Tuesday, May 25, 2010

ABC WEDNESDAY "S"- Saints

This is a slightly different rendition of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, whom we normally associate with cute little animals.  Yes, the Roman Catholic Church has described him as the patron of animals and ecology, but on a recent trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I heard a lecture on a different side of St. Francis.  Note that the photo above has him holding a skull. He was big on penance. The Catholic Encyclopedia has a lengthy article on St. Francis and indicates that he "went forth at once exhorting the people of the country-side to penance, brotherly love, and peace. . .When the number of his companions had increased to eleven, Francis found it expedient to draw up a written rule for them. This first rule, as it is called, of the Friars Minor has not come down to us in its original form, but it appears to have been very short and simple, a mere adaptation of the Gospel precepts already selected by Francis for the guidance of his first companions, and which he desired to practice in all their perfection. When this rule was ready the Penitents of Assisi, as Francis and his followers styled themselves, set out for Rome to seek the approval of the Holy See." His life was very complicated but certainly was broader that the popular version of St. Frances surrounded by all kinds of animals with birds circling his head.
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22 comments:

  1. belle petite sculpture de ce saint

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  2. We both posted Saints today: you an Italian one, I an American one...

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  3. A nice representation of St. Francis. Thanks for the reminder of his more complex nature. He was hard on himself, especially, I think.

    Pax et bonum.

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  4. Very interesting. But what did Francis do to benefit the world other than to bless little critters and ... "penance"?

    The little statue does look like something one would find in the southwest.

    Cute? Well, except for the skull.

    Hope all is well in St. Paul!

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  5. A story behind the man.

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  6. I like this rendition and I especially like those baskets on each side.

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  7. A very interesting story. I also like this statue. It's not the normal St Francis we usually see. Maybe it's the colors... but he somehow appears younger than usual.

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  8. This has been a great S day! I've already had two great history lessons about two different Saints! I love it and your photo is terrific! Hope you have a great day and a lovely week!

    Sylvia

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  9. Lovely little sculpture and story.

    S is for street and...

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  10. I recently read a book called God is Red by Vine Deloria. In it, he alludes to a darker side to St. Francis but doesn't expand on it. It's made me ultra curious...

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  11. Very nice design.

    Do you know Assisi, Italy's sister city in the US? San Francisco, named for St. Francis. (It was a JEOPOARDY question.)

    On behalf of the ABC Wednesday team, thank you!

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  12. Thank you for giving us more information on St. Francis. I have to admit knowing little about him other than the blessing of the animals.
    Nice post Kate.

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  13. One of my favorite St. is St Francis of Assisi. This statue is simple looking but every detailed is thought of. Love your post too very informative. Happy Wednesday!

    ABC Wednesday~S

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  14. Anonymous1:31 PM

    I wonder if this man ever got kissed or kissed anyone?

    We are having some delightful weather here today. I have been out for a brief period and sat in a chair and listened to the birds singing and the mother robin scolding her baby about going there or here. The hummingbird popped in on me and left before I could really get a good look. I find I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat and it feels so good to wake up and realize it is still daylight. Your flowers are beautiful. I have some open but not much variety yet.

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  15. Informative! Great S post!

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  16. I found this aspect of St Francis fascinating - I'm from San Francisco originally so I knew of that connection. Thank you for such an informative "s."

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  17. What a great little figurine and perfect "s" contribution!

    Hood Photo Blog

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  18. It's always interesting to get a different point of view and I enjoyed your entry.

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  19. I was a Roman Catholic when I was young, and he was my favourite saint, he always had birds in his hand in the photos I saw.

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  20. Fascinating. I know little about St. Francis.
    The bowl to the right of him looks very much like one my son brought me from Africa.

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  21. Brilliant! You would think that my being Catholic, that I would think of 'saints' right off the bat for "S"! Did you know that he caused his mother a LOT of grief and did not convert until he was about 30? Quite the character, he was.

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  22. Silly me that I did not think of the word "Saint"! Great S-word. I hope others use this opportunity to write about other saints.
    Thought-provoking post.
    Best wishes,
    Anna
    Anna's S-words

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