Saint Francis Research Paper

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Born in 1181 to a wealthy family, Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone later to be known as Saint Francis was infamous for his lavish lifestyle (Wikipedia). But he wasn’t just a money spender; even before finding God Saint Francis would help those less fortunate (Wikipedia). This kindness was not undiscriminating though as one story tells that he hated lepers (Christian today.) This changed though after seeing a leper who resembled Christ himself, Saint Francis promptly kissed the man and changed his ways (Christian today.) After fighting in a battle for Assisi Francis is captured and put up for ransom (biography). It is speculated that this experience might have been where his spiritual connection started (Wikipedia). He

He was a man completely devoted to his faith and we can learn greatly from his life. The insights as to what the kingdom of God should look like, Francis has many virtues and values of what builds the kingdom of God. The three virtues that Francis really exemplified are: justice, love, and inclusiveness. The virtue of love can be greatly seen in st. francis’ actions. He loved and cared for the poor, he gave away all of his possessions in order to empathize with the poor, and made the best interests of the poor to his concerns, using the Franciscan order. (wikipedia, britannica). He has shown love and compassion for God, the poor, and the people of Assisi. He shows inclusiveness by caring for the poor, and like Jesus, made them feel valued and loved. (wikipedia) the most important value to Francis was his virtue of justice. He has shown special concern for the poor and the marginalized, and through his Franciscan order, he adopted the goal of changing class divisions and society as we know it (britannica, wikipedia). His attempts of building a proper society has definitely helped in the long run, as many people today have looked up to his values and has tried to live them. The beatitude that St Francis represents most is those who mourn. He stands with the poor, by giving away his possessions in order to help them. He sees their suffering, and attempts to empathize with them. Most importantly though, he tries to put their needs before himself, again using the Franciscan order to do so. Another beatitude St.Francis shows is “those who are merciful”. He follows the Corporal Works of Mercy, and the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Sheltering the homeless, is a purpose of Franciscan order (britannica). Visiting the sick, also a purpose of the Franciscan Order (britannica). Instructing the uninformed is Francis preaching to others about poverty