Page 70 - WWJ Stage 3_Cycle A

3.8.3
The Legacy of St Francis
Francis lived a Good Life
Francis was born in the year 1181. He grew up in the little town of Assisi in Italy. Their family was very wealthy and Francis was able to wear expensive clothes and go to many parties with his rich friends. These parties were times of great feasting and fun. Francis thought he had a good life.
As a boy Francis dreamt of being a famous knight in shining armour. He began his quest as a young man by becoming a soldier. In one of his many battles Francis was taken prisoner. He became quite ill in prison and did not get home for over a year.
After spending many hours alone, thinking, praying and listening to God, Francis decided upon a new kind of life. He decided to give up his dreams of being a great knight and to give away all his wealth and luxury.
Francis chose to use only what was essential for life and nothing more. He owned only the clothes he wore. Francis did this in order to live a life of serving God and helping people in need. He felt he could best help the poor by becoming one of them himself.
During his very full life Francis did many good and wonderful things. Besides being very kind and loving to people he was also gentle and caring of nature. He taught his followers to work for Some of these people became a special community known as the Franciscans.
Francis was made a saint because he lived a truly good life, a life that showed great respect for all of God’s creation. He cared for animals and plants, limited what he owned and used, and loved his neighbours especially the poor. Francis is also known for his love and devotion to God, with whom he was constantly in conversation through prayer.
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