Francis: The Journey and the Dream: 50th Anniversary Edition

by Murray Bodo

In 1972, a young Franciscan friar named Murray Bodo wrote a unique book about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The Journey and the Dream offered readers a unique combination of lyrical prose and brief, absorbing vignettes that inspired hundreds of thousands of people all over the world to contemplate the life of the famous saint and see him in a new way.

Fifty years and over 200,000 copies later, this book still captivates people everywhere, and Fr. Bodo is still writing about St. Francis and the Franciscan way of life. His poetic style continues to draw readers in, and he himself continues to gaze in wonder at the saint who worked nearly his entire life to rebuild the church.

This special anniversary edition includes a new preface in which Fr. Bodo reflects on a half century spent immersed in the Franciscan way.

Genres: Catholic

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2022

About the author

"Those are the two magnetic poles of my life: books and the Franciscan Priesthood. The glue that holds them together is Saint Francis of Assisi himself. From the time I was thirteen years old and read Sophie Jewett's God's Troubadour, The Story of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis has been a major inspiration of my life. I became a Franciscan in 1955; I've written about him, prayed for his intercession, studied him, taught his life and spirituality and for the last 34 years led pilgrimages to Assisi " - Murray Bodo

Reviews

[Casan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was considering choosing St. Francis for my Confirmation Saint and wanted to read a Francis biography. This was perfect! The author has a true love for Francis of Assisi.

[Chase Holcombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure to read. I highly recommend this not only for Catholics, but for all Christians. I’m sure that even those of other faiths could find inspiration from the life of St. Francis. The story of Francis’s life touches on many universal themes, but the primary theme is whether it is possible to live an authentic life that embraces the gospel’s simplicity entirely. Note that this is a poetic, prayerful, and perhaps hagiographical consideration of Francis’s life that fills in the gaps with speculation. So if you are looking for a scholarly history of St. Francis’s life, perhaps another book would serve you well.

[Alberto Lagomarsini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente!!!!!!!

Realmente su título, luego de una segunda lectura hace sentido de manera hermosa. El autor nos lleva a Asís desde la sensibilidad De Francisco como místico, juglar De Dios, profeta y predicador. Es sencillamente hermoso.

[Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best St. Frank books out there.