After his time in solitude, Francis began to live fully the life of poverty and humility he had embraced. He did not set out to gather followers or establish a religious order. Yet, as often happens, people are drawn to to someone who is authentic and faithful. Seeing Francis live what he preached, others were inspired to follow. 

Around the year 1208, the first men to embrace the life that Francis represented joined him. Among them were Bernard of Quintavalle, Peter Catanii, Giles, and Sylvester, the first priest to join Francis. Together, they lived in radical poverty, staying near the Porziuncola, preaching the Gospel, encouraging people to repent, and caring for those in need. 

Within a year, their number had grown to about a dozen men. Recognizing the need for structure, Francis composed a simple rule of life for the community, later known as the “primitive rule.” As a faithful son of the Church, he sought approval from the Pope. Traveling to Rome with his companions, Francis received that approval from Pope Innocent III. 

Francis named the group the “Friars Minor,” or “lesser brothers,” reflecting his deep commitment to humility and poverty. He could not have foreseen how rapidly the Order would grow. Yet his trust in God remained firm. What began as a small, uncertain step became something far greater than any human plan. 

In the coming weeks and months, we will explore the trust that Francis needed to show as the community of “friars minor” continued to rapidly expand. 

This week, let us trust God in the new beginnings of our own lives. Even when we cannot see where the path leads, may we take the next step with faith, confident that His plan will unfold in ways greater than we can imagine.