Lecture Notes: The Franciscan Movement

Introduction

• The lecture focuses on two significant religious movements:
  • Franciscans in the 13th century led by Saint Francis of Assisi.
  • Jesuits in the 16th century founded by Ignatius Loyola.
• Both movements were pivotal in the expansion of the Catholic Church.
• Today's focus is on the Franciscans and Saint Francis of Assisi.

Context of the 13th Century

• Crusades: A major event during the high medieval period.
  • Increased connectivity between Eastern and Western Mediterranean.
  • Enhanced trade between East and West, boosting economies and cities in Western Europe.
  • Greater awareness and exposure to Eastern Christians, Muslims, and non-Europeans.
• Economic Boom: Resulted from increased Mediterranean trade.
  • Growth of cities like Venice, Pisa, and Genoa as trade hubs.

Saint Francis of Assisi

• Born in 1182, son of a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi, Italy.
• Initially aimed to be a noble warrior.
• Captured in a local war; during captivity, he rethought his life.

Key Turning Points in Francis's Life

1. Hearing God’s Call:
   • Called to repair the Church of San Damiano, both physically and spiritually.
   • Led to the idea of spiritual renewal for the Western European Church.
2. Encounter with a Leper:
   • Overcame personal disgust to embrace and serve lepers.
   • Marked a shift to serve the poor and marginalized.
3. Hearing Matthew 10 in Church:
   • Felt God was speaking directly to him about poverty, preaching, and serving.

The Franciscan Order

• Founded in 1210.
• Emphasized poverty, simplicity, and humility.
• Focus on itinerant preaching and serving the poor.
• Avoided hierarchical structure; aimed to spread the Gospel globally.

The Franciscan Missionary Movement

• Global Reach:
  • Took the Gospel to Muslims, inspired by the Crusades.
  • Reached North Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, and as far as China along the Silk Road.
  • Notable figures: Raymond Lull in North Africa, John of Montecorvino in China.
• Impact:
  • Established connections with Eastern Christians.
  • Advocated for a life of poverty and service.
  • Spread the Gospel worldwide and still active today with over 30,000 monks.

Conclusion

• The Franciscan movement was a radical shift in Christian missionary work, emphasizing poverty and service.
• Continues to influence the Catholic Church and missionary work worldwide.
• Next lecture: The Jesuit Movement led by Ignatius Loyola.