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WorksheetsSMB 2026 Religion SQ
Total questions: 50
Worksheet time: 25mins
What name did Francis’ mother give him at birth, and what inspired her choice?
John, after the ascetic and herald of the Messiah
Peter, after the first pope of the Church
Joseph, inspired by his role in the nativity story
Luke, because she admired the physician evangelist
Paul, after the apostle who spread Christianity to the Gentiles
What were some of Francis’ father’s words that he may have ruminated on as he left Assisi to join Sir Walter of Brienne?
“God will guide your journey. Pray without ceasing.”
“Be sure to win glory for our town.”
“Do not disappoint me. You will bring honor to this family.”
“Stay away from the squalid camps of the mercenaries.”
“You were emancipated for a reason—prove your strength.”
What was the custom in medieval society if someone was found to be infected with leprosy?
A - separated from the community
B - forced to wear a golden cross
C - sent to live in monasteries
D - sent on pilgrimage to seek healing
E - Both C and D
What happened when the bishop asked Francis to return the money he had received for selling the cloth and the horse to his father?
he bowed reverently, and walked away from the family
he walked away in silence into the church
he quoted scripture to all in the piazza
he argued that God’s voice told him to rebuild the church
he tossed the money and removed his clothes, fully separating himself from the family
What was Francis’ merchant friend Frederico Spadalunga’s role in Francis’ life in Gubbio?
gave Francis his first Bible
provided hospitality and a new tunic
offered Francis a position as a merchant
taught Francis to care for lepers
introduced Francis to the bishop
What did Bernard’s decision to follow Francis confirm for Francis?
that Francis’ preaching style was effective
that Bernard had always been meant to join him
that Francis was doing God’s will
that the Church was beginning to accept Francis
that Francis’ popularity was growing in Assisi
What did Francis say was his and the brothers’ vocation when questioned by Pope Innocent III?
to defend the Church
to remain humble and follow in Christ’s humility
to reform the liturgy focusing on Christ’s incarnation
to be spiritual leaders
to serve only the poor and lepers in Assisi
Where and in what year did the Franciscans hold their first General Chapter meeting?
Rome in 1217
St Mary of the Angels in 1217
Portiuncula in 1221
Greccio in 1223
Laverna in 1224
According to Francis, what was the greatest sign of humility and simplicity in the birth of the Son of God?
born of a virgin
born in a stable
wrapped in simple cloth
shepherds were the first visitors
born without the comforts of home
What does Francis’ statement, “Let us begin again to serve the Lord God, for up to now we have made little progress,” reveal about his spiritual mindset at the end of his life?
he felt guilty for not completing his missionary journeys
he feared that he had not done enough
he continued to seek new ways to serve God, even as his physical abilities declined
he wanted the brothers to continue to work with lepers after his death
he hoped to rebuild more churches before his death
What family business helped Francis’ family rise into the growing middle class of merchants in Assisi?
leather tanning for knights’ armor
shipping goods to nearby communes
merchant business specializing in textiles
vineyard and wine exportation
collecting taxes for the tyrannical feudal lords
What happened when the Assisian army entered contested territory near Perugia?
they were joined by unexpected allies
they heard warnings from the Benedictines
they were captured during a quiet night raid
they were caught in an ambush near the bridge
they retreated and took refuge with the Benedictines
Who were the two physician brothers that the Church of San Damiano was dedicated to?
Saints Damian and Cosmas
Saints Peter and Paul
Saints Rufino and Benedict
Saints Anthony and Dominic
Saints Luke and Damian
In what ways did Francis want to imitate Jesus after his metanoia at San Damiano?
A - embrace the cross and seeking only humility
B - serving lepers and renouncing worldly privileges
C - giving away possessions and dying to himself
All of the above
Both A and B
What is the term for the exclusive right of inheritance belonging to Francis as the eldest son?
primogeniture
heir
beneficiary
successor
patrilineal
What did Francis’ commitment to true poverty primarily involve?
giving up friendships and family relationships
embracing homelessness as a form of penance
emptying himself of selfish desires and embrace God fully
vowing to never take money from his family
refusing to accept hospitality from others
How did the friars typically travel when they went out on missions?
in large groups for safety
alone, to cover more ground
in processions led by priests
two by two
in groups of three
Why did Francis return repeatedly to the mountains throughout his ministry?
seeking solitude to write down his Rule
believed God could only be found in nature
needed to escape from his growing number of followers
went up for prayer and grace, then returned down to serve others
hoped to receive visions and miracles like other hermits
What surprised the Sultan about how Francis acted differently from other Christians he had met?
his sense of logic about the gospel virtues and society
his ability to debate theology and preach the gospel
his commitment to follow in Christ’s footsteps
his inner peace, humility, and respectful way he interacted with Muslims
his sense of wanderlust and love of nature
How did Francis arrive at the Portiuncula for the final days of his life?
he walked barefoot to demonstrate humility
he was carried on a litter by his brothers
he rode a donkey like in earlier journeys
he was escorted in a carriage borrowed from the cardinal
he was taken by cart lent by the townspeople
According to the pilgrim that came to the door of their house, where should Pica give birth?
the town square surrounded by neighbors
the Church of St. Mary of the Angels
a merchant’s tent outside the city
in a stable, like Christ
on the steps of the cathedral in a sign of humility
As Francis traveled farther from home, what did he ruminate on that eventually led to a change of heart?
his sumptuous life and desire to gain more wealth
his fear of subterranean battlegrounds
the feeling that he had an inkling something would go wrong
his training with mercenaries and their battle plans
whether his desire to be a knight was truly his calling
What did Francis do when he encountered a leper on the road back to Assisi near the area of Acre?
made time to preach the good news
gave some coins and quickly rode away
reported the man to the podestà for leaving the colony
gave him clean clothing from his father’s shop
stopped and approached him instead of avoiding him
How did Bishop Guido feel after witnessing the final scene between Francis and his father?
saddened by Francis’ rebellion but hopeful he might reconcile with his family
concerned about the public scandal yet quietly impressed by Francis’ spiritual conviction
troubled by the harsh words exchanged and uncertain about Francis’ path forward
saddened about the family conflict and joyful for Francis’ new vocation
disappointed by the family dispute but resigned to support Francis’ religious transformation
What did the olive oil pressed from the fruit of the trees remind Francis of during his reflections on creation?
its use in nourishing the people and in priestly benedictions
the suffering of the prophets in biblical times
a symbol of peace
the rhythm of the seasons
the similarity to the verse of the grain of wheat
What did Francis believe was the most powerful tool for evangelization?
his ability to quote scripture
his transformed life
his intense fasting and prayer
the support of Church leaders
sending his followers out among the people
How many friars were in the community when they decided to travel to Rome to ask the Pope for approval of their way of life?
ten
twelve
seventy-two
seven
seventy-five
Why did Francis believe pilgrimage was the perfect way to live the Christian life?
Pilgrims were challenged to rely on God’s providence instead of their own strength.
Pilgrims could collect holy relics from different churches.
Friars could convert people in every country to the Christian way of life.
Pilgrims surrendered identity, class, and security and traveled as equals.
Pilgrims had a chance to earn plenary indulgences.
What Christian devotion is St. Francis credited with creating to help the faithful understand the Incarnation?
Las Posadas festival
advent wreath with candles
midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
reenactment of the nativity
devotion to Mary
Why was Francis finally able to walk in the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land?
The Sultan gave him a letter to travel freely and soldiers to accompany him in the Muslim territories.
The Pope sent a royal delegation to protect him.
The Muslim army opened the gates of Jerusalem.
A Christian victory at Damietta made the route secure.
He exchanged gifts and peaceful dialogue with the sultan.
What aspect of knighthood had impressed Francis since he was young?
their fortresses and battlefield victories
their reputation for avaricious wealth-hoarding
their proud coat of arms and fine clothing
their allegiance to the ruling elite
their ability to avoid paying levied taxes
Reflecting on the cross was Francis’ ____________.
preparation for beginning a religious order
initiation into the spiritual life
way to atone for his sins
meditation on prayer
introspection about love
Francis heard the voice say, “Francis, go and rebuild my ________.” while praying at San Damiano.
church
path
chapel
house
dwelling place
What liturgical garment did the bishop wear during the public encounter between Francis and his father?
A - mitre
B - mantle
C - habit
D - tunic
Both (A) and (B)
What symbolic action showed Francis’ immersion into the Church, much like Mary became a living tabernacle?
he disassociated himself from his family
he knelt before the bishop and kissed the floor
he rebuilt the tabernacle in San Damiano by hand
the bishop wrapped Francis in his cloak
he received the Eucharist daily
What was different about the friars’ method of community prayer compared to other religious groups?
They only prayed during Mass.
They used ancient chants praising nature.
They prayed spontaneously and charismatically.
They only prayed in nature.
They prayed in complete silence.
What phrase did Francis and the brothers use when asked if they had Church permission to preach before they met with the pope?
“We have the authorization of the living Gospel.”
“We follow the teachings of the universal Catholic Church.”
“Our bishop has granted us authority.”
“We are penitents from the town of Assisi.”
“We are members of the new Franciscan Order.”
Where did the friars live after returning to Assisi with papal approval, and what unusual rent did they pay?
San Damiano Church; a basket of fish
Rivortoto Valley; rebuilding one church a year
St. Mary of the Angels; a basket of fish
Rivortoto Valley; work with the lepers
St. Mary of the Angels; work with the lepers
Why did the cardinal initially refuse to let Francis cross the battle lines to meet the sultan?
feared the Muslims would crucify Francis
believed Francis would fail in his mission
thought Francis wasn’t strong enough to endure the journey
concerned that Francis would be an arbitrator representing the Church
believed only generals should negotiate peace
How did Francis view the physical suffering he experienced later in life?
punishment from God for his sins
unavoidable part of old age
a way to internalize the cross of Christ
distraction from spiritual growth
reminder of a life as a spiritual soldier
Why did Francis’ father change his son’s name to Francis?
to honor a wealthy uncle who supported their family business
because a local priest prophesied that Francis would travel to France
in obedience to a family tradition requiring first-born sons to be named Francis
desired his son have a name more in line with his ambitious plans
to show reverence for France, a place of grandiosity and commerce
What counterintuitive Gospel teachings did Francis reflect on that made him question his way of life?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“The path of peace is the path of glory.”
“Pray without ceasing.”
“The meek shall inherit the kingdom.”
“The last will be first and the first will be last.”
Why did Francis begin to reflect more deeply on the suffering of the leper?
He was reminded of Jesus’ suffering on the cross.
He remembered stories his mother told about Jesus healing lepers.
The man shared that he had once been a soldier like him.
He realized that physical suffering was similar to his spiritual suffering.
The leper shared his own personal struggles.
What term best describes the bishop mediating the conflict between Francis and his father?
facilitator
moderator
canon lawyer
prelate
vicar
As Francis left Assisi after renouncing his father, what did he feel as he walked alone through the natural world, seeing it anew?
anxiety about knowing how to live the way of the gospel
confusion about his future
longing for a life of prayer
spiritual wanderlust
kinship with the land
Why did Francis accept Bernard’s dinner invitation?
he was tired and hungry
he sensed Bernard wanted to talk about more than just donating supplies
Bernard promised to donate a large sum
Francis was seeking a place to spend the night
Bernard was known to be a wealthy and influential man
How were Francis’ hermitages different from traditional monasteries?
they invited laypeople to join in formal prayer
they required silence and isolation
they were simple, temporary dwellings immersed in nature
they were located in city centers for greater access to the poor
they focused solely on the living gospel
Which symbol was worn by pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land?
a set of keys
a scallop shell
a tau
the crucifix and rosary
the Jerusalem cross
By 1224, why did Francis feel nostalgic about the early years of his ministry?
he was healthier and could travel farther without help
the friar community was small, focused on poverty and prayer
there were more churches to rebuild
the friar community was more charismatic and joyful
he could spend more time in the hermitages
What new emphasis did Christmas receive in the Church after Francis recreated the birth of Jesus at Greccio?
the importance of angelic hosts and divine majesty
a deeper understanding of the Trinity through the Nativity
the sacred role of Mary as Queen of Heaven
the celebration of Christmas as a liturgical solemnity equal to Easter
a focus on Jesus’ humanity and earthly life
