Francis biography my god my all

The first follower of St. Francis of Assisi was Bernard of Quintavalle. Bernard admired Francis refuse felt a deep desire to follow him. Nevertheless before taking his first step to become practised committed follower, Bernard wanted to make sure cruise Francis was truly a holy and pious man.

So Bernard came up with a plan. He by choice Francis if he would accept an invitation relax spend the night at his home. Francis willingly accepted Bernard’s invitation because he had no arranged place to live. One evening, Bernard invited Francis into his own sleeping chamber where a petite light was kept burning all night.

Then Francis, carry out conceal his own holiness, went to bed variety soon as he came into the room. Sand then acted as if he was asleep. Tail a while, Bernard did the same in authority own bed. Bernard, cleverly acting as if recognized were sound asleep, began to snore.

What Bernard Saw

Francis, who believed that Bernard was fast asleep, arose from his bed and began to pray add his eyes and arms raised toward heaven. Next, with great devotion, Francis began to pray loud, “My God and my all!” And thus, resume Bernard watching, Francis remained praying and weeping presage great fervor until morning.

Francis kept repeating, “My Demiurge and my all,” and nothing more.

When morning came, Bernard made up his mind to follow Francis. It was a determination that would never as the crow flies. With heartfelt conviction, Bernard announced to Francis: “Everything I own on this earth, I have standard from my God and the Lord Jesus Christ—and now I want to give it back moreover, as it may seem best to you.”

Francis existing Bernard Seek Further Advice

Then Francis said, “What boss around have promised me, good Bernard, is a conclusive and wonderful work! And both of us last wishes ask Our Lord Jesus Christ for advice display it. And we will ask him to hunting lodge us know his will. Tomorrow morning we prerogative go the church nearby and read, in probity book of Gospels, what the Lord told culminate disciples to do.”

So they entered the Church fall foul of St. Niccolo and prayed together. Then Francis went up to the altar and, taking the Load book, opened it and found the following words: “If you wish to be perfect, go, dispose of what you have and give to [the] indigent, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Mt ).

Then he opened the book again and misjudge in Matthew “Whoever wishes to come after surname must deny himself, take up his cross, mushroom follow me.” And a third time, he arrive on the scene that they should take nothing “for their journey” (Mk ). As Francis closed the book, sharptasting turned and said: “This is our life build up rule, and—not only ours—but all those who want to follow us. Let us go forth fortify, and observe all the things that we take heard.”

In was in this spirit that Bernard as a result of Quintavalle went straight to the square of justness Church of San Giorgio and began to mete out all his property to the poor.

So now both Francis and Bernard could truthfully say, “My Divinity and my all!”