LIFE OF ST FRANCIS by THOMAS OF CELANO

LIFE OF ST FRANCIS by THOMAS OF CELANO 1228 -1229 First biography

in FRANCIS OF ASSISI: EARLY DOCUMENTS VOLUME ONE (FA: ED I)

LIFE OF ST FRANCIS n More theological than historical n Written on occasion of canonization

Features also: n ST CLARE n BROTHER n CARDINAL ELIAS HUGOLINO (POPE GREGORY IX)

SAINT CLARE n As a young woman n Poor Ladies of San Damiano

BROTHER ELIAS n Esteemed n Special and loved blessing

CARDINAL HUGOLINO n Protector of the Order (1220) n Intellectual n Political gifts influence

POPE GREGORY IX n Canonized Francis (1228) n Announced the new Saint n Promoted spiritual renewal

HAGIOGRAPHY Modelled on n ST MARTIN OF TOURS n ST ANTHONY OF THE DESERT Converted by the Word of God

SAINT FRANCIS Rebuilt the Church on foundations: u Bl. Virgin Mary u Apostles u Martyrs

SAINT FRANCIS Rebuilt the chapels: u. St Mary of the Angels u. St Peter’s Damian’s

HISTORY Facts from experience of: l Friar Thomas of Celano l Saint l Other Clare living witnesses

LIFE OF ST FRANCIS Comprises THREE BOOKS

BOOK ONE Humility of the Incarnation Greccio crib

BOOK TWO Charity of the Passion Alvernia stigmata

BOOK THREE Miracles after death Pentecost in the Church

APPROACHES TO READING Look for: u Aims of Gregory IX u Other Saints’ lives u Historical elements

PRIMARY APPROACH u. Spiritual formation u. Catch the spirit of St Francis u. Love the incarnate Word, Christ Crucified and