Saint Francis of Assisi had a radical conversion. He was a saint of the Middle Ages, born in 1182 to a wealthy fabric merchant in Italy. In his youth, Saint Francis of Assisi enjoyed many comforts due to his family’s wealth. He loved sports and was quite the socializer among his young friends. Eventually, he became a knight and went to war, only to be captured and put in prison for a year. With nothing else to do, he turned to God and delved deep into the scriptures. It was during this time of suffering that Saint Francis learned through scripture what it meant to be a real disciple of Christ.
Eventually, he got out of prison, but it fundamentally changed him. He tried to go back to the knighthood but he was deeply troubled internally and the vocation no longer inspired him. He was only 23 years old, but even his comfortable social life was no longer something he desired, nor could it take away this feeling in his heart that he needed to live for Christ in a radical way.
One Day in 1206, Jesus Speaks to Saint Francis of Assisi
The prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi before the crucifix was written after St. Francis heard the voice of Jesus speak to him in the ruined church where he knelt and prayed.
Before the Crucifix in the Ruined Church
As a young man, Francis loved to visit an ancient chapel that had fallen into ruins. It was dedicated to San Damiano. Although the chapel was in ruins, a beautiful Byzantine wooden crucifix remained. It was painted with bright beautiful colors. The Jesus depicted on this crucifix had haunting, large eyes that gazed in sadness on Francis as he knelt before it.
Francis loved to pray beneath the crucifix. It was a place he frequented where he knew he could go and have intimate spiritual communion with Christ. One day while in prayer he looked up.
The image of the Lord on the Crucifix began to move his lips.
As they moved, he heard the Lord say, “Francis, you see that my house is falling down; go and repair it for me.”
Francis answered without hesitation, “Willingly, Lord.”
Prayer of Adoration before the Crucifix of Our Lord
by Saint Francis of Assisi
Most High,
glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me
true faith,
certain hope,
and perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
Lord, that I may carry out
Your holy and true command.
Amen.
Learn more about Saint Francis here.
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