Francis and Clare lit the path to joy as simple followers of Christ. Their example has inspired men and women for nearly 800 years. The translators have captured the spirit of these two charismatics who experienced greatness by being small.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis (Italian Fioretti di San Francesco) is a body of work divided into 53 short chapters, on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi which was composed at the end of the 14th century. The book has been the most popular account of Saint Francis' life and relates many colorful anecdotes, miracles and pious examples from the lives of Francis and his followers (such as Saint Juniper). The text was the inspiration for the Roberto Rossellini’s 1950 film Francesco, giullare di Dio (“Francis, God’s Jester”) which was co-written by Federico Fellini.
The Little Flowers Of Saint Francis Of Assisi ... Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
These books of Poems have received great reviews from both Carmelite and Franciscan Community Ministers, Diocesan Priests, and everyday Catholics who recommend it as a means of spiritual growth and a great source for devotions. Two ministers of Franciscan and Carmelite communities, priests, and publishing houses most strongly urged these books be published for use as devotionals; so following their advice he has done this with the assistance of AuthorHouse.
THE following translation has been made from the edition of the Works of St. Francis published at Cologne in the year 1848. As the work is intended to be a practical and devotional one, no critical notes have been introduced, nor references to the authors from whom Wadding made his collection. In these pages there will be found neither deep learning nor sublime eloquence, but only the expression of the exquisite simplicity, humility, and charity which filled the heart of the Seraphic Patriarch and above all, his ardent love for that Poverty which he looked upon as the queen of virtues, because in the perfect renunciation of self, and detachment from the things of this world, he saw the surest means for the soul to attain to the possession of the Supreme Good and the eternal riches of the heavenly kingdom.And yet under these simple words are concealed treasures of profound wisdom; for although, as St. Bonaventure says, 'St. Francis possessed not the knowledge acquired by study, nevertheless, being illuminated by the rays of the Divine light, he penetrated with marvelous clearness the hidden mysteries of Holy Scripture; for where the learning of the doctor stands without, the affection of the loving soul finds entrance:And being thus illuminated and transformed into the image of his Divine Master, the Saint taught to others, both by word and example, the knowledge and love of Christ .Crucified, which is indeed foolishness to the world, but ever has been, and ever will be to those who believe and love, 'the power of God and the wisdom of God.'Saint Francis Writes: “Oh, how blessed and happy are they who love God, and who act as Our Lord commands in the Gospel: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and thy neighbour as thyself.' Let us therefore love God, and adore Him with a pure heart and mind, for this is what He seeks above all things when He says: 'The true adorers shall adore God the Father in spirit and in truth.' All who adore Him ought to adore Him in spirit and truth. Farewell in the Lord.”
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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