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Secondary sourceDocument1913

St. Francis of Assisi, Catholic Encyclopedia

Charles G. Herbermann (editor) · 1913

A 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia entry on the life of Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order.

A detailed 1913 Catholic reference account of Francis of Assisi's life, written from a religious perspective.

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What it is

This article comes from the Catholic Encyclopedia, edited by Charles G. Herbermann and published in 1913. It describes the life of Francis of Assisi, including his family, early life, and religious calling.

Why it matters

Written from a Catholic point of view, this entry reflects how the Church understood and presented Francis's life in the early 20th century. It discusses both historical details and traditional legends, such as stories about his birth and education.

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  • How might a Catholic encyclopedia's purpose shape the way it tells Francis's story?
  • What legends does the article mention, and how does it treat them differently from facts?
  • What does this source reveal about how religious institutions preserve and interpret the lives of saints?

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