The Writings of St. Francis

by Francis of Assisi

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Genres: Religion, Christianity, Christian, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Italy, History

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1226

About the author

Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy as a Roman Catholic friar founded the Franciscan order in 1209 and inspired followers with his devotion, simple living, and love of nature; the pope canonized him in 1228.

A mother at Assisi bore him circa 1182, and he died in 1226.

People more commonly know the order of friars minor.

"To most people ... there is a fascinating inconsistency in the position of Saint Francis. He expressed in loftier and bolder language than any earthly thinker the conception that laughter is as divine as tears. He called his monks the mountebanks of God. He never forgot to take pleasure in a bird as it flashed past him, or a drop of water as it fell from his finger: he was, perhaps, the happiest of the sons of men. Yet this man undoubtedly founded his whole polity on the negation of what we think the most imperious necessities; in his three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, he denied to himself and those he loved most, property, love, and liberty. Why was it that the most large-hearted and poetic spirits in that age found their most congenial atmosphere in these awful renunciations? Why did he who loved where all men were blind, seek to blind himself where all men loved? Why was he a monk and not a troubadour? These questions are far too large to be answered fully here, but in any life of Francis they ought at least to have been asked; we have a suspicion that if they were answered we should suddenly find that much of the enigma of this sullen time of ours was answered also." --G.K. Chesterton

Reviews

[Charlie Pappalardo]

“When I was yet in my sins, it seemed to me unbearably bitter to see lepers”

Fascinating read. More Interesting to see routinized elements of his movement develop than I would’ve guessed.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of writings attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, so there are many, many footnotes of references and explanations. This collection consists of specific instructions to the Brothers -- that is, the order that was set up by St. Francis -- concerning what clothes they may own; "performing the divine office" [how many Paternosters they must say for each part of the day, and so forth]; the rules about fasting; how they must conduct themselves before the world; penances; and the administration of the order through the offices of ministers and preachers.

It was humbling to read these words written by a man who was born 1181/1182. He is a disciple who lived a thousand years after Jesus, but almost a thousand years before us.

I was surprised to read "But let all the brothers likewise take heed not to search the world for any filthy lucre." I had thought Shakespeare had originated that term for money. I also found word-for-word the Gloria Patri, so St. Francis originated that praise song. There is a beautiful extension of the Lord's Prayer and also a very reverent section of Praises to God.

[Gabriel Gioia Ávila Oliveira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leitura protocolar para experimentar na íntegra os escritos de São Francisco, passando por algumas cartas, sermões e orações do santo. Tenho dois destaques: o primeiro pra edição, que apesar de antiga incluía notas extensivas e para cada texto incluído uma justificativa técnica e academicamente embasada para a validação da sua legitimidade enquanto obra de Francisco; o segundo, para o único texto que se sobressaiu em relação aos outros: o Cântico do Irmão Sol, que me fez lembrar a música Too Much I Love, uma das minhas preferidas, no sentido em que exalta a impressão digital de Deus na sua criação, tratada não como mundo caído mas sim como um aperitivo da glória do céu e da Graça. Aqui, Francisco chama céus, estrelas, água, ventos e sol de irmãos, em humilde reverência às maravilhas da criação. De resto, passei muito por cima dos Ofícios da Paixão e de outras partes mais litúrgicas, procurando pelo mais singelo e belo lado poético de Francisco.

[Neal Maro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Canticle of the Sun was really good and is worth reading and rereading, perhaps even memorising. The rest of the book was a bit tiring. I get the impression that St Francis was a man who spoke through his actions rather than through his writing. If I decide to explore this topic further it will be through the biography of St Francis of Assisi written by Thomas of Celano in 1230. This will likely be much later though as there are much more pressing matters to attend to.

[Marco Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It a pretty quick read if you scan over the arguments for authenticity

I believe the curator on the authenticity of the writings, but I have no qualifications so the point is moot. I also have no grounds of reason to challenge the arguments given. I just want to read the words of St Francis, so that what I did :)

[Caius Hallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writings of St Francis differ somewhat from other contempary theologians since it is deeply reflective upon creation and our role of stewardship which I think is most perfectly demonstrated in his Canticle of creation Laudato si mi signori.

[Rob Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

His words are his words. Much of it is appendix and bibliography. Appreciate the accuracy.

[Lilith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has such outstanding reviews from some folks, so, I have to think that I missed something here.
I guess I expected more, or something different anyway. If you've read the Christian bible, or at least a good portion of it, you have already read everything that's here.

[Tristan Sherwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection gathers together the following works, as an English translation, into three Sections:

PART ONE-ADMONITIONS AND RULES:
The Admonitions.
Salutation Of The Virtues.
On Reverence For The Lord's Body And on The Cleanliness Of The Altar.
First Rule Of The Friars Minor.
Second Rule Of The Friars Minor.
Fragments From The Rule Of The Sisters Of St. Clare.
Testament Of The Holy Father St. Francis.
Of Living Religiously In A Hermitage.

PART TWO-LETTERS:
Letter To All The Faithful.
Letter To The General Chapter.
Letter To A Minister.
Letter To The Rulers.
Letter To Brother Leo.
Letter To All The Custodes.

PART THREE-PRAYERS:
The Praises (containing Francis' paraphrase of The Lord's Prayer).
Salutation Of The Blessed Virgin.
Prayer (To Obtain Divine Love).
Praises Of God (with a blessing to Brother Leo).
The Canticle Of The Sun.
Office Of The Passion Of The Lord (A liturgy/devotional psalter through the Church year).

At the beginning of each text there is an introduction, discussing the context and authenticity of the writing. And each text comes with it's own footnotes (although, trying to follow these back to the body of the text isn't an easy task--the numbering system could have been better).

Overall, it's a great translation and I felt it helped with getting to grips with the mind and heart of St. Francis. Very illuminating and informative.

However, reader please be aware; this book is not a biography or a compilation of the legends about St Francis. It is exactly what it describes itself as being; a collection of St. Francis' own writings. All of which are addressed to his order, or other parties etc. And give little biographical information. If you are wishing to read more of a biography, then you would be better off reading the *Legend of the Three Companions* or C. K. Chesterton's *St. Francis of Assisi*.

--Tristan Sherwin, author of *Love: Expressed*

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard a lot about St Francis of Assisi, but, aside from Canticle of the Sun, never read any of his writings, so this was a great introduction to the actual thought processes behind all the stories and myths. He certainly is the genuine article, a true yogi and mensch. The rules he lays down for his order are radical and harsh, and involve some things that would be inappropriate for layfolk, but the general principles of his faith--compassion, generosity, service, joyful mystical union--can be followed by anyone.

[Frank Palardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrote a script about him.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this and gained a huge amount from it. A privilege to read the direct writing of St Francis. Worth a read if one is curious about the Franciscan life.