Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis

by Ilia Delio

What is compassion and how does it emerge in the human heart? What moves one to compassion? Can we learn compassion as a way of life? Can we let go of our fears to love more deeply?

Compassion guides us through the life of Francis, tracing his growth from a selfish, materialistic young man to the humble, holy saint beloved by millions. With this book as your guide, you can do simple things every day to discover a more compassionate, open, fearless, and loving life—just as St. Francis did.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2011

About the author

Ilia Delio, OSF is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, D.C. and American theologian specializing in the area of science and religion, with interests in evolution, physics and neuroscience and the importance of these for theology. She was born in Newark, New Jersey and is the youngest of four children.


Fordham University
Ph.D., Historical Theology
M.A. Historical Theology

Rutgers University Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences
Ph. D., Pharmacology

Seton Hall University
M.S., Biology

DeSales University
B.S., Biology

Reviews

[JeanAnn]

"Living in the spirit of St. Francis" TODAY. We were especially touched by a poem the author includes, "Tabernacles" by Graziano Marcheschi. Following the poem Ilia Delio says, "Where do we draw the lines of compassion? When does the human person become excluded from our world or worthy of our rejection? When do we lose sight of our own feeble and weak humanity? Or we might ask, when do we slip into the mode of playing God?" "Our greatest challenge is accepting the human person, as we encounter the human face. When we are repulsed by the poor and the weak, the stranger and the immigrant, we are repulsed by God."

[Ian Grantham]

Like much of Ilia Delio’s writing I found this short book challenging at times, stretching me intellectually to a point where I couldn’t quite grasp and internalise the ideas and concepts Sr. Ilia was trying to convey.

But I persevered, reading some of the chapters twice and using the reflections at the end of each chapter, and having now finished the book I can say that this was time well spent.

I particularly enjoyed the last three chapters of the book.

[Jeremy Stephens]

Good but proceed with caution

There are very great insights in the book into St Francis and our faith. But there are moments the author strays from the catechism. We must learn to be compassionate and this is a good guide, just check the teaching of the Church too for some of the mystic and eastern comments of the author

[Carole Thompson]

This is my second time reading this book. Francis of Assisi is probably a person whose life of love and compassion for others would be a good example of a life well lived. Although Francis was born to wealth, he found that life had more to offer by following the teachings of Jesus. The prayer of St. Francis is a prayer to live by daily. This book reveals the relevance of Francis's life today.

[Jonathan Allard]

The begging of this book really helped inspire me to look for Christ present in others and to focus on the other rather than myself. The end was ok. I thought I would not enjoy this book, but I was pleasantly surprised.

[David]

This is an excellent book on the theology of compassion. I would highly recommend it. It is one of Sr. Delio's most accessible books that I have read.

[Tee Minn]

I worked my way through the chapters which has QNA in each chapter for your contemplation.
Valuable.

St Francis is one of my heroes.

[Compots]

Requires a contemplative reading. Appreciated her noted of Rene Girard's understanding of the scape goat mechanism and what this does for victims. Would of loved her to highlight James Alison's interpretation of the Good Samaritan - where the two liturgical based characters that pass the victim by are used to attending to intestines being moved on the altar, where as the Samaritan actually was compassionate (literally his intestines moved) over the victim. Still, any book that brings out the notion of God desiring mercy not sacrifice is worth the read.

[Liz Surprenant]

Short and sweet, and a poignant reminder of how compassion is meant to be lived and not simply admired. I appreciate that the dedication is to one of my former mentors, who died far too young and left a major impact on how I leave a mark in this world. I carry you with me always, Harry.

[Don Watkins]

Great book that will have you thinking a great deal. This is the first book I've read by this author.

[Brother Sophia]

There is much in this book to chew on. I intend to give it another slow, prayerful read.

[Trish Remley]

Given to me by Sr. Jeanette to read. Very interesting. No wonder I have a statue of St. Francis in my garden. Made me think and still thinking about the many points of compassion, humility, heart.

[Craig Bergland]

Excellent and highly recommended, both because it is a wonderful and refreshing reflection on Compassion from a Christian perspective and because of its honest look at St. Francis.

[Kathy O'Brien]

Needs rereading. Much for prayer and practice to learn from this book.

[Catherine Casey]

A very good book to ponder. I hope to read her book on Humility soon.