Abstract:
Francis of Assisi is a much-loved saint whose followers come from different
backgrounds and who are inspired to live the Gospel life. Francis' story is
obscure but this dissertation seeks to understand Francis' life and examines
his influence through the lives of others amongst whom are:
- Mother Theresa of Calcutta;
- Anthony of Padua;
- Padre Pio;
- Maximilian Kolbe;
- Charles de Foucauld; and
- John Bradburne.
Francis' vision was unambiguous and it challenges our values. His simple
faith, Catholic tradition, evangelistic principles and radical freedom were
fundamental qualities, which suited him to God's call to renew His church.
Those same qualities are still needed today.
Like all young men Francis loved life, was often inclined to be irresponsible
and who entered military service without proper thought. Whilst imprisoned in
Perugia God began his transformation and called him to, "go and repair my
House”.Francis saw in creation objects of love that led him back to God. He preached
to the animals but his concern was for people. During the Crusades Francis
was a peacemaker during the Crusades and following that example Pope
John Paul II made a plea for peace between the Muslims, Jews and
Christians whilst visiting Damascus on the 6th/7th May 2001.
Francis' enduring influence comes from his own understanding of the
problems of materialism that we face in the west. Western culture is one of
'super-development' that is at odds with happiness. Status gives us prestige
but also a craving for more power and possessions when we ought to be
educating the poor and eliminating hunger and suffering. The result is a
spiritual void in which we ask, 'is this all that there is or is there something
more?' Whilst the church's membership in the west has declined the reverse
is true in the former eastern bloc countries, China, Asia and Africa and their
Catholic seminaries are full.
The cults like those of Charles Manson, the Davidics, or the Jehovah's
Witnesses and the 'New Age' are growing. They claimed to have sole
possession of the truth. Sects, however, are not new and have been around
since the church's earliest days. Francis was well aware of the heretical sects
of the Waldensians and Humiliati.
Franciscanism continues growing, evolving, and renewing itself. The
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal was established in the 1980's and they work
extensively with the poor and marginalized particularly in New York and
London. If the church is to be true to the Gospel in the Third Millennium it too
must accept that challenge.
Francis teaches that Christians must not to live in a self-satisfying, self-serving
way, that they must be Christ centred and that they must submit to the
will of God. Lastly when they make life choices they should ask the following
questions:
- Does the Father want this for me?
- Does this please the Father?
