If you have read a good biography of St. Francis, it is easy to see different steps of a conversion process as they apply to different events in the life of Francis. During the time of discernment in the period of initial formation, or as professed members seek to strengthen their vocation, it is important to ponder the events of Francis’ conversion and vocation process, and see how these might relate with your own conversion and vocation process.
As a help, you might use the following steps in a conversion process as they apply to the life of St. Francis, and then ask yourself how they might also apply in your own life:
From For Up to Now: Franciscan Movement Part 1 “The Journey of Francis” by Jan Parker, OFS
As you think about each of the above points, comment in your journal or share with your formation group.
Looking for a biography of St. Francis? Here are a few suggestions:
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As a help, you might use the following steps in a conversion process as they apply to the life of St. Francis, and then ask yourself how they might also apply in your own life:
- Darkness that can lead to openness (Questions and ambiguity can propel us to God) [Think about: Francis’ desire to be a knight; his restlessness; his time in prison; his illnesses and dreams]
- Listening and hearing (Prayer) [Think about: Francis’ encounter with the leper and how he began to think about the poor Christ; after traveling to Rome, he returns home and prays and waits for an answer] –the voice in the dream; the voice from the San Damiano Cross; the time in solitude listening to the Lord
- Choosing to follow [Think about: Francis realizes that his true bride is Lady Poverty; Hears the voice from the San Damiano cross and responds immediately; Hears the voice in his dream-“Who do you want to follow, the servant or the master?” St. Clare and Bro. Sylvester counsel Francis to preach instead of becoming a hermit]
- Signs which strengthen our decisions and our walk [Kissing the leper; trading clothes with the beggar in Rome; He hears the voice from the San Damiano crucifix]
- Finding new direction [All of the above begin to move him in a new direction. He begins the “rebuilding” process.]
- Life of Christ/Gospel as point of contact and reference
- Finding support in this newness
- Walking in faith [“The Lord gave me brothers…]
- Trusting even in darkness
- Darkness that can lead to openness
- As conversion is ongoing, we “begin again”, returning to the top
From For Up to Now: Franciscan Movement Part 1 “The Journey of Francis” by Jan Parker, OFS
As you think about each of the above points, comment in your journal or share with your formation group.
Looking for a biography of St. Francis? Here are a few suggestions:
- St. Francis of Assisi: Passion, Poverty, and the Man who Transformed the Catholic Church by Bret Thoman OFS
- St. Francis of Assisi: A Biography by Omer Englebert
- Francis: The Journey and the Dream by Murray Bodo O.F.M. and John Michael Talbot
- Francis of Assisi: The Life and Afterlife of a Medieval Saint by André Vauchez
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