He never made it to his destination of earthly glory, for reasons only known to him, he turned back to Assisi.
Needless to say his parents were scandalized and thought he has lost his mind to display such seaming cowardice. But it was not fear that made him turn back. It was another dream in which he was commanded to go back.
It was after this that Francis had gone to a ruined Byzantine Church, that was falling into disrepair, He was praying at the crucifix that still hung on what was left of the wall of the sanctuary. It was then that he heard a voice saying “Francis, go and repair my church that is, as you can see, falling apart”. The voice meant the spiritual church, but Francis took it literally to mean repair the church buildings. So he set out to do just that.
But that was not what he was called to do, even though he had rebuilt 5 churches in and around Assisi. The final straw was when his father, fearing his son had indeed gone insane, hauled Francis before the Bishop and the Mayor of Assisi. It was there that Francis denounced the world and his inheritance and trappings of wealth to become, a beggar, he had found his “true love” He called her “Lady Poverty”.
He is known for his great love for the Lord and love for Lady Poverty. He was soon joined by others who had a desire to be closer to God. Francis was known for his joy in all things and people. There is so much more I can tell you but it would take a book!
I copied a quotation made by another freeper on a Catholic thread, so allow me to copy it here. She can tell you more that I can.
A meditation on St.Francis of Assisi by Salvation. 10/04/02 For centuries, Christians and non-Christians alike have revered St. Francis of Assisi—whose feast we celebrate today—as a man of simplicity and peace. Francis, however, was not only a gentle-hearted peacemaker who embraced a lifestyle of simplicity. Far more than that, he was a passionate man who loved God extravagantly and sought to live the gospel in a radical way. Turning from his early search for self-fulfillment, he focused his energies on following Jesus instead. Francis’ entire life is a story of conversion—a story that shows how deeply God can change a person who responds to his call. Conversion is a change of heart, a turnaround that enables the Holy Spirit to bring a new orientation to our lives. When we accept Jesus’ invitation to embrace the freedom he offers through obedience, he transforms us. We tend to think of conversion only in terms of turning away from something wrong or repenting of sin. This is a necessary aspect of conversion, yet by focusing only on repentance, we risk losing sight of the positive direction we take when we do repent. We not only turn away from sin, we also turn toward Jesus. We might think that life just won’t be as fun or fulfilling if we give up our old ways. But just the opposite is true. Just think of all the saints—like Francis—who illustrate how rich life can become when we turn to Jesus! Jesus sent his disciples throughout Galilee to proclaim the kingdom of God (Luke 10:8). The response he looked for was the same sort of joy-filled turnaround with which Francis of Assisi embraced the gospel. Yet Jesus knew that not everyone would accept his invitation. Some would reject it, not recognizing the Messiah sent by God (10:16). He grieved over them and rebuked them for this rejection: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida!” (10:13). Brothers and sisters, let’s open our hearts to Jesus and to all that he offers us each day! Every time we turn toward him, we put darkness and sin further behind us and come more fully into his light and freedom. “Jesus, how you long for each and every person to know your love! I pray for those who have turned away from you. May they turn around once more and embrace your salvation. Come, Lord, and extend your kingdom into their hearts!”
There, Salvation says it better!
To all my brother and sister Franciscans and Catholics everywhere, Happy Feast day!