Francis believed in the simplicity of life, poverty, and humility before God. He worked to care for the poor, and one of his first actions after his conversion was to care for lepers. Thousands were drawn to his sincerity, piety, and joy. In all his actions, Francis sought to follow fully and literally the way of life demonstrated by Christ in the Gospels.
St. Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi, Umbria in 1181. His history shows that his father was a wealthy merchant and that Francis was planning on following in his father's footsteps. Unfortunately, Francis was swept away by an attack on Perugia, and was taken hostage where he fell ill. Because of his severe illness, Francis turned to religion and prayer. Although Francis became better, and enlisted into the military, he knew that God had called him to care for the sick, and in 1206, Francis received a vision of Christ asking him to repair his Church. .
While Francis was in the process of repairing a Church in San Damiano (near Assisi), his father grew embarrassed. Because of Francis" new passion in life, Christ, his father became irate and imprisoned him; later, Francis" father sent him to the bishop, where he gave up all of his possessions, including the clothes on his back and joined the brotherhood known as Friars Minor.
The friars moved back to Assisi and lived in small huts traveling throughout central Italy. The friars preached the life of Christ and Francis used his skills and love for the Lord to write prayers and hymns. At this time Francis joined the Crusaders and had the opportunity to preach to the Sultan of Egypt. .
Francis became a renowned preacher and people from afar traveled to hear him speak. Many people also followed his writings and teachings. Today, we know these people as Franciscans. .
He gave up leadership of the Franciscans and moved to the mountains to live in isolated prayer. There he received stigmata, the wounds of Christ.