Posted on 13.11.2011, and 15.06.2014
Built by the Romans on a series of terraces on Monte Subasio, Assisi stood out only along with the foundation of the Franciscan religious order by Saint Francis of Assisi (born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone) and of the Poor Clares order also by him, but together with his disciple, Saint Claire of Assisi (born Chiara Offreduccio), both at the beginning of 13th century. Saint Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history and shares honors with St. Catherine of Siena as the patron saint of Italy (from 1939).
Orthodox as religion and grew up under the Ceauşescu regime, I found out about St. Francis only late, after the age of 30, when I got in my hand an excellent written and structured volume, Gospel Living: Saint Francis of Assisi Yesterday and Today, that I strongly recommend you. The book has three parts, each with a different author: Francis of Assisi: Life - Life Program - Experiences (by the Capuchin Anton Rotzetter), Franciscan spirit over the centuries (by the Capuchin Eillibrord-Christian Van Dijk) and Francis of Assisi and his followers today (by the Franciscan Thaddee Matura). The book impressed me and made me think more to some things, on me, the agnostic who reads with great pleasure Céline, Samuel Beckett and Emil Cioran.
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