St. Francis and the Cross: Reflections on Suffering, Weakness, and Joy

by Raniero Cantalamessa, Carlo Maria Martini

St. Francis of Assisi devoted himself to Christ Crucified, and his love for the Savior marked everything he did, said, and wrote. Here two renowned spiritual writers and teachers reflect on Francis' words about the Cross, unfolding its mystery and drawing us into the flood of graces that flow from it. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa meditates on Francis' Canticle of Creation and his Testament, calling us to allow the beauty of creation to draw us to Christ and open us to love. Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini considers how the folly of the cross brings us to wisdom and to perfect joy.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin Catholic Priest. Born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, 22 July 1934, ordained priest in 1958. Divinity Doctor (Fribourg 1962) and Doctor in classical literature (Milan 1966). Former Ordinary Professor of History of Ancient Christianity and Director of the Department of Religious Sciences at the Catholic University of Milan. Member of the International Theological Commission (1975-1981) and for 12 years member of the Catholic Delegation for the dialogue with the Pentecostal Churches.

In 1979 he resigned his teaching position to become a full time preacher of the Gospel. In 1980 he was appointed by Pope John Paul II Preacher to the Papal Household and confirmed in that position by pope Benedict XVI in 2005. In this capacity he preaches a weekly sermon in Advent and Lent in the presence of the Pope, the cardinals, bishops an prelates of the Roman Curia and the general superiors of religious orders. He is also frequently invited to speak in many countries around the world, both to Catholic and Protestant audiences.

He has received an Honorary degree in Laws from Notre Dame University (Indiana), in Sciences of communication from the University of Macerata (Italy) and in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio).
In addition to his early scholar books on patristic Christology, Easter in the Ancient Church and other topics he has published numerous books on spirituality fruit of his preaching to the papal Household, translated in more than twenty foreign languages.
For 14 years, from 1994 to 2010 he has run a weekly program on the first channel of the Italian state television (RAI) on the Gospel of the following Sunday.

From 2009, when he is not engaged in preaching, he lives in an hermitage, at Cittaducale (Rieti) ministering to a small community of cloistered nuns.
The 18 July 2013 he has been confirmed by pope Francis as Preacher to the Papal Household.

Reviews

[Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a set of reflections by a few priests for a retreat for priests. There were some insights into St. Francis's life (and Br. Leo's patience). It talks about St. Francis' "dark night" and how he was rewarded with his stigmatas.

[Ryan Hepler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is good but written for priests