by Sr. Veronica,
Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln
Who is St. Francis of Assisi, and what would he say to us today, living in a country known for its lifestyle of abundance, many seeking happiness in material things?
St. Francis, a thirteenth-century saint, is known for his joy. He had a love for all God’s creatures, even a rapport with animals. He is especially known for his joy of finding God in all God’s gifts. Today he is one of the most loved saints of the Catholic Church, loved by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Francis was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy cloth merchant and his wife. He grew up in the days of chivalry and knighthood, dreaming of one day being a famous knight himself. In 1202, the rival city of Perugia fought and defeated the city of Assisi. Many men of Assisi were imprisoned in Perugia, including young Francis. He returned home, wounded and ill, but his poor health did not shatter his dream.
When he was 23 years old, Francis joined the army of a famous knight, hoping to attain his goal. However, poor health again prevented his dream from being realized.
It was during his convalescence that Francis heard a voice ask him, “Is it better to serve the lord or the servant?”
Francis knew the answer, and his dream changed.
When praying in the rundown chapel of St. Damiano, again a voice spoke to him, “Francis, go and repair my church, which you see, is falling into ruin.” Taking the words literally, he began to beg stones to repair the little chapel. To finance the project, he also began to sell expensive cloth from his father’s shop while he was away on a business trip. Upon the father’s return, he was irate and dragged Francis to the local bishop for judgment.
It was here that Francis renounced his father and his father’s wealth, claiming God as his only Father. Thus Francis began a lifestyle of real poverty, depending only on Divine Providence of his Heavenly Father.
Living in utter poverty, Francis found his new life filled with simplicity and joy. His only desire was to live as Jesus had lived. In his own words, he had found perfect joy.
When I retired from the teaching ministry 15 years ago, I became involved in ministry at a large county jail. The experience was an eye-opener. There was very little joy among many of the incarcerated. Visiting with prisoners one on one, I heard stories of discouragement and disappointment. I soon recognized that many had not had any substantial religious education, to have even heard of Jesus and His personal love for them.
Many claimed no religious affiliation at all. One asked, “What are the Ten Commandments?” Some had been to church services or Sunday school “once or twice with Grandma.” Some had never been taught or encouraged to pray. Some could not think of anyone who might be praying for them in the present. As a result of the lack of Christian upbringing, many had made poor moral choices.
With their bad decisions had come unhappy consequences and a lack of hope. With a lack of hope had come a lack of joy in living.
Subsequently, many had tried to find joy by medicating themselves with drugs, alcohol, or sexual relationships. What would St. Francis say to them today? How would he tell them to find joy in life? Would he not say, “There is only one answer for all of us—JESUS!”
