The evening times., 1899-09-18
ST. FRANCES OF ASSIST.
From q HspEhty Youth He Came to
D4aA ,pitSus Man.

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ped Pi6us Man..
st. Francis, the founder OF the great and
powerful Franciscan order, was born at
Assist in the year 1882. He received a
rudtmentary education from the parish
priest, not evftcing any predilection for
learning. He was ostentatious in his
youth, gay, careless, proud, naughty, and
was what is termed at the present time
profiigate. The parents, observing higher
aspirations, then dormant, in their sons
nature, permitted these follies, patiently
awaiting the reformation of his character.
The pious mother frequently predicted that
he would ultimately, be transformed into
child of God. 1t has been said that never
were parental hopes and expectations more
satisfactorily fulfilled. At the age Of
twenty-five Francis was seized with Sc
we're illness. He reflected when lying on a
bed of sickness, scarcely able to move. and
he arose from it when convaiescent, an al
tered man; metamorphosed into saint,
his bicgraphers state. His love of amuse-
ment and display vanished; he sought Sc
clusion, adopted poverty and chastity. The
awful conditions of those distressed by
want and affiiction were ameliorated by
him. He then publicly kissed lepers. He
his possessions at the altar of st. Peter,
and associated with IA troop of professional
beggars, bestowing the aims given him
upon others. Once. while resting in a
ruined church, ST. Damfan, near Assist, he
heard voice. according to Catholic tteo-
logical commentators, which said: Fran
CHS, seest thou not that my house is in
ruins; go and restore it for me- He re-
turned home, saddled horse stole bale
OF merchandise owned by his father, and,
travelling to Foligno, the religious enthusi-
ast sold both and hastened to the priest
Of st. Danian and proffered the money for
the restoration of the church. The pious
man was astonished; Francis mother ap-
prehensiye of the action, and the indigna-
tion OF his father caused the son to re-
nounce dependence upon his parents. and
he entered the profession OF religious
mendicant.
In 1908 or 1909, when the saint was
twentysix years old, the history of the
Church AYERS that he was again made cog
infant of the divine will by these words:
Provide neither gold nor silver in your
purse, nor scrip for your journey. neither
two coats, nor yet stayes." He became an
exemplar of that command, which implied
doctrine of absolute poverty. There was
an irresistible fascination in the continual
happiness of the saints probity, it was
said, and small band Of disciples gathered
around his cell, in the vicinity Of Portiun-
cula Church, and their enthusiasm equaled
their masters. This insignificant organiZa-
tion was the foundation Of the Franciscan
order The gospel of PRONUNCIATION was
widely promulgated by its apostles, and
their number was increased by multitudes.
When sufficient numbers were secured
Francis obtained the appreciation and
sanction ofsthe Pope He also founded an
association jof sisters, termed the Poor
Claresses.
The saint indefatigably labored to bene-
fit mankind. He journeyed long distances,
TO Illysia, TO Spain, and to the Orient, for
: the conversion of the Mohammedans, and
he was permitted an audience with the
Sultan. Besides innumerable holy qualities,
his love for animals would have, it was
declared, transmitted his name TO pos
terity. His gentleness is perceived in
the sentiment of the poetry he wrote, which
is pronounced remarkable for subtle mel
ody and tenderness.
After the death OF St Francis, and when
the nude body was exposed, there were
seen upon it, it has been recorded. the
marks of the passion of Jesus Christ. This
is known as the miracle Of the Stigm4ta
or the wounds CT the Saviour, and .,ster-
day was its anniversary