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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