In the medieval world, an “admonition” was more than a warning. It was the practical application in life of a biblical passage. In his time, St Francis of Assisi left 28 admonitions for his brother friars, passages of Scripture and Francis’ own reflection upon them. These admonitions were found in five 13th-century manuscripts that were collections of writing of Francis and about Francis. The one constant in the five different collections were the Admonitions, referred to in one manuscript as the “Canticle of Minority.”

This week includes the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4th). There will be many posts around the sphere attending to Francis as a lover of animals, a patron of ecology (both true), along with many of his so-called quotes (most of them fanciful). This week I will try to share some of Francis’ own writings from the Admonitions and let the Saint speak for himself. Continue reading →