Saint Francis of Assisi lesson

One of my goals when the kids and I are done going with our Family Bible study curriculum is to learn church history. We’re getting a fair amount of church history through our homeschool history,  the Mystery of History 2* (and I know from my Illuminations* schedule there’s a bunch coming up), but just like always I want to add more.

Especially for church fathers who shaped our view of Christianity like Saint Francis did.  Saint Francis’ birthday is this month, and his feast day is coming up, I figured this would be a great opportunity to learn more about him with the kids.

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Who was Saint Francis of Assisi?

Francis was a man who lived during the 12th century AD in Italy.  As a young man he was known for being the life of the party, and always wanting to have fun.  Everyone in Assisi loved Francis because while he wanted to have fun, he was also kind and generous.

One day as a young man he had a vision from God to rebuild the falling church in Assisi.  During this time Francis was disowned, and mocked by the people who understood being kind as Christian charity, but did not understand Francis’ new devotion.

Francis would beg for supplies to rebuild the church and help the local leper colony.  He was known for his vow of poverty.  Everything given to Francis was given to others.  He was teased and mocked for wearing a simple brown robe with a rope for his belt.

As word of what Francis was doing spread, he gained his own followers.  Each time he would tell the men to pray about this decision, and if they were sure it was their calling they were to take a vow of poverty and service to the poor.

Eventually Saint Francis led a large group of men, and there was a similar group of women inspired by his actions.

 

What can we learn from Saint Francis?

My biggest takeaway from Saint Francis is to love others.  I know that seems simplistic, but it’s a big takeaway.  If you read through the commands in the New Testament over and over again you will see commands to love others.  Serve others, help others.

Saint Francis of Assisi is often quoted as having said, “Preach the gospel always, and if necessary use words.”  But he didn’t say that.  As a matter of fact he would have laughed at the idea of a silent gospel.  He believed before you could preach you must first listen to God, and I think that’s where the misstatement came from the idea of listening.

 

More Saint Francis resources

•  Saint Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy
• Saint Francis crafts

 For more history, science, and celebrities born in October check out iHomeschool Networks’ Birthday lessons.

Saint Francis statue picture from here and used under Creative Commons license (text added)