Francis of Assisi (1961)

Tonight we are watching this film.

Pax et bonum.


Franciscans point out that much myth surrounds Francis.

One piece that was missing from this film was his encounter with a leper. He has a compulsion to embrace a leper. "What before was unthinkable has become sweetness and light." Many believe this is the single most significant event of his conversion.

He called the church to live simply, celibacy, community and in solidarity to the poor. Francis is a witness to a radical call of the gospel.

There's a thing called third order Franciscans who aspire to his lifestyle but don’t take vows.

Claire expressed the idea that there is freedom from the tug of possessions.

He rebuilt a church. When someone takes a dramatic step others follow. Many churches set the bar very low, a tyranny of low expectations. Yet some will respond radically. Churches can and should prepare for this.

Consumer culture opposes faith and simplicity. Yet in having less we experience abundance.