St. Francis of Assisi

Zurbaran - St. Francis in Meditation

St. Francis of Assisi

Foremost among the great saints was St. Francis of Assisi, who had abandoned a life of wealth and comfort at the age of 25, to serve his Lord through asceticism. Often called the "little pauper", he received a call from God as he lay on the verge of death, and would soon radiate the spirit of charity and penitence as he founded the Franciscan order of friars. However, he is most well-known for his last years in life as he kneeled in darkness, almost totally blind, and devoted himself to meditation on the suffering of Christ. It was then, in 1224, that he underwent his famous "ecstasy" as he experienced a sacred vision of an angel with six wings, outstretching its arms to form the shape of the crucified Christ.

More detailed writings on Saint Francis from:

The Franciscan Experience

Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon:

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon
for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.
Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.

Zurbaran - St. Francis

Prayer of St. Francis