Reformed Evangelical Synod of America

Francis, born in 1182, was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. He lived a carefree life and aided his father until 1201 ,when he joined a military expedition against Perugia. He was taken prisoner and spent a year as a captive. Upon his return to Assisi in 1203, Francis returned to his life until a serious illness led to a spiritual crisis. In 1205 Francis left for Puglia to enlist in the army of the Count of Brienne. In Spoleto, a strange vision made him return to Assisi, deepening his spiritual awakening.

Eventually, Francis’ call came into focus when, in a vision, he was given a mission to ‘rebuild the Church’. At first he focused on the small chapel where he received the vision, rebuilding it while, at the same time, laying the foundations for his future life as a mendicant. Others gathered around him, and soon a community was formed. In February 1209 he heard a life-changing sermon which called him to a life of total poverty and oneness with all creation, which stood in stark contrast with many of the clergy and monks of his own day.

Francis’ example strongly affected Clare, who, facing an arranged marriage to a man she did not truly love, elected to surrender her life to Christ’s service by following a path similar to Francis. While Francis’ followers travelled widely, Clare and her sisters lived quiet lives in enclosed communities, devoting themselves to prayer, nursing the sick, and works of mercy for the poor and neglected.

Francis died in 1226. Clare lived until 1253. Both remain cherished examples of selflessness among the many who today are members of or are influenced by the various orders of the Franciscan family.

COLLECT
Most holy God, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of your blessed servants Francis and Clare, we may, for love of you, delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy, serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.