St. Francis of Assisi HD

Introduction to St. Francis00:00:10

St. Francis of Assisi is a beloved saint, patron of animals, merchants, and ecology. He was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, to wealthy parents, and was nicknamed Francis by his silk merchant father after France.

Early Life and Initial Conversion00:00:32

Francis enjoyed a comfortable youth, though he admitted to living in sin during his teenage years. Thirsting for glory, he set out to join the Fourth Crusade, but God intervened, telling him to return home. He obeyed, and later, encountering a leper, was moved with compassion and kissed him, after which the man vanished, leading Francis to believe God was testing him.

Final Conversion and Renunciation of Wealth00:01:05

His final conversion began in a dilapidated church where he heard God's call to rebuild it. Initially misunderstanding, he stole money from his father to literally rebuild the church. When his father sued him, Francis renounced his inheritance and family, dedicating his life to serving the poor.

Life of Service and Legacy00:01:37

Francis lived on the streets, relying on God, caring for the sick and poor, and becoming legendary for his compassion, even rumored to talk to animals. Followers gathered around him, leading to the establishment of the Franciscan Order. He lived a holy life and was canonized just two years after his death, with many miracles attributed to his intercession.