From Earthly Knight to Servant of the King: The Conversion of St. Francis
Many know St. Francis of Assisi as the saint of nature and peace, but his journey began with a burning desire for worldly glory. To the young St. Francis of Assisi, knighthood seemed the supreme goal of life. It was the light he hoped would lead him from the “disconsolate shadows” of a mundane life into a world of liberation and honor.
The Dream of Chivalry and Honor
To the ardent nature of Francis, the life of a knight promised a defense against the “seamy side” of existence—the cruelties, vulgarities, and deceptions of the world. He believed that by becoming a knight, he could rise above the miseries of everyday life.
As biographer Arnaldo Fortini writes, Francis was prepared to wander from country to country and “spill his blood to the very last drop” to prove his worth. He lived by the knight’s motto: “My soul to God, my life to the king, my heart to my lady, honor for me.” This had been his soul’s desire since childhood, since the days he sat on the steps of the atrium of San Giorgio, dreaming of a great retinue and a consecration ceremony that would crown his ambitions.
The Turning Point at Spoleto
Francis eventually set out for Apulia, expecting to return to Assisi riding a white charger to the cheers of the crowds. But God had a different plan for his “knight’s heart.”
The Three Companions tell us that upon arriving at Spoleto, Francis felt unwell and was forced to stop. In a state of half-sleep, he heard a mysterious voice asking him whither he was bound. When Francis shared his grand plans for military glory, the voice asked a question that would change the course of history:
“Who do you think can best reward you, the Master or the servant?”
“The Master,” Francis replied.
“Then why do you leave the Master for the servant, the rich Lord for the poor man?”
A Miraculous Transformation
In a sudden flash of divine light, the “old Francis” began to burn away. The turmoil of his ambitious dreams, his greed for marvelous victories, and his mania for military glory vanished.
Biographers often compare this moment to St. Paul’s vision on the road to Damascus. It was a total sublimation of worldly traits into an overwhelming desire to offer himself entirely to God. Francis did not return to Assisi as a worldly hero; he returned defeated in the eyes of men, but perfected in the eyes of God. His knightly desire had been transformed into a true service to the King of Kings.
Reflections for the Modern Knight
What can we learn from Francis’s journey from the sword to the Cross? His story reminds us that our natural desires for honor, courage, and “the light” are not bad—they are simply often misdirected.
The Master vs. The Servant: We often chase the “servants” of this world—wealth, status, and recognition—forgetting that only the Master can truly reward the soul.
Victory in Defeat: Francis’s greatest victory came through a worldly defeat. Sometimes, our plans must fail so that God’s plan can succeed.
True Chivalry: St. Francis proves that the qualities of a knight—fidelity, bravery, and sacrifice—reach their highest expression when they are used to defend the Faith and serve the poor.
Join the Journey of Spiritual Chivalry
The spirit of the knight did not die when Francis put down his sword; it was reborn in his mission to “Rebuild My Church.” Today, that same call to spiritual chivalry continues. Whether you are seeking your own “Spoleto moment” or looking to deepen your service to the King, remember that the greatest honor is found in humility.
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Francis of Assisi | https://www.amazon.com/Francis-Assisi-Arnaldo-Fortini/dp/0824500032