S16 E4: The Trendsetter | Giving Through Work (St. Francis)

Hello again!  In this week's final episode about St. Francis of Assisi, our hosts discuss Francis's legacy after death.  In a show of overwhelming support and rare speed, Pope Gregory IX declared Francis a saint less than two years after his death.  Francis's three orders, the ones he started when he was alive, are still thriving today, with members all over the world.  

The big question for this week revolves around Francis and his philanthropy.  Francis's philanthropic efforts look different than those of previous holy donors.  Francis didn't have lots of money that he could give away to help those in need.  In fact, when he tried, as a young adult, to give his family's money to the Church, it was rejected.  Thus, Francis's philanthropy took the form of in-kind goods and services.  He worked to earn money for bricks, paint, and other supplies to repair the Church.  He worked to earn the items he needed to make God's Church beautiful, both physically and spiritually.  

Our hosts conclude with their verdict:  St. Francis is absolutely a holy donor.  (Surprising, right?) St. Francis meets and exceeds expectations in all areas of consideration:  faithfulness, humility, and radical generosity.  Congrats, St. Francis!

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Recommended reading:

"Francis of Assisi: A New Biography" by Augustine Thompson

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