San Rufino

The Cathedral of San Rufino

Construction of the current building that forms the Cathedral of San Rufino (in Assisi) began in 1134. Until 1925, the cathedral had Assisi’s only baptismal font. Over the centuries since the font was installed, not only were Francis and Clare baptized in it but so were Francis’ first brothers (Leo, Bernardo, Giles, Elias, Peter Catanio, and Sylvester). The future Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II was baptized at San Rufino as well.

San Rufino the man had a strong connection to Assisi. He was the city's first bishop and died a martyr at the hands of pagans in the year 238. Bishop Rufino's murderers drowned the man in the nearby Tescio River.

The Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi

The importance of the Cathedral of San Rufino goes even beyond it being Francis’ and Clare’s place of baptism. As a young man at the beginnings of his conversion, Francis used the land in front of the basilica to preach to the people attending mass. The home adjacent to the basilica belonged to Clare’s family, the Offreduccios. The Offreduccios had actually donated the property on which the basilica is built to the church. When Francis preached in front of the basilica, he awakened Clare’s desire to serve God by imitating Christ. At this time Clare was already known as a virtuous and devout person. Her spiritual life revolved around San Rufino. Francis’ preaching simply illuminated the next section of the road Clare was already travelling on.