FRANCISCAN FOOTPRINTS: Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare

by Helen Julian

There are many ways of following Christ – each footprint is unique. One of these, the Franciscan spiritual journey, has been tried and tested over the centuries, and the experiences of St Francis and St Clare and all those who have been inspired by their lives still resonate with us. Helen Julian CSF explores the distinctive features of their spirituality and shows how these practices can be applied to, and become part of, our daily lives.

Through stories of care for creation, social justice, mission, preaching, contemplative spirituality and simple living, discover your own pathway today.

144 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2020

Reviews

[John-Francis Friendship · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about people whose lives were inspired by these two saints of Assisi. Through simple stories of martyrs and mystics, missionaries and thinkers, writers and others involved in pastoral care and social justice, Sr. Helen Julian offers a series of compellingly written and moving biographies. From 13th century Italians to 20th century Congolese she weaves a rich and diverse tapestry of friars, sisters and Poor Clare’s, members of religious congregations, housewives and priests – mostly Roman Catholic but also Anglican – saints and ‘ordinary’ Christians. Some well-known, others less so; some have straddled the pages of history, others have remained hidden to all but a few; Christian heroes great and small whose lives will inspire you and leave you with the lingering taste of heaven.

In providing us with short accounts of lives inspired by Christ and the two saints of Assisi, Sr. Helen Julian invites us to do what Clare advised her own sister, St Agnes: ‘Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! And transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.’

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really useful guide to Franciscan ways - not just Francis and Clare but introductions to theologians and saints and simply good people to expand the ideas and the practice. A book to return to in the future.