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Saint Francis of Assisi: His Essential Wisdom
St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), the patron saint of animals and the environment, is one of the most revered figures in Christianity. His brief time on Earth was distinguished by a spiritual journey that led him from a life of privilege, entitlement, and soldiering to one of humility, charity, and service. He became a preacher, mystic, and champion of the poor, and he founded the Franciscan Order, which
today comprises the largest of the Catholic Church's religious communities. Saint Francis: His Essential Wisdom invites readers to consider this universally beloved saint through the teachings that are part of his enduring legacy.
This compilation gathers more than three hundred quotations from writings composed by St. Francis himself, as well as lessons that he dictated to his brothers. Included are excerpts from his rules, admonitions, and exhortations for his brothers, for St. Clare and the sisters who founded the Second Order of St. Francis, and for his lay followers. There are also selections from his letters, prayers, and blessings, including the full text of his Canticle of Brother Sun, his personal paean to the Creator and the natural world. Arranged thematically, the extracts reflect the subjects that were of greatest import to St. Francis himself.
In these selections, St. Francis: joyfully expresses his undying love for God and for all of creation; extols the virtues of humility, poverty, charity, and service to the poor; reflects on the meaning of suffering and sacrifice; challenges us to show respect and admiration for all living things and for the environment itself. Whether you are seeking guidance for yourown spiritual journey, or simply want to learn more about the humble friar who lived the Gospel and who changed the course
of history in the process, this book will help deepen your understanding of St. Francis and his teachings.
Carol Kelly-Gangi is the editor and compiler of Jesus: His Essential Wisdom, The Essential Wisdom of the Saints, Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom, The Essential Wisdom of the Founding Fathers, and other books. She lives in New Jersey with her
husband and two children.
today comprises the largest of the Catholic Church's religious communities. Saint Francis: His Essential Wisdom invites readers to consider this universally beloved saint through the teachings that are part of his enduring legacy.
This compilation gathers more than three hundred quotations from writings composed by St. Francis himself, as well as lessons that he dictated to his brothers. Included are excerpts from his rules, admonitions, and exhortations for his brothers, for St. Clare and the sisters who founded the Second Order of St. Francis, and for his lay followers. There are also selections from his letters, prayers, and blessings, including the full text of his Canticle of Brother Sun, his personal paean to the Creator and the natural world. Arranged thematically, the extracts reflect the subjects that were of greatest import to St. Francis himself.
In these selections, St. Francis: joyfully expresses his undying love for God and for all of creation; extols the virtues of humility, poverty, charity, and service to the poor; reflects on the meaning of suffering and sacrifice; challenges us to show respect and admiration for all living things and for the environment itself. Whether you are seeking guidance for yourown spiritual journey, or simply want to learn more about the humble friar who lived the Gospel and who changed the course
of history in the process, this book will help deepen your understanding of St. Francis and his teachings.
Carol Kelly-Gangi is the editor and compiler of Jesus: His Essential Wisdom, The Essential Wisdom of the Saints, Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom, The Essential Wisdom of the Founding Fathers, and other books. She lives in New Jersey with her
husband and two children.
- GenresCatholic
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 16, 2018
This book requires some knowledge of Francis of Assisi to understand it, but it is accessible because it reads like poetry. The reader gets a great sense of the Christian mission, be it St Francis and his service to the poor, his devotion to humility, or the gift of stigmata he received towards the end of his life. There is a great balance in the quotes, as well as the Catholic thinkers quoted who reflect upon the life of St Francis.
July 23, 2026
Very short read if you’re just going straight through. It’s interesting reading about a man who was greatly revered in his time and even remembered today. Not everything is agreeable to me. But he sure did love Jesus and put himself last. Saint Francis of Assisi was ahead of his time in some ways, too.
Rating: 5/10, three stars.
Rating: 5/10, three stars.
August 24, 2021
Beautiful words of St Francis of Assisi. Very inspiring!
January 10, 2017
A collection of quotes from St. Francis. Some of them were fascinating, some of them were full of wisdom, and some of them were somewhat disturbing. I wish they were placed in-context but no, it is just quote after quote after quote.
Neat to have and sometimes a little thought provoking but there is just something lacking in this book.
Neat to have and sometimes a little thought provoking but there is just something lacking in this book.
August 22, 2018
I added this book to my daily morning prayer/ study time. St Francis’s life was a struggle to serve God. His work and words are so inspiring to even people of today. Listen, read his sayings and practice his beliefs for mankind. I will continue to read and take to heart his beliefs and hopes for mankind.
September 7, 2010
A small book with some of St Francis' teachings and thoughts from his contemporarys. A good book to pick up for some personal growth.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews