The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi

• Author:St. Bonaventure

The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi

Overview

"Francis, go and build up My house, which thou seest is falling into ruin."

To fulfill this divine command, St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) began by restoring physical stones and ended by rebuilding the spiritual Church in the hearts of souls. The Life of St. Francis of Assisi, written by the Seraphic Doctor, St. Bonaventure, provides an intimate and authoritative portrait of a man totally transformed by God. Never ordained a priest, St. Francis was nonetheless a preacher and miracle-worker of the first order—curing the sick, prophesying, casting out devils, and even raising the dead. This classic biography conveys an indelible impression of Francis’s humility, purity, and "perfect joy," which inspired a global revolution of faith that continues to this day.

• A Saint Writing of a Saint: Experience the life of Francis through the eyes of St. Bonaventure, one of the Church’s greatest theologians and a successor to Francis.
• Witness the Miraculous: Read authentic accounts of the extraordinary miracles, from the taming of the wolf of Gubbio to the receiving of the Sacred Stigmata.
• The Secret of Holy Poverty: Understand how Francis’s radical detachment from the world led to a radical attachment to Christ.
• Rebuild the Church: Gain inspiration for your own spiritual journey by seeing how one man’s simple "Yes" to God changed the course of history.
• Enhanced TAN Edition: Features updated typesetting, a fresh cover design, and a durable binding intended for a lifetime of devotional reading.

Intended Audience

This biography is essential for anyone devoted to St. Francis, members of the Third Order Franciscan family, and Catholics seeking to understand the true meaning of humility and evangelical poverty. It is a perfect introduction to the Saint for those who want to move beyond "garden statue" piety into the deep, radical reality of his life.

FAQs

How does this differ from other biographies of St. Francis?
St. Bonaventure’s account, the Legenda Maior, was commissioned by the Franciscan Order as the official, definitive biography to capture the spiritual essence of their founder.

Is this book historically accurate?
Yes. St. Bonaventure traveled to Assisi and interviewed the surviving companions of St. Francis to ensure the details of his life and miracles were preserved faithfully.

Is this suitable for a gift?
Absolutely. The updated typesetting and quality binding make this TAN edition an excellent gift for Confirmandi, new converts, or those taking a patronal name of Francis.