St Francis of Assisi

G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) was a popular Christian writer with a prodigious output, including this well-written study and reflection on the life of St Francis. He begins by sketching out possible vantage points from which to view his life without the interfering prejudice of scepticism that denies miracles a priori and cannot understand the nature of sanctity. He explains the broader background of his time and the evolution of Catholic Christianity as a response to paganism. One of his most interesting observations is Francis's self-characterisation as a troubadour, a lover of God, Christ, men and Lady Poverty: what he calls Le Jongleur (jester) de Dieu (think of his Canticle to the Sun). He began as a fighter, son of a cloth merchant whom he famously repudiated along with his earlier life. The various chapters describe him as a fighter, builder, little poor man and mirror of Christ who began a truly mendicant order initially without any economic security whatsoever. Chesterton explains how Francis saw things dramatically, for instance on his pilgrimage to Rome to seek out Pope Innocent III, who only took him seriously after a dream. His life was certainly an imitation of Christ, culminating in the stigmata shortly before his death. Importantly, he also instigated the idea of a Third Order enabling men and women to be part of his movement without abandoning their homes. There is no doubt about his inner power and supernatural capacity, for instance in terms of healing. The power of his testament can also be seen in the life of the present Pope and his recent encyclical on the environment. Although written more than 80 years ago, this book can still inform our understanding of this great life.