Traditional Franciscan Calendar
St Francis was born at Assisi, Italy, in the year 1181 or 1182, of the wealthy merchant Peter Bernardone and the gentle, pious Pica. His childhood and youth were spent in ease and luxury. He loved fine clothes and expended large sums for the entertainment of his friends and the relief of the poor. Unlike his father, who was bent on amassing riches, Francis sought honor and knightly fame. Before he recognized his God-given vocation, severe trials befell him. In a war between Assisi and Perugia he fell into the hands of the enemy who imprisoned him for about a year. A long and serious illness followed his release.