Francis Solanus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Francis Solanus O.F.M.
St. Francisco Solano with a native of Tucuman (Anonymous, ca. 1588) (Notice his trademark violin on the ground by his right foot)
Wonder Worker of the New World
Born	10 March 1549 Montilla, Córdoba, Spain
Died	14 July 1610 Lima, Viceroyalty of Peru, Spanish Empire
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	20 June 1675, Rome, Papal States by Pope Clement X
Canonized	27 December 1726, Rome, Papal States by Pope Benedict XIII
Major shrine	Monastery of San Francisco, Lima, Peru
Feast	14 July (24 July traditionally in Hispanic Countries)
Attributes	Franciscan habit
Patronage	Argentina; Bolivia; Chile; Paraguay; Peru; also against earthquakes

Francisco Solano y Jiménez, also known as Francis Solanus, was a Spanish friar and missionary. He belonged to the Franciscans, a religious order, and is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He was born on March 10, 1549, and passed away on July 14, 1610.

Early Life and Calling

Francis Solanus was born in Montilla, Spain, on March 10, 1549. He was the third child in his family. He studied with the Jesuits, another religious order. However, he felt a strong pull towards the simple and prayerful life of the Franciscan friars.

When he was 20 years old, Francis joined the Franciscans in Montilla. He entered a special training period called a novitiate. The friars there lived a very strict life of prayer, quiet time, and fasting. Francis followed these rules carefully. He often went barefoot and avoided meat. This strict lifestyle made him feel tired and affected his health for the rest of his life.

In 1569, Francis made his final promises to the Franciscan order. He then went to Seville to continue his studies. There, he learned philosophy and theology. He also developed his musical talents. In 1576, he became a priest. Francis loved simplicity and even built a small room for himself near the chapel using clay and reeds.

After finishing his studies, Francis became a traveling preacher. He visited many villages in the area. He also became a confessor, someone who listens to people's confessions. During this time, he wanted to go to North Africa to preach his faith, hoping to die for it. However, his request was not granted. So, Francis turned his attention to the missions in the Americas.

After his father died, Francis returned to Montilla to care for his mother. While there, he became known as a "wonderworker." Many people said they were healed from their sicknesses after he prayed for them. In 1583, when a serious illness broke out in Granada, he helped care for the sick and dying.

Journey to the New World

King Philip II of Spain asked the Franciscans to send missionaries to the Americas. He wanted them to spread the Gospel, or Christian message. In 1589, Francis Solanus sailed from Spain to the New World. He landed in Panama, crossed the narrow strip of land, and then boarded another ship heading to Peru.

During his sea journey, a big storm hit his ship. It crashed against rocks near Peru. The crew and passengers quickly left the ship. But Francis stayed behind with the slaves who were on board. After three days, they were all rescued.

Missionary Work in South America

For 20 years, Francis Solanus worked to spread Christianity in the large regions of Tucuman (which is now part of northwestern Argentina) and Paraguay. He was very good at learning languages. He quickly learned many of the native languages in those areas. People even claimed that he could speak to different tribes in one language, and they would all understand him.

Francis was also a musician. He often played his violin for the native people. Because of this, he is often shown in pictures holding his violin.

Later, Francis became a "guardian," or leader, of the Franciscan friary in Lima, Peru. He also held this important role for other friaries in Tucuman and Paraguay.

Saint Francisco Solano and the Bull, by Murillo

Around 1601, he was called back to Lima, Peru. There, he worked to help the Spanish colonists remember their Christian faith. It is said that Francis Solanus predicted a terrible earthquake that hit Trujillo, Peru, in 1619. He passed away in Lima in 1610.

Becoming a Saint

Francis Solanus was declared "blessed" (a step before sainthood) by Pope Clement X in 1675. He was then made a saint by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. His feast day, which celebrates his life, is observed by the Franciscan Order on July 24. In the United States, it is celebrated on July 14.

Francis Solanus is the patron saint of his hometown, Montilla. The church there is built where his childhood home once stood. He is also considered a patron saint for the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru.

Legacy

Mission San Francisco Solano in California was named after him in 1823. This mission was the northernmost one along California's historic El Camino Real.

In the town of Humahuaca, Argentina, something special happens every day at noon. On the city hall bell tower, large copper doors open slowly. A life-sized, moving wooden statue of San Francisco Solano appears for about two minutes. It gives a blessing to the quiet crowd gathered in the town square.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco Solano (santo) para niños

• List of Catholic saints