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St. Francis of Assisi

By February 21, 2023January 17th, 2024Real Living Podcast

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Introduction

  • Lavinia Spiritual and Mueller Nemececk welcome the listeners to the show and introduce the topic.
  • They discuss the upcoming pilgrimage to the hometowns of St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Catherine of Siena.

The Legacy of St. Francis

  • The hosts reflect on the enduring popularity of St. Francis, often hailed as the first environmentalist and a symbol of God’s creation.
  • They emphasize that beyond his love for animals and nature, St. Francis embodied a powerful message of conversion, holiness, and mission.

St. Francis’ Early Life and Conversion

  • The hosts delve into St. Francis’ early life as a privileged son of a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi.
  • They discuss his initial ambitions to be a knight and troubadour, and his experiences in the army that eventually led to his gradual spiritual awakening.

A Gradual Path to Conversion

  • Emphasizing the gradual nature of St. Francis’ conversion, the hosts discuss his encounters with a leper and a dream that influenced his journey.
  • They talk about how he received a vision in the church of San Damiano, setting him on the path to repair not just physical churches but to reform the Church itself.

Embracing Poverty and Spiritual Authority

  • The hosts highlight how St. Francis embraced poverty, owning nothing and relying on divine providence, which gave him immense spiritual authority.
  • They discuss his encounter with Sultan al-Kamil during the Crusades and how he left a lasting impression on him, advocating for peace.

The Stigmata and Continued Journey

  • The hosts touch upon the profound moment when St. Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, at Monta Aveliano.
  • They tease that in the next episode, they will continue exploring the lives of St. Clare and St. Catherine of Siena, providing a deeper understanding of St. Francis’ personality and mission.

Conclusion

  • Lavinia Spiritual and Mueller Nemececk express gratitude for the listeners’ engagement and invite them to tune in to the next episode for more insights into the lives of saints.