Saint Francis of Assisi: A Biography by Johannes Jorgensen is a fascinating and insightful look into the life of one of the most revered saints in Christian history. Jorgensen paints a vivid picture of Francis' humble beginnings as a wealthy merchant's son who renounced his wealth and status to follow a life of poverty and service to others.
The author does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of Francis' spirituality and devotion to God, as well as his deep love and connection to nature. Through Jorgensen's detailed research and careful analysis of historical documents, readers are able to gain a greater understanding of the man behind the legend.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Jorgensen's exploration of Francis' relationships with his family, friends, and followers. The author shows how Francis' charisma and compassion drew people to him, and how he was able to inspire others to live lives of simplicity and piety.
Overall, Saint Francis of Assisi: A Biography is a well-written and engaging biography that offers a fresh perspective on the life and legacy of this beloved saint. Jorgensen's attention to detail and deep reverence for his subject make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the life and teachings of Saint Francis.
Book Description:
Born to a prosperous cloth merchant of Assisi, Francis (1182-1226) lived the typically high-spirited life of a wealthy young man of his day, which included fighting as a soldier. In 1205, while away at war, he experienced a vision that beckoned him return to Assisi, where he soon lost his taste for the worldly life and began to live a life of evangelical poverty in imitation of Jesus Christ. He embarked upon a pilgrimage to Rome, where he begged for alms alongside the poor at St. Peter's Basilica. Upon his return to Assisi, be began to preach in the town square and soon acquired a curious following which blossomed into a worldwide religious order. The Franciscans sparked a spiritual revival that enlightened the Dark Ages and that continues even into our day.
Johannes Jorgensen (1866–1956) is best known outside his native Denmark for his popular biography of St. Francis of Assisi, which he wrote in 1907. As a student in Copenhagen, he searched in vain for truth in various secular and spiritual philosophies. But his 1894 visit to Assisi, with his friend Mogens Ballin, a Jewish convert to Catholicism, led to a turning point in Jorgensen's own spiritual life and quest for truth and marked the beginning of his fervent love for Francis, a love that became the preoccupation of his life and led to his conversion to Catholicism in 1896. His timeless biography of Francis of Assisi continues to inspire readers from all creeds and cultures. (Adapted from Wikipedia)
