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Now you too can discover the inspiring model of St. Francis as outlined by St. Bonaventure. Bonaventure talks about this spiritual journey as taking place in six steps, like the six days of creation. On each step of the journey, he explores a new dimension of our relationship with God. Bonaventure presents us with a mystical theology, leading us step by step from reflection on the world around us, through reflection on our inner world as human beings, toward the world above us, the divine life of the Holy Trinity.

"Francis, go and build up my house, which thou seest, is falling into ruin." To fulfill this command of Our Lord, St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) began by restoring physical churches and continued by building up the spiritual church in souls. Francis' humility, purity, and true joy inspired many to conversion and a deeper faith.

It is said of St. Francis of Assisi that he didn't trust books and never wanted his friars to get distracted and influenced by the words of authors, whose works he also didn't trust. He trusted the Bible, but not certain people's interpretations of it. He was finally willing to bend in his staunch stand against book learning on the advice of St. Anthony of Padua, who was not only brilliant, but whom St. Francis trusted.

From the pulpit of the cross, Christ gave His final and most riveting sermon: His seven last words. In times past, Christ frequently spoke in parables, but no more. No, Christ penned these words with His royal blood like a calligrapher using the most delicate of strokes. Christʼs seven last words are the greatest utterances ever recorded in the history of the world—greater than the words of any esteemed orator, heroic leader, or even saint, because they were the last words of God to mankind.

La voie des conseils évangéliques est parcourue par les hommes parfaits, comme sont les religieux. Ces conseils portent sur la religion, l'obéissance, la pauvreté et la chasteté.

The wisdom of the early Franciscan saints—Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure—continues to resonate in the spirituality of many in the twenty-first century. Their approach to life can lead us to new solutions to the chaos of our time and new ways to appreciate and celebrate the joy of God’s creation, human and nonhuman alike.

Ignite your spirituality with the Franciscan writings of St. Bonaventure. In the 13th century, St. Bonaventure, the great Doctor of the Church, philosopher, and Franciscan friar composed The Major Legend of St. Francis, a biography of the man he so admired. Perhaps nowhere does the poor man of Assisi's example of Gospel perfection shine so powerfully. Now, with these 12 erudite lectures, you will explore the powerful question posed by Bonaventure in The Major Legend: Do we wish to admire or to imitate Francis, the perfect follower of Christ?