Reorganization of the Franciscan Order and death Francis of Assisi

francis considered stigmata part of imitation of christ. cigoli, 1699

while praying on mountain of verna, during forty-day fast in preparation michaelmas (september 29), francis said have had vision on or september 14, 1224, feast of exaltation of cross, result of received stigmata. brother leo, had been francis @ time, left clear , simple account of event, first definite account of phenomenon of stigmata. saw vision of seraph, six-winged angel on cross. angel gave him gift of 5 wounds of christ. suffering these stigmata , trachoma, francis received care in several cities (siena, cortona, nocera) no avail. in end, brought hut next porziuncola. here, in place began, feeling end approaching, spent last days of life dictating spiritual testament. died on evening of saturday, october 3, 1226, singing psalm 142 (141), voce mea ad dominum .

on july 16, 1228, pronounced saint pope gregory ix (the former cardinal ugolino di conti, friend of saint francis , cardinal protector of order). next day, pope laid foundation stone basilica of saint francis in assisi. francis buried on may 25, 1230, under lower basilica, tomb hidden on orders of brother elias protect saracen invaders. exact burial place remained unknown until re-discovered in 1818. pasquale belli constructed remains crypt in neo-classical style in lower basilica. refashioned between 1927 , 1930 present form ugo tarchi, stripping wall of marble decorations. in 1978, remains of saint francis examined , confirmed commission of scholars appointed pope paul vi, , put glass urn in ancient stone tomb.