1. LIFE OF ST FRANCIS by THOMAS OF CELANO 1228-1229 First biography

2. in FRANCIS OF ASSISI: EARLY DOCUMENTS VOLUME ONE (FA:ED I)

3. LIFE OF ST FRANCIS More theological than historical Written on occasion of canonization

4. Features also: ST CLARE ST CLARE BROTHER ELIAS BROTHER ELIAS CARDINAL HUGOLINO CARDINAL HUGOLINO (POPE GREGORY IX)

5. SAINT CLARE As a young woman As a young woman Poor Ladies Poor Ladies of San Damiano

6. BROTHER ELIAS Esteemed and loved Esteemed and loved Special blessing Special blessing

7. CARDINAL HUGOLINO Protector of the Order (1220) Protector of the Order (1220) Intellectual gifts Intellectual gifts Political influence Political influence

8. POPE GREGORY IX Canonized Francis (1228) Canonized Francis (1228) Announced the new Saint Announced the new Saint Promoted spiritual Promoted spiritualrenewal

9. HAGIOGRAPHY Modelled on ST MARTIN OF TOURS ST ANTHONY OF THE DESERT Converted by the Word of God

10. SAINT FRANCIS Rebuilt the Church on foundations:  Bl. Virgin Mary  Apostles  Martyrs

11. SAINT FRANCIS Rebuilt the chapels:  St Mary of the Angels  St Peter’s  St Damian’s

12. HISTORY Facts from experience of: Friar Thomas of Celano Saint Clare Other living witnesses

13. LIFE OF ST FRANCIS Comprises THREE BOOKS

14. BOOK ONE BOOK ONE Humility of the Incarnation Greccio crib

15. BOOK TWO Charity of the Passion Alvernia stigmata

16. BOOK THREE Miracles after death Pentecost in the Church

17. APPROACHES TO READING Look for:  Aims of Gregory IX  Other Saints’ lives  Historical elements

18. PRIMARY APPROACH  Spiritual formation  Catch the spirit of St Francis  Love the incarnate Word, Christ Crucified and Risen