10 - Saint Francis of Assisi- A Biography by Johannes Jorgensen

Born into the wealth of a prosperous cloth merchant in Assisi, Francis (1182-1226) initially lived the carefree life typical of his status, even serving as a soldier. However, in 1205, a transformative vision during a war led him back to Assisi, where he renounced his worldly pursuits to embrace a life of evangelical poverty, following the example of Jesus Christ. His journey took him to Rome, where he humbly begged for alms alongside the destitute at St. Peters Basilica. Upon returning to Assisi, he began preaching in the town square, quickly gathering a diverse following that grew into a global religious order. The Franciscans ignited a spiritual revival that illuminated the Dark Ages, a legacy that resonates even today. Johannes Jorgensen (1866–1956), renowned outside Denmark for his cherished biography of St. Francis, penned this work in 1907. His own spiritual journey—marked by a quest for truth through various philosophies—was profoundly impacted by a visit to Assisi in 1894, which ignited a deep love for Francis and ultimately led to his conversion to Catholicism in 1896. Jorgensens timeless biography continues to inspire readers across all backgrounds.