The Little Flowers of Saint Francis
Chapter XIII

All are welcome to join the Assisi Project in reading and praying with one of the Little Flowers of Saint Francis, a beautiful series of legends and stories that reflect upon the life and times of the Poor Man from Assisi. In this beautiful story, Francis and his brothers encounter Jesus after speaking through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. May we give witness to the Crucified and Risen Lord in all that we think, say, and do. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

At the beginning of his religious life,
Saint Francis retired with his companions
to pray and speak together about Christ.
In his fervor, Francis asked one of these companions
to open his mouth and to speak of God
as the Holy Spirit inspires him to do.
The brother fulfilled the command.
He spoke marvelously about God,
but Francis called him to silence
and commanded another brother to speak.
This brother also obeyed.
He spoke of God with keen insights,
but Francis imposed silence on him, too,
and asked a third brother to speak.
This brother then spoke profoundly
about the secret things of God.
Because of this, Francis knew with certainty
that the brothers spoke
through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
This knowledge was surely proven both
by their example and by divine appearance.
As the brothers spoke,
Jesus appeared among them as a youth,
blessed them, filled them with grace and sweetness,
and left them in an ecstasy beyond this world.
After a time, Francis returned to himself.
He said to the brothers:
“My good friends, give thanks to God!
Through your mild voices,
the Lord revealed the treasures of divine wisdom!
Only God himself can open the mouths of the foolish
and compel the tongues of the simple
to speak with such heavenly wisdom!”
Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.
Amen! Amen!

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About Us

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with members, friends, and followers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages to more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Assisi Project is a tax exempt non-profit charitable corporation. All donations support our ministry and our tax deductible. For more information about the Assisi Project and our upcoming opportunities for faith formation, prayer, and pilgrimage in the Franciscan spiritual tradition, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. May the Lord give you peace!

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