St. Francis of Assisi

Mercy and Compassion

During Francis' time, the Church teachings were mainly of punishment and sacrifice, whereas Francis came to emphasize these things...

San Damiano

Run-down church where Francis received a message from God, which led him to rebuild the church, both literally and figuratively.

Clare

The first female follower of Francis; she took the vows of poverty, chastity, and charity that Francis followed

stigmata

The markings of Christ that Francis received shortly before his death

La Verna

The mountain on which it is said that Francis received the stigmata

Pope Innocent III

The pontiff who granted Francis the permission to preach the Gospel with his followers, despite lack of formal theological training or headquarters for his group.

Perugia

The young Francis spent a year as a prisoner of war in this city, where he contracted malaria

people

Though Francis was most often depicted preaching to creatures, the creatures actually represented ________from all walks of life

Prayer

Throughout his life, Francis often spent his time in _________away from others in quiet, remote locations

Lady Poverty

When Francis began his conversion, his friends thought he was in love. He replied that he was thinking of marrying..."who" did he mean?

Religious

When Francis requested a meeting with the Sultan while in the Middle East, he expected meeting with a barbarian, but instead found a deeply ____ and peace-minded man.

Blind

While in the Middle East, Francis contracted a disease of his eyes, which left him ________for the rest of his life.

1226

Year of the death of St. Francis

Leprosy

A disease which affects the nerve endings in the skin and causes it, particularly in the appendages and face, to rot away and severely disfigure the victim.

Peace

A message proclaimed by Francis in all of his actions and words

Simplicity

A principle of Francis, which was demonstrated in his plain robe and lack of possessions, and encouragement of others to keep life clear of "clutter" (material, social, emotional, etc.)

Service

A principle of Francis, which was evident early in his conversion when he began to tend to the lepers

Joy

A value that Francis carried with him, despite his self-inflicted poverty and suffering

Humility

A virtue Francis possessed which constantly reminded him that he was no better than the least of his brothers or sisters, and therefore restrained him from passing judgment on others

Outcast

As a youth, Francis was well-known and liked by the people of Assisi. However, his conversion, hard life, and odd habits led him to be labeled as a madman, and he became an ____________

Merchant

Occupation of Francis' father, a wealthy man of Assisi

Beggar

Once, when he visited Rome, Francis disguised himself as this, asking for alms in the name of God

Crusades

Francis traveled to Egypt to assist in converting "infidels" during THESE wars; what he found was Christians committing despicable, violent acts against Muslims for no reason other than greed

Sultan

Francis visited this Muslim man in 1219 for a week of theological conversation during the Crusades

ascetic

Francis was known as an _____, practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline

Generosity

Francis was known for this virtue, both before his conversion and after, in which he gave freely to others, especially the poor.

Poverty

Francis was known for this virtue, which involved giving up everything he owned, leaving him entirely dependent on God

October 4

Feast Day of St. Francis

Reverence

Francis embodied this principle in his care and concern for all of God's creations

Birds

Francis is often depicted as preaching to these creatures, rather than humans, earning him the title, "Patron Saint of Ecology"