In the footsteps of Francis

Lorenzo Brunazzo

“First subjected to the rule of Augustine, under Francis he became totally despised by the world”. This antiphon from my rhythmic “Office of St. Anthony” summarises a fundamental moment in the life of Fernando (St. Anthony’s baptismal name): his decision to become a Friar Minor. The immediate catalyst was the martyrdom of Italian friars in Marrakesh, but I prefer to talk about that later. For now, I would rather explain what it meant for a man of my time to follow Francis, the saint who also changed my life, in the era of Anthony. I (fr. Giuliano of Spira) wrote the Rhythmic Office of Canonisation for both Anthony and Francis. Why did a famous singing teacher at the court of Paris like me make such a radical change and become a Friar Minor? Why did a canon of the powerful Santa Cruz de Coimbra, protected by the Portuguese king and newly ordained, throw away his habit and wear the rough Franciscan robe to live in a convent of huts?

Dear reader, thank you for choosing this article.
Want to read more? Ask for a free copy of "The Saint of Miracles"

Ask for Free Copy