St Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher who is considered one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. He was born in Assisi, Italy in 1181 or 1182 to a wealthy merchant family and was originally named Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone. As a young man, he was known for his wild and carefree lifestyle, but after a period of illness, he began to experience a spiritual awakening.

In 1205, while praying in a small church, Francis heard the voice of Christ telling him to rebuild the church. He took this message literally and began to rebuild the church with his own hands. He also began to live a life of poverty, renouncing his wealth and worldly possessions and embracing a life of simplicity and service to others.

Francis gathered around him a group of followers who shared his vision of a life of poverty and service. They became known as the Franciscan friars, and Francis became their leader and spiritual guide. He traveled throughout Italy and Europe, preaching a message of love, humility, and compassion.

One of the most well-known stories about Saint Francis is his encounter with a fierce wolf that had been terrorizing the people of the town of Gubbio. Francis bravely approached the wolf, made the sign of the cross, and spoke to the wolf in a calm and gentle voice. The wolf then laid down at Francis' feet and allowed himself to be led back to town, where he was welcomed by the people.

Another notable event in Francis' life was his receiving of the stigmata, or wounds of Christ, on his hands, feet, and side. According to tradition, this occurred while Francis was praying on Mount La Verna in 1224.

Saint Francis died in 1226, and he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228. Today, he is remembered as a symbol of humility, compassion, and devotion to God. His teachings and example continue to inspire people around the world to live lives of simplicity, service, and love.

As Saint Francis of Assisi is known for his life of simplicity, service, and love, there are certain techniques and practices that can be associated with his approach to spirituality.

Here are some of the key practices and techniques that are often associated with Saint Francis:

1. Living a Life of Poverty: Saint Francis believed in living a life of voluntary poverty as a way of detaching oneself from material possessions and focusing on spiritual growth. He believed that by living simply and relying on God's providence, one could experience a deeper sense of peace and freedom.
2. Embracing Humility: Saint Francis taught the importance of humility and self-emptying as a way of making room for God's presence in one's life. He believed that by recognizing one's own limitations and weaknesses, one could cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and trust in God.
3. Serving Others: Saint Francis was known for his compassion and love for all creatures, and he encouraged others to follow his example by serving others with kindness and generosity. He believed that by serving others, one could experience a sense of joy and fulfillment that comes from making a positive difference in the world.
4. Contemplative Prayer: Saint Francis believed in the power of contemplative prayer as a way of deepening one's relationship with God. He often spent long periods of time in prayer and meditation, seeking to be open to God's presence and guidance in his life.
5. Communion with Nature: Saint Francis had a deep appreciation for the natural world, and he saw all of creation as a reflection of God's goodness and beauty. He often spent time in nature, meditating on the beauty of God's creation and seeking to be in harmony with the natural world.

Overall, the "Assisi technique" can be seen as a way of cultivating a life of simplicity, humility, service, and prayer. By living in this way, one can deepen their relationship with God and experience a greater sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment.