Klasztor i Bazylika Franciszkanów św. Franciszka z Asyżu, Krakow, Malopolskie Voivodeship, Poland

Jan Bernardone, which stuck to the name of Francis was born in Assisi (Italy) at the end of 1181 or the beginning of 1182 years in the merchant family. In przykatedralnej school taught Latin and accounts, which were useful to him in the mercantile profession with her father.

Trying to realize the dream of a knight’s career, in 1202 he took part in the war between Assisi and Perugia, where, after losing a year he was imprisoned. In 1205 years he tried his hand again, taking part in a military expedition to Apulia, but there has not arrived because of the inner voice that told him to turn back to Assisi.
Shortly thereafter, he touched lepers new experiences and acquired the truth about God, giving their presence felt on the ground, abandoned the previous life.

A clear example of his poor and free life, based on limitless trust in God’s goodness does not remain unnoticed.

In 1208 years joined his companions. When a group of enthusiasts began to grow, they went to Rome asking the Pope for approval of their way of life. Innocent III gave only verbal consent. In time, the brothers set out on a missionary journeys, preaching the love of God and calling for repentance. Alone, in the years 1219 to 1220 went to the Holy Land, Syria and Egypt.

In 1223 years, Pope Honorius III approved the official rule of the Order of Friars Minor, spending Bull “Solet annuere.” That same year, in Greccio, Francis and his brothers lived in a special way on Christmas night, when it was celebrated mass in the prepared scenery poor shed in the company of an ox and a donkey. For this event has grown a tradition of living nativity scene.

A year later, La Verna, where he experienced an annual period of fasting, the mystical vision received the stigmata. He is ailing and almost blind in Assisi died in the night 3 October 1226 year. His body was buried in the church. George. Two years later Pope Gregory IX proclaimed him a saint. In 1230, when the Franciscans already counted about 10 thousand brothers, the body of St. Francis was moved to the basilica dedicated to him, where it rests today.

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