Saint Francis of Assisi Quotes

A collection of quotes by Saint Francis of Assisi.

Saint Francis of Assisi was a 13th-century Italian Catholic friar and preacher, often remembered as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Born in 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, he was named Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone at birth. After a radical change of heart and a series of transformative experiences, he renounced his comfortable life as a wealthy merchant and embraced a life of poverty, preaching and serving the poor.

Known for his deep love for nature, Francis believed in the inherent beauty and interconnectedness of all living creatures. He is famously associated with stories of communicating with animals and giving sermons to birds, seen as a reflection of his compassionate spirit. In 1209, he founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), an order dedicated to a life of absolute poverty and preaching.

Throughout his life, Francis advocated for simplicity, humility, and peace, demonstrating a deep devotion to God and an unwavering commitment to serving others. He emphasized the importance of living in harmony with all creation and saw all beings as equal in the eyes of God.

After enduring various health problems, Saint Francis died in 1226 at the age of 44. His profound impact on Catholicism and his enduring influence as a model of humility, compassion, and conservation continue to inspire people worldwide. His legacy lives on through countless institutions, prayers, and works of art dedicated to him.

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation. Where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor avarice. Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Wisdom

Grant me the treasure of sublime poverty: permit the distinc

Grant me the treasure of sublime poverty: permit the distinctive sign of our order to be that it does not possess anything of its own beneath the sun, for the glory of your name, and that it have no other patrimony than begging.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Poverty

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking i

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Advice

Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his b

Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Christianity

Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he

Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he is sick and useless as when he is well and an be of service to him. And blessed is he who loves his brother as well when he is afar off as when he is by his side, and who would say nothing behind his back he might not, in love, say before his face.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Integrity

If a superior give any order to one who is under him which i

If a superior give any order to one who is under him which is against that man's conscience, although he do not obey it yet he shall not be dismissed.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Conscience

Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible,

Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Determination

Preach the gospel everywhere you go, and, if necessary, use

Preach the gospel everywhere you go, and, if necessary, use words.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Evangelism