St. Francis of Assisi

Timeline of St. Francis of Assisi

c. 1181

Born in Assisi

Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, and nicknamed Francesco.

~21 years later

1202

Captured in war

Taken prisoner during a battle between Assisi and Perugia, he spent nearly a year in captivity and fell gravely ill — the first crack in his old life.

~3 years later

c. 1205

The voice at San Damiano

Praying before a crucifix in the ruined chapel of San Damiano, he heard Christ tell him, 'Rebuild my Church.'

~1 year later

1206

Renounces his inheritance

Before the bishop of Assisi he stripped off his fine clothes and gave them back to his father, choosing poverty for good.

3 years later

1209

The Franciscan rule approved

Pope Innocent III gave verbal approval to Francis and his first brothers, the beginning of the Friars Minor.

15 years later

1224

Receives the stigmata

While praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the wounds of Christ in his own body.

2 years later

1226

Death at the Portiuncula

He died singing, asking to be laid on the bare ground, welcoming 'Sister Death.'

2 years later

1228

Canonized

Pope Gregory IX declared him a saint just two years after his death.