St. Francis Life time line.
Before Francis died in 1226 at the age of 44, he founded three Orders. His gift to humankind was his love of God as he
experienced Him in all of His creation. His imprint on history is the men and women who identify with his vision in the
Franciscan way of life. That legacy lives on in the followers of Francis who today seek to inspire in themselves and
others the ideals of peace and justice of the gospels.
Chronology of St.Francis' life.
1181 - Summer or Fall, born in Assisi, baptized Giovanni di Pietro Bernardone, renamed Francesco by his father.
1199-1200 - Civil War in Assisi. Many noble families flee to Perugia.
1202 - November War between Perugia and Assisi. The latter is defeated at the Collestrada. Francis spends a year in
captivity until ransomed by his father as ill.
1204 - A long period of illness and convalescence.
1205 - Francis sets out to join the army of Walter de Brienne. Returns after a vision and message in Spoleto. Beginning
of a gradual period of conversion.
1205 - Fall: Message of the Crucifix at San Damiano, Conflict with his father.
1206 - January or February: The trial before the Bishop.
1206 - Spring: Francis nurses the lepers at Gubbio.
1206 - Summer: Returns to Assisi and begins to rebuild San Damiano; end of conversion process; beginning of Thomas
of Celano's chronology of the "years of conversion".
Summer to January or February: He repairs San Damiano, San Pietro della Spina; and Our Lady of the Angels
"Portiuncula".
1208 - February 24 - Francis hears the Gospel for the Feast of St. Matthias. Changes the belt on his hermit's habit and
begins to preach penance.
1208 - April 16 - Bernard of Quintavalle and the priest, Peter Catani join him. Others follow.
1208-1209 - Fall and Winter: Francis is assured of the pardon of his sins and the growth of his fraternity. They go out two
by two to preach penance.
1209 - They return to the Portiuncula and Francis writes a brief Rule for himself and his eleven friars or brothers. They
receive the approval of Pope Innocent III in Rome. The friars return to Rivo Torto and then to the Portiuncula. Possible
date for the beginning of the Franciscan Order of Penance, later called the "Third Order".
1212 - On Palm Sunday night, the reception and investiture of St. Clare at the Portiuncula. After a stay with the
Benedictine Nuns, Clare moves to San Damiano.
1215 - Francis at Rome for the IV Lateran Council. Meeting with St. Dominic?
1216 - Francis receives the Portiuncula Indulgence from Pope Honorius at Perugia
1217 - May 5 - Pentecost General Chapter of all the friars at the Portiuncula. First mission outside Italy.
1219 - May 26 - First friar missionaries leave for Morocco.
1219 - June 24 - Francis sails for the Holy Land.
1219 - Fall: St. Francis meets with the Sultan.
1220 - First Franciscan martyrs - the friars killed in Morocco.
1220 - Cardinal Hugolino appointed Protector of the Order.
1220 - Francis resigns as General Minister and friar Peter Catanii appointed.
1221 - Peter Catanii dies and at Chapter Bro. Elias becomes the Vicar.
1221 - The Memoriale Propositi is approved for the Franciscan Brothers and Sisters of Penance.
1221 - 1222 - Francis goes on a preaching tour throughout Italy.
1223 - Francis goes to Fonte Colombo to write the definitive Rule for the Order of Friars Minor. The Chapter discusses it
and further changes are made until its approval by Pope Honorius III in November.
1223 - The first Christmas Crib midnight Mass at Greccio.
1224 - The long retreat of Francis at La Verna where he receives the Stigmata or wounds of Christ.
St. Francis receives the Stigmata
EL GRECO 1577 - 1579
Baltimore
1225 - His eye problems turn worse and he stays for a while at San Damiano with St. Clare and the sisters. At the
insistence of Bro. Elias he undergoes medical treatment but without improvement. Almost blind he writes his "Canticle
of the Creatures".
1225 - 1226 - Francis goes to Fonte Columbo where the doctors cauterize his temple in an unsuccessful treatment. At
Sienna he takes a turn for the worse and dictates a testament, but recovers.
1226 - September - Staying at the Bishop's house in Assisi, Francis knows that he is dying and asks to be brought down
to the Portiuncula.
1226 - October 3, he dies there in the evening.
1226 - October 4, he is buried in San Giorgio Church.
1228 - July 16, in Assisi, his friend Cardinal Hugolino now Pope Gregory IX canonizes Francis.
1230 - May 25, the transfer of the saint's remains to his tomb in the new papal basilica of San Francisco.
Franciscan Spirituality:
An Invitation to Peacemaking
from the Life of St. Francis
Reconciliation
By: Bro. Didacus R. Wilson, T.O.R.
There was in the town of Gubbio a fearfully large and fierce wolf which was so rabid with hunger that it devoured not
only animals, but humans too. It was so fierce that the whole town was in terror, afraid to go outside the walls. Francis
went out to meet the wolf, blessed it, and said: " Brother Wolf, you have done great harm to this region, not only
destroying other creatures without mercy, but you even have the brazenness to kill and devour human beings made in
the image of God. You deserve severe punishment; but I want to make peace between you and the town, so that they will
not be harmed by you anymore and after they have forgiven you, neither men or dogs will pursue you any more."
The wolf indicated that it would accept these terms, and offered the saint his paw as a sign of the pact, " I promise that
the town will feed you every day; I know that what you did, you did out of hunger." The town promised to do what the
saint had bargained, and the town adopted the wolf, and fed him until the day he died.
REFLECTION:
Whether the wolf was real or whether he symbolized ‘il lupo,’ the murderer and thief, the story points out the need for the
ministry of reconciliation whether by prayer or activity. Indeed, Francis’ whole life was marked by peacemaking, despite
his youthful experiences of war. He was a peacemaker amongst the factions of Assisi, between sultans, kings and
bishops, as well as wild animals. The prayer of reconciliation most people associate with St. Francis is "make me an
instrument of your peace." Though this prayer can only be found in twentieth century sources and is therefore not an
authentic prayer written by St. Francis. However, it does express, most poetically, the spirit of Francis’ life and vision. It
is, without a doubt, A Franciscan Peace Prayer. So, the next time you pray this popular prayer, keep in mind Francis’
invitation to be a reconciler in a world often torn by anger, violence and despair.
CALL TO ACTION:
1. Focus on people’s good points. Tell all with whom you come into contact the good things you see in them.
2. Develop a positive approach toward life. Compliment more than you criticize.
3. Build a climate of trust and support in all your relationships. Cooperate with others instead of competing with them.
4. Use gentle, loving, respectful language dealing with others. They won’t hear your words if you’re too busy dodging
your sharp tongue.
5. Take a genuine interest in the work and activities of others. Make a point to ask about new projects.
6. Listen patiently, with your heart, when others are talking. Its Christ like to put aside one’s own interests for the love of
another.
7. Learn how to refuse with a smile. If you have to say "no" to something, do it respectfully.
8. Put the devil of jealousy far behind you. Deal with your personal insecurities in some other ways, but don’t put others
down to make yourself look better.
9. Be loyal. Never allow yourself to tear down the kingdom of God by destructive, behind-the-back criticism of others.
10. Do extra little things that are nobody’s job. Be generous by volunteering—especially for the jobs for which there is
no great reward.*
Putting these all together is another way of being an instrument of peace in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi. Let us
learn to tame too what is wild and violent within ourselves and the world around us.
Before Francis died in 1226 at the age of 44, he founded three Orders. His gift to humankind was his love of God as he
experienced Him in all of His creation. His imprint on history is the men and women who identify with his vision in the
Franciscan way of life. That legacy lives on in the followers of Francis who today seek to inspire in themselves and
others the ideals of peace and justice of the gospels.
Chronology of St.Francis' life.
1181 - Summer or Fall, born in Assisi, baptized Giovanni di Pietro Bernardone, renamed Francesco by his father.
1199-1200 - Civil War in Assisi. Many noble families flee to Perugia.
1202 - November War between Perugia and Assisi. The latter is defeated at the Collestrada. Francis spends a year in
captivity until ransomed by his father as ill.
1204 - A long period of illness and convalescence.
1205 - Francis sets out to join the army of Walter de Brienne. Returns after a vision and message in Spoleto. Beginning
of a gradual period of conversion.
1205 - Fall: Message of the Crucifix at San Damiano, Conflict with his father.
1206 - January or February: The trial before the Bishop.
1206 - Spring: Francis nurses the lepers at Gubbio.
1206 - Summer: Returns to Assisi and begins to rebuild San Damiano; end of conversion process; beginning of Thomas
of Celano's chronology of the "years of conversion".
Summer to January or February: He repairs San Damiano, San Pietro della Spina; and Our Lady of the Angels
"Portiuncula".
1208 - February 24 - Francis hears the Gospel for the Feast of St. Matthias. Changes the belt on his hermit's habit and
begins to preach penance.
1208 - April 16 - Bernard of Quintavalle and the priest, Peter Catani join him. Others follow.
1208-1209 - Fall and Winter: Francis is assured of the pardon of his sins and the growth of his fraternity. They go out two
by two to preach penance.
1209 - They return to the Portiuncula and Francis writes a brief Rule for himself and his eleven friars or brothers. They
receive the approval of Pope Innocent III in Rome. The friars return to Rivo Torto and then to the Portiuncula. Possible
date for the beginning of the Franciscan Order of Penance, later called the "Third Order".
1212 - On Palm Sunday night, the reception and investiture of St. Clare at the Portiuncula. After a stay with the
Benedictine Nuns, Clare moves to San Damiano.
1215 - Francis at Rome for the IV Lateran Council. Meeting with St. Dominic?
1216 - Francis receives the Portiuncula Indulgence from Pope Honorius at Perugia
1217 - May 5 - Pentecost General Chapter of all the friars at the Portiuncula. First mission outside Italy.
1219 - May 26 - First friar missionaries leave for Morocco.
1219 - June 24 - Francis sails for the Holy Land.
1219 - Fall: St. Francis meets with the Sultan.
1220 - First Franciscan martyrs - the friars killed in Morocco.
1220 - Cardinal Hugolino appointed Protector of the Order.
1220 - Francis resigns as General Minister and friar Peter Catanii appointed.
1221 - Peter Catanii dies and at Chapter Bro. Elias becomes the Vicar.
1221 - The Memoriale Propositi is approved for the Franciscan Brothers and Sisters of Penance.
1221 - 1222 - Francis goes on a preaching tour throughout Italy.
1223 - Francis goes to Fonte Colombo to write the definitive Rule for the Order of Friars Minor. The Chapter discusses it
and further changes are made until its approval by Pope Honorius III in November.
1223 - The first Christmas Crib midnight Mass at Greccio.
1224 - The long retreat of Francis at La Verna where he receives the Stigmata or wounds of Christ.
St. Francis receives the Stigmata
EL GRECO 1577 - 1579
Baltimore
1225 - His eye problems turn worse and he stays for a while at San Damiano with St. Clare and the sisters. At the
insistence of Bro. Elias he undergoes medical treatment but without improvement. Almost blind he writes his "Canticle
of the Creatures".
1225 - 1226 - Francis goes to Fonte Columbo where the doctors cauterize his temple in an unsuccessful treatment. At
Sienna he takes a turn for the worse and dictates a testament, but recovers.
1226 - September - Staying at the Bishop's house in Assisi, Francis knows that he is dying and asks to be brought down
to the Portiuncula.
1226 - October 3, he dies there in the evening.
1226 - October 4, he is buried in San Giorgio Church.
1228 - July 16, in Assisi, his friend Cardinal Hugolino now Pope Gregory IX canonizes Francis.
1230 - May 25, the transfer of the saint's remains to his tomb in the new papal basilica of San Francisco.
Franciscan Spirituality:
An Invitation to Peacemaking
from the Life of St. Francis
Reconciliation
By: Bro. Didacus R. Wilson, T.O.R.
There was in the town of Gubbio a fearfully large and fierce wolf which was so rabid with hunger that it devoured not
only animals, but humans too. It was so fierce that the whole town was in terror, afraid to go outside the walls. Francis
went out to meet the wolf, blessed it, and said: " Brother Wolf, you have done great harm to this region, not only
destroying other creatures without mercy, but you even have the brazenness to kill and devour human beings made in
the image of God. You deserve severe punishment; but I want to make peace between you and the town, so that they will
not be harmed by you anymore and after they have forgiven you, neither men or dogs will pursue you any more."
The wolf indicated that it would accept these terms, and offered the saint his paw as a sign of the pact, " I promise that
the town will feed you every day; I know that what you did, you did out of hunger." The town promised to do what the
saint had bargained, and the town adopted the wolf, and fed him until the day he died.
REFLECTION:
Whether the wolf was real or whether he symbolized ‘il lupo,’ the murderer and thief, the story points out the need for the
ministry of reconciliation whether by prayer or activity. Indeed, Francis’ whole life was marked by peacemaking, despite
his youthful experiences of war. He was a peacemaker amongst the factions of Assisi, between sultans, kings and
bishops, as well as wild animals. The prayer of reconciliation most people associate with St. Francis is "make me an
instrument of your peace." Though this prayer can only be found in twentieth century sources and is therefore not an
authentic prayer written by St. Francis. However, it does express, most poetically, the spirit of Francis’ life and vision. It
is, without a doubt, A Franciscan Peace Prayer. So, the next time you pray this popular prayer, keep in mind Francis’
invitation to be a reconciler in a world often torn by anger, violence and despair.
CALL TO ACTION:
1. Focus on people’s good points. Tell all with whom you come into contact the good things you see in them.
2. Develop a positive approach toward life. Compliment more than you criticize.
3. Build a climate of trust and support in all your relationships. Cooperate with others instead of competing with them.
4. Use gentle, loving, respectful language dealing with others. They won’t hear your words if you’re too busy dodging
your sharp tongue.
5. Take a genuine interest in the work and activities of others. Make a point to ask about new projects.
6. Listen patiently, with your heart, when others are talking. Its Christ like to put aside one’s own interests for the love of
another.
7. Learn how to refuse with a smile. If you have to say "no" to something, do it respectfully.
8. Put the devil of jealousy far behind you. Deal with your personal insecurities in some other ways, but don’t put others
down to make yourself look better.
9. Be loyal. Never allow yourself to tear down the kingdom of God by destructive, behind-the-back criticism of others.
10. Do extra little things that are nobody’s job. Be generous by volunteering—especially for the jobs for which there is
no great reward.*
Putting these all together is another way of being an instrument of peace in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi. Let us
learn to tame too what is wild and violent within ourselves and the world around us.
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