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Essay on Biography of Saint Francis of Assissi

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Biography of Saint Francis of Assissi

1. Birth

Saint Francis was born Giovanni Bernadone in either 1181 or 1182 in the
Italian hill town of Assisi. His parents, Pietro and Pica, were members of the rather well-to-do merchant class of the town. Pioetro Bernadone was away in
France when his son was born. On his return, he had the boy's name changed from
Giovanni to Franceso (“The Little Frenchman”-perhaps a tribute to France, a country he loved and from which his wife's family came). Saint Francis of Assisi, was born in 1182, more probably in the latter year. His mother's family, which was not without distinction, may originally have hailed from Provence. His father, Pietro di Bernardone, was a prosperous cloth merchant and …show more content…

He could admire his father, honest and worthy, but an austere man, taking up where he laid not down, reaping where he had not shown. Drama also rendered his secret dream, the realization of the chivalrous life. The exploits of Charlemagne's paladins and the Knights of the
Round Table were already familiar throughout Italy, and code of knightly behavior was known and honored, if little practiced. Francis's imagination disported itself in the enchanted world of knighthood; and all his life he used the language of chivalry and appealed to its ideals.
After Francis had attained manhood and developed his native discernment, he devoted himself to the profession of his father, who was a merchant. Yet this he did in his own way. Merry and generous by nature, ever ready for jest and song, he roamed the town of Assisi day and night with his comrades and was most prodigal in his spending-to such and extent that he used all the money allowed him and all his earnings for banquets and festivities. For this reason his parents frequently remonstrated with him, pointing out that he was living in such style with his friends that he no longer seemed to be their son, but the son a great prince. Yet as his parents were wealthy and loved their son tenderly, they allowed him to have his own way rather that disturb him.

Educational Backround

The official Life of Saint Francis, written by Saint Bonaventure, the
Minister General

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