My Life Worshipping God
March 20th, 1212
Beginning my journey on the spiritual path-
I have heard the most wonderful sermon today. Francis of Assisi preached it today and his words have made me want to join in his path towards God. I plan to ask him to help me become more like him. I unfortunately must say that it needs to be done in secret, because my father wouldn’t approve. He wants me to be married to a wealthy man, but I only wish to be spiritually intertwined with our Lord.
March 20th, 1212
I am now officially one with the church. Francis of Assisi eagerly took me in. I have been placed in the Convent of San Paolo with sisters with whom I share the same love for Jesus Christ. My attire has drastically changed; my once embroidered and lavish dress has now become a sack-like dress with a simple rope to tie it together. And my once long hair has been shorn short. I have also denounced my family name and the power it holds. Though this is no bother for me, because I would surely give up everything I have to be closer to God.
1212
Francis has helped me establish my own order. It is called the Poor Ladies. It pleases me to know that I will be able to spread the teachings of God in my own way. I feel as though this is my mission. To enlighten women all across Europe to join in the love and spirituality that surrounds us in the Poor Ladies.
1216
Francis has given me a small house attached to the church of San Damiano. He has also offered me the position of abbess and I have taken it. This, I feel, is where my life worshipping God shall take root and let me spread my teachings about our savior. This is where I truly belong.
1216-1253
My sisters, my mother, and other wealthy women from Florence have joined me in the Order of the Poor Ladies. I have heard talk about how strict I am with my order and it does not bother me. Although the rules I have set for the Order of the Poor Ladies might seem like torture to the other female convents I have decided to live in the strictest poverty. We shall only receive what our lord gives us. We shall own no property, wear no shoes and sleep on the floor. Most of our time will be spent in silence and we will only eat what is given to use from alms. Meat will not be included in these food items. We will also participate in manual labor helping those less fortunate. So yes, to some it may be extreme, but to me and my sisters this is how we shall bring ourselves to be humble in the eyes of God.
August 9, 1253
It has finally been approved. My heart is filled with a tremendous amount of joy. Our own Pope Innocent IV has approved my law. The Solnet Annure has insured that none of the churches rules shall interfere with The Order of the Poor Ladies other than my own. It fills me with warmth and accomplishment to know that these women will carry on my traditions and will hopefully serve God they way I taught them to.
