Francis of Assisi – in His Own Words: The Essential Writings

by Jon M. Sweeney

Biographies of St. Francis will only take you so far. It’s impossible to truly understand him without reading his writings. Sweeney has compiled all of the ones that we are most certain come from Francis himself, including his first Rule of life, the Rule he wrote for the Third Order, letters to friends, letters to people in power, messages to all Franciscans, songs, praises, canticles, and his final spiritual Testament. An introduction and explanatory notes throughout the book help to put the writings into historical and theological context.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christianity, Theology, History, Christian

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Jon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and writer of popular history. He is married, the father of three, and lives in Montpelier, Vermont. He has worked in book publishing for 25 years: after co-founding SkyLight Paths Publishing, he was the editor in chief and publisher at Paraclete Press, and in August 2015 became editorial director at Franciscan Media Books.

He has written more than 20 books, seven about Francis of Assisi, including "When Saint Francis Saved the Church" and "The Complete Francis of Assisi." HBO has optioned the film rights to "The Pope Who Quit."

Jon's first 20 years were spent as an involved evangelical (a story told in the memoir "Born Again and Again"); he then spent 22 years as an active Episcopalian (see "Almost Catholic," among others); and on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in 2009 he was received into the Catholic Church. Today, Jon is a practicing Catholic who also prays regularly with his wife, a rabbi. He loves the church, the synagogue, and other aspects of organized religion. He would never say that he's "spiritual but not religious."

In all of his writing, Jon is drawn to the ancient and medieval (see "The Road to Assisi," and "Inventing Hell"). Many of his books have been selections of the History Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, and Quality Paperback Book Club.

Reviews

[Reagan Faith Waggoner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting.. not a scholarly man, but a man of actions. He discouraged excessive reading and only permitted it among his followers or brothers if they could do so without ruining their spiritual lives. Born in northern France, later stole from his father to give to the poor. Of course known today as a famous Catholic saint.

First time God spoke to him - at a ruined church. God told him, “Go and rebuild my church.” Literally worked on it with bricks, then later led a deliberately poor life, helping the sick, especially lepers and other outcasts.

Went to Rome to ask Pope for blessing - considered a saint even after his death - people tried to grab his clothing because they thought him so holy.

Known as a joyous man, founder of “God’s jugglers” - band of men who worked, played, laughed with men in country and towns before they preached to them.

Found God in all things, not just the church, which was revolutionary at the time.
“Live in obedience and chastity, without property, and follow the doctrine and footsteps.”

All about denial, specific fasting times, rules for entry. Never accept a job that could corrupt your soul; you may receive any payment but money.

Love and care for one another; avoid women? Praises Virgin Mary, wear simple clothing, no meet three days a week, specific fasting rules, no weapons, masses together

Altogether too literal with translations and very self-denying. But seemed like a fascinating man who certainly changed the world. His writings are not super scholarly; most are prayers and letters. Overall intriguing.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent short collection to bring one close to the mind of the world’s favorite follower of Jesus. The translation is as straightforward and the text as challenging as the little poor man of Assisi has always been.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, convicting, and clarifying. This brief collection of the writings of St. Francis reveal a man of profound humility, yet one who didn't hesitate to chastise priests and leaders in his order, even after he'd stepped out of leadership. He seemed to fear neither humble submission, nor calls to leadership. Everything flowed from him as he felt directed by the Lord.

[Vince Eccles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best book to read for the writings of Francis Assisi. It is clear and concise. Francis is embedded in the Catholic Church of 1200s. Don't expect the modern flower child of Franco Zeffirelli.

[Steven Tryon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating little book, in no small measure simply because it is little. Saint Francis of Assisi. Did not write much, so what have from his hand is precious.

[Paul H. Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

Some material i did not know came from st Francis a wonderful day book of meditations. Well
Put together, refreshing

[Nick Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excited to dive deeper into the life of St. Francis because this is someone I know has so much to teach me. He didn’t write much so there’s not much to really look through but it all reveals lots about who he was and how he acted

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reminder and interesting. Makes me want to see "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" again.

[Nic Lishko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely meditation. It's so nice to hear Father Francis in his own words passed through the centuries.

[Stephen Bruce Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found his words refreshing. Here is a person who lived and breathed the scriptures. It was helpful to know what he said rather than what others said about him.

[Sasha Ruggiero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a theological academic style that isn’t the easiest to understand.

[Julian Abagond · Rating 3 out of 5]

thinnish

[Bern]

A bit more literal in St. Francis’ Order rules, a little bit more about who he was, where he came from, not quite what I was expecting but the prayers are beautiful.

[George Donigian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clean translation of Franciscan essentials and a book that will remain close at hand. Jon Sweeney's introductions to each selection offers guidance in setting the text within the life of St. Francis.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, concise little book. Nice to reference in the future too.

[Tony Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine short book with early writings and prayers developed by St. Francis of Assisi.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, concise introduction to the writings of St. Francis.