The Prophet is the third volume in this extraordinary series of "the writings of Saint Francis and those of the early Franciscan witnesses" and it will "be of estimable value to scholars, students, and lovers of Il Poverello as well...a scholarly achievement done in the service of history, theology and spirituality." (Lawrence Cunningham)

Francis of Assisi is pre-eminently the saint of the Middle Ages. Owing nothing to church or school he was truly theodidact, and if he perhaps did not perceive the revolutionary bearing of his preaching, he at least always refused to be ordained priest. He divined the superiority of the spiritual priesthood. Saint Francis of Assisi (Italian: San Francesco d'Assisi), born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, informally named as Francesco (1181/1182 - 3 October 1226), was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon and preacher. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of Saint Clare, the Third Order of Saint Francis and the Custody of the Holy Land. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history. Pope Gregory IX canonized Francis on 16 July 1228. Along with Saint Catherine of Siena, he was designated Patron saint of Italy. He later became associated with patronage of animals and the natural environment, and it became customary for Catholic and Anglican churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October. He is often remembered as the patron saint of animals. In 1219, he went to Egypt in an attempt to convert the Sultan to put an end to the conflict of the Crusades.[6] By this point, the Franciscan Order had grown to such an extent that its primitive organizational structure was no longer sufficient. He returned to Italy to organize the Order. Once his community was authorized by the Pope, he withdrew increasingly from external affairs. Francis is also known for his love of the Eucharist.[7] In 1223, Francis arranged for the first Christmas live nativity scene.[8][9][2] According to Christian tradition, in 1224 he received the stigmata during the apparition of Seraphic angels in a religious ecstasy [10] making him the first recorded person in Christian history to bear the wounds of Christ's Passion.[11] He died during the evening hours of 3 October 1226, while listening to a reading he had requested of Psalm 142.

General readers will enjoy learning about Saint Francis in this book and how hagiography shaped the public stories of medieval saints.

This biography of St. Francis of Assisi addresses every phase of his life and work. -- Dust jacket.

Francis (c. 1182-1226) and Clare (c. 1193-1254) together shaped the spirituality of early 13th-century Europe. Here for the first time in English are their complete writings, brought together in one volume.

The Complete Works of Saint Francis of Assisi is a profound collection of writings by the influential Italian friar and preacher. This book showcases Saint Francis' deep spirituality and devotion to God, as seen through his poignant prayers, sermons, letters, and rules for his religious order. The literary style is simple yet profound, reflecting Saint Francis' own humility and his emphasis on living a life of poverty, peace, and service to others. This work is a vital piece of medieval literature and provides insight into the religious context of the time. Readers will be captivated by Saint Francis' timeless teachings and his commitment to living a life of love and compassion. St. Francis of Assisi, known for his radical commitment to poverty and his love for nature, was driven by a deep spiritual connection to God. His writings reflect his desire to live a life of simplicity and devotion to God, as well as his concern for the marginalized and downtrodden. His experiences with poverty and his encounters with lepers and the poor influenced his profound spiritual insights and teachings. I highly recommend The Complete Works of Saint Francis of Assisi to readers interested in Christian spirituality, medieval literature, or the life of Saint Francis. This book provides a valuable glimpse into the mind and heart of a revered saint who continues to inspire people around the world.