The Story of Saint Francis of Assissi

The Story of Saint Francis of Assisi

Many people are familiar with or have traveled to San Francisco, a major city in California, but there is a story behind the city name; the story of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. The origin of the word San Francisco is Saint Francis, meaning that the city was named after this great saint.

Long ago, in the year of 1181, a baby boy was born on the outskirts of Assisi, Italy. There is a legend that this boy, who we know as Francis, was actually born in a stable with animals, like Jesus. The baby’s father, Peter Bernadone, had such great experiences in France and loved it so much that he named his son Francis, after the country (Hefferman 167).

As a child, Francis, was a very bad boy. He did not always lead a good, faith filled life. Some said he was rude, spoiled, and inappropriate (Welborn 206). It was not until God became a place in his heart that he became the saint-like person we look up to today.

In Francis’ early twenties, he took part in a war between Assisi and Perugia. At one major battle, Assisi had many casualties, and all who survived the attack were taken prisoner by the opposing soldiers. It was the time in which Francis needed the most help, guidance, and hope that God came to Francis. One day Francis started to have visions about the Lord. God called Francis and cried, “Go, Francis, and repair my house, for which as you see is falling into ruin” (Robinson). At first, Francis believed that God meant for him to build a new church to replace the one that was falling down, so when Francis was released from prison, he built a new church. Again, God called upon Francis, “Go Francis, and repair my house, for which as you see is falling into ruin” (Robinson)...

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... loyalty he showed to his Heavenly Father throughout Francis’ entire life.

Works Cited

Grimm, Laura, ed. "Saint Francis of Assisi Biography." Bio. A&E Television Networks, LLC., 13 Apr. 2014. Web. March & April 2014.

Hefferman, Anne. "St. Francis of Assisi." 57 Stories of Saints. New York: Pauline Books & Media, 2003. 163-176. Print.

Keeling, Brock, ed. "Today in San Francisco History - San Francisco Gets Its Name." Sfist. Gothamist LLC., 30 Jan. 2009. Web. March & April 2014.

Lovasik, Lawrence G. "St. Francis of Assisi." Picture Book of Saints. New York: Catholic Book Publishing Company, 1962. 91. Print.

Robinson, Paschal. "St. Francis of Assisi." New Advent. Kevin Knight, Jan. 2009. Web. March & April 2014.

Welborn, Amy. "Saint Francis of Assisi." Loyola Kids Book of Saints. Chicago, Illinois: Loyola Press, 1991. 205-210. Print.