Giles of Assisi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedGiles of Assisi OFM |
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| Religious | |
| Born | c. 1190 Assisi, Umbria, Papal States |
| Died | 23 April 1262 Monteripido, Umbria, Papal States |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholicism |
| Beatified | 1777 by Pope Pius VI |
| Feast | 23 April |
Giles of Assisi (born around 1190, died 1262) was a very important friend of Francis of Assisi. He was one of the first people to join Francis's group. St. Francis even called him "The Knight of our Round Table." This shows how much Francis valued him.
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Life of Blessed Giles
Giles Joins St. Francis
We don't know much about Giles's early life. We only know he was a simple farmer. In April 1209, Giles was inspired by two other men from Assisi. They had already become followers of Francis. Giles asked if he could join their small group.
On April 23, the feast day of St. George, Giles officially joined. He was given a simple religious habit, which is a special robe worn by religious people. Francis had found this habit for him. Soon after, Giles and Francis traveled to preach in a region called the Marches of Ancona.
Giles also went with Francis to Rome. There, Pope Innocent III approved their first set of rules. It seems Giles then received the monastic tonsure. This was a special haircut that showed he was dedicated to a religious life.
Giles's Journeys
Around 1212, Giles went on a pilgrimage to Spain. He visited the tomb of St. James at Compostella. A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place.
After returning to Assisi, he traveled to Jerusalem. He wanted to visit the Holy Places there. On his way back home, he stopped at two important Italian shrines. These were the shrines of St. Michael at Monte Gargano and St. Nicholas at Bari. Later, he was found in Rome and then in Tunis.
Working for What He Needed
During his travels, Giles always made sure to work for his food and shelter. He believed in earning what he needed. In Ancona, he made baskets from reeds. In Brindisi, he carried water and helped bury the dead. In Rome, he cut wood, pressed grapes for wine, and gathered nuts.
Once, he was a guest of a cardinal in Rieti. Even then, he insisted on sweeping the house and cleaning the knives. He famously said: "Happiness is to do bodily labor for the love of the Most High and not to take any lesser wages than Paradise for the good work one does." This shows his humble and hardworking spirit.
Wisdom and Teachings
Giles was very good at observing people and events. His many travels helped him gain valuable knowledge. He used this experience to teach others. He always took the chance to preach to people.
His sermons were short and came from the heart. They were full of simple, wise advice. He always spoke honestly and freely to everyone. After several years of traveling and teaching, Francis assigned Giles to a hermitage. This was a quiet place for prayer and reflection. It was called Monteripido, located outside Perugia.
There, Giles began a life of deep prayer and spiritual experiences. This continued until he died. He was not a scholar and didn't have much formal education. But he spent his time thinking about heavenly things.
Many people, from all walks of life, came to Perugia to hear Giles teach. They remembered his answers and advice. They talked about them and even wrote them down. This collection became known as the "Dicta" or "Sayings" of Giles.
A famous writer named Bonaventure thought these "Sayings" were very important. Many later writers on spiritual life quoted them. These sayings are short, wise pieces of advice for living a good Christian life. They are known for their deep spiritual meaning, kindness, and unique style. They truly show the early spirit and teachings of the Franciscan order.
His Passing
Giles died in 1262. This was 52 years after he first joined the Order of Friars Minor. People already honored him as a saint. His special honor as a saint was officially confirmed by Pope Pius VI in 1777. His feast day is celebrated every year on April 23.
Books About Giles
- Golden Words – The Sayings of Brother Giles of Assisi, by Nello Vian, Franciscan Institute Publications, 1990. This book collects many of his wise sayings.
