By: Carley
Hello Tutorial 11 it’s Carley here.
On this blog post I will be discussing the reform
of the Church, St. Francis and the Franciscan followers.
During the
12th and 13th centuries the Church underwent many
changes and orders were introduced. The Gregorian reform is what separated the Church from feudalism in an attempt to adapt to the outside world. From this
change, equality of working life and prayer created a balance between living
and the spiritual life.
From the
readings of St. Francis I saw his life somewhat reflected the life of Christ; living in poverty and preaching the good word of the Lord to the people of
Italy. St Francis wanted to experience the life of Jesus to show his devotion
to Christianity. He wanted to show the people of Assisi that they should not
possess a desire for wealth and gold but encouraged them to live the life of
Christ and devote their life to peace and religion.
What really
interests me about St. Francis is his love and involvement with animals and
nature. His affection and glorification of the created universe plays an
important part of Francis’ doctrine by appealing to the people on a deeper
level.
 |
| The Basilica of St Francis |
 |
| The Basilica of St Francis |
I have
attached 3 pictures of St. Francis’ Basilica in Assisi from when I visited four
years ago. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited and it
captures the essence of St. Francis. Overlooking the magnificent beauty of the
Tuscan fields.
Questions
for the week:
From Celano’s stories, how do you
understand Francis’ relationship with the natural world?
Do you think that the impression of
St. Francis shaped how the Church is today?
Do you think begging, poverty and preaching made for a
humble life?
 |
| The Basilica of St Francis |
I won't have another chance to post, I know its pretty early...
ReplyDeleteFrancis relationship with the natural world clearly runs deep however, for the sake of writing I think it is over dramatised i.e. the birds stop chirping and wait for his signal before they fly away. However, his appreciation and kindness towards God’s natural creates seems quite realistic. Maybe his appreciation came as a result of from no appreciation during his teenage years, its described that he “lived riotously” and acted “more stupidly than the rest” of his family.
Francis is very pious and devout in his beliefs to god - he tries to mirror Jesus, but I don’t think his rule lasted throughout the ages. Yes, Clare attempted to keep his rule going and wrote her own rule as a reflection of this but many strayed away. Certainly not in our society would anyone voluntarily live the life of a beggar and sell all their possessions.
I think begging and poverty make a humble life, especially when given up by your own choice. In terms of preaching, it seems like they are trying to be in people’s faces a little bit. You could view people giving them money and clothes, and whatever else they would beg for, so they would stop preaching. All in all, their lives would be pretty humble.
Firstly, great job Carley!!
ReplyDeleteYou've done a good job and I love your personal pictures from his Basilica, you must have an interest in his work which is awesome :)
I think St Francis definitely based his life around Jesus, merchant's son, living in poverty and didn't want to shy away from the people but live amongst them. But why did he think begging was an okay way to live his life, living off other people's money? And how come he was so against education?
I like that he was kind to children and especially women because it clearly wasn't necessarily the case throughout that period and I think his adoration for nature could be brought back to his early childhood, like Jane suggests.
It is a little unfortunate that the first biography of Francis' life was commissioned by a Pope in the years following his canonisation. This is because inevitably all his miracles and purity become part of the narrative. I'm sure he was a very interesting figure without these slight exaggerations.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to Carley's question about how we feel about Francis' connection with nature: I found it quite admirable. It seems quite possible and perhaps implied (at least from Celano) that the reason Francis loved nature so much was that he was devout to Jesus almost by imitation. The new testamment reads that Jesus frequently used animals in his parables, and is frequently depicted in harmony with animal world, etc.
I found the account of his moment with the birds rather amusing. Just the idea that he ran towards the birds and they didn’t move but somewhat responded to his blessing was pretty funny and ridiculous, but his obvious zeal was endearing. I like the idea that he thought himself negligent for never preaching to animals before. It seems he took great pride in acknowledging all of God’s creations. He appears to have a strong connection with the natural world and wishes to bless all that he can. I believe, as Jarrod pointed out, that he was strongly trying to emulate Jesus particularly in this sense.
ReplyDeleteI think it is highly possible that begging, poverty and preaching made for a humble life. Once striped of possessions and wealth it would certainly make you realise what is important and perhaps humble you. Although the reading depicts Francis as humble, I find it hard to believe that a man this popular would be completely impervious to praise and that he didn’t become bigheaded. The absence of material goods would humble you on a basic level, but if you are well loved and well praised I feel like your modesty would be harder to maintain.
Also – really lovely photos of The Basilica of St Francis, it looks amazing :)
I disagree begging leads to a humble life. Humbleness by its very definition means meek or modest. The modern context of the word has come to be something more akin to inferiority and poverty. Giving up something does not make you humble in its true meaning, but rather gives a means to advertise their religious status and meaning, taking pride in their 'humble' being, pride being the opposite in its meaning.
ReplyDeletefrancis' life was very pious indeed. It showed a greater connection to the meaning of being Christian than the archetypical monotheistic life.
Despite relics remaining of his rules, such as Jesus being portrayed less as a deity and more of a symbol of pain and suffering on his cross. These are only symbolic changes. The church is otherwise going to continue being a place of respect and grandeur and the lives of Vatican cardinals are far from humble...
Sorry it took me a while to post, I was confused as to why it wasn't working until I realised I was logged into my Uni email on another tab......
ReplyDeleteGreat post Carley, I liked that you included the photos of The Basilica of St Francis. I especially like that two of the photos you chose show a lot of shrubbery and just this amazing view of the country side, it is in theme with his relationship with the natural world.
From the readings I understand that St Francis tried to imitate Jesus, so consequently he appreciated and was devouted to all of God’s creations. It is interesting to see Francis bringing back ‘Hippy’ (for want of a better expression) ideologies we read about back at the start of the creation of this religion during this period. I agree with Jane that his rule did not last throughout the ages.
I believe that Jane was a great point when she said that it made for a humble life if you gave it up by your own choice. Sacrificing these comforts and seeing the world in this new, challenging persepective would be humbling. I also agree with the point made by Shannon how could begging be seen as being humble? Unless they were on the street preaching with a hat turned upside down for money it doesn’t seem in theme.
Finally… I found the part in the story where Francis stripped his clothes to remove himself from his father quite symbolic. I just hope that he didn’t have to share the robe with the Bishop for very long!