Lecture on Franciscan and Jesuit Missionary Movements

Historical Context

• 1511: A young soldier named Ignatius Loyola, recovering from a leg injury, reads about saints and Christians during his convalescence.
• 1200s (13th Century): Saint Francis of Assisi's life-changing moment during war captivity, leading to founding the Franciscan Order.
• 1500s (16th Century): Ignatius Loyola inspired by Saint Francis, later founds the Jesuit Order.

Overview of Franciscan Movement

Saint Francis of Assisi

• Background: Born in 1182, son of a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi, Italy.
• Aims: Initially aspired to be a nobleman warrior.
• Turning Points:
  • Captivity and Reflection: Rethinks his life during imprisonment, leading to renouncement of wealth and military goals.
  • Vision at San Damiano: Called by God to repair a dilapidated church, symbolically leading to church renewal.
  • Embrace of a Leper: Overcomes personal disgust, signifies his call to serve the poor and marginalized.
  • Matthew 10: Interprets Jesus’ words as a call to poverty and itinerant preaching.

Characteristics of Franciscan Movement

• Values: Poverty, simplicity, humility.
• Mission: Preach the gospel, care for the sick and poor, live in extreme poverty.
• Hierarchy and Organization: Avoided strict hierarchy and elaborate planning.
• Expansion:
  • Rapid growth: From 8 to 3,000 monks in 10 years.
  • Included women like Clare of Assisi, leading to the formation of the Order of Saint Clare.

Mission Work and Global Spread

Preaching and Service

• Method: Itinerant preaching, healing, and serving the marginalized.
• Muslims: Francis attempted to preach to Sultan of Egypt during the Fifth Crusade.
• Martyrdom: Many Franciscans were martyred, but their zeal continued the spread of Christianity.

Global Reach

• Silk Road Missions: Franciscans traveled to Central Asia and China, connecting with Eastern Christians.
• Expansion in Later Centuries: Reached Asia, Africa, and the Americas during the Age of Exploration.
• Present Day: Over 30,000 Franciscans worldwide, growing in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Conclusion

• Legacy: The Franciscan movement represents a model of humility, poverty, and zeal for missionary work.
• Next Lecture: Will focus on Ignatius and the Jesuit missionary movement and its global impact.