment to a life of penance. He is the patron saint of boatmen, mariners, and naval officers.

Saint Peter Penitent

Saint Peter Penitent (also known as Saint Peter the Penitent) is a lesser-known saint in the Catholic Church. His life and deeds are not as well-documented as those of other saints.

Life

Little is known about the early life of Saint Peter Penitent. He is believed to have lived a life of severe penance and asceticism, dedicating himself to prayer and repentance.

Veneration

Saint Peter Penitent is venerated for his commitment to a life of penance and his example of humility and repentance. His feast day is celebrated on date.

Related Pages

• Order of Friars Minor
• Order of Saint Clare
• Third Order of Saint Francis
• Pope Innocent III
• Pope Gregory IX
• Pope Leo X
• King Louis XI

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