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Through the Year with Francis of Assisi
Contains 365 selections drawn from the sayings and writings of Francis as well as from stories about him. These excerpts constitute a personal "day book" for year-round reflection.
- GenresReligion
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 1987
About the author
Francis of Assisi
249 books304 followersSaint 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 8, 2009
This is a book of daily readings either from Francis of Assisi's writings or others who spoke of him. They are all good quotes but they don't seem to really offer true direction in the sense daily readings should do. But for some this may be a perfect form or offering meditative thoughts for the day as only Francis seems to be able to offer.
January 3, 2012
I enjoyed spending a few minutes each day through 2011 reading words by and about Francis of Assisi.
To those who haven't read much, as well as to those who have, I highly recommend this book.
To those who haven't read much, as well as to those who have, I highly recommend this book.
December 29, 2012
A nice overview of the life and teachings of Francis of Assisi. This daily devotional keeps the entries brief and interesting.
April 27, 2014
Very good
Very good
I like the book since I am a Franciscan too and it is helpful to remember St FRANCIS words to all of us
Very good
I like the book since I am a Franciscan too and it is helpful to remember St FRANCIS words to all of us
December 16, 2014
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews