Francis of Assisi – The radical follower of Jesus
This meditation on St Francis of Assisi traces his final days—marked by stigmata, near-blindness, and profound inner consolation—to his serene passing and praise of “Brother Death.” I also recommend further reading, share an audio–video series, and invite those drawn to Assisi to consider a sacred travel consult. (2 min read).
The “transitus” or passing of St Francis of Assisi occurred on the evening of 3 October 1126. He died just as the sun set. Because, in the medieval period, the commencement of the new day was recognised at sundown, Francis’ feast day is celebrated on 4 October.
The period preceding Francis’ death was extremely difficult. He lived with the stigmata – the crucifixion wounds on Jesus – on the hands, feet and side for two years. He was near blind and his eyes wept blood and tears. He had even been cauterised with branding irons to the temples to treat this condition. Francis’ plans for the brotherhood had been severely corrupted and he felt that the vows of poverty, obedience and love had been compromised. But there were great consolations – the Order of the Poor Ladies remained true to the Franciscan vision and Francis retained the loving support of the original friars.
Francis’ mystical gifts enabled him to rise above the pain that would have been unbearable for an ordinary mortal. Francis was ready for death and he died a perfect death, charitable to the last. Indeed, it was on his deathbed that Francis composed the final verse of “The Canticle of the Creatures” – the praising of “Brother Death”.
In my book I quote at length a fictionalised description of Francis’ passing from the book “God’s Pauper” by Nikos Kazantzakis. I commend this beautiful book to you.
I make an extra effort to remember St Francis on his feast day and, in past years, have organised special meditation events to honour him. In the lead up to one of these events in Perth in 2015, I created a series of YouTube videos based on the first edition of my book about Francis. The video below deals with the Canticle:
Although I revised my book in 2025, those who prefer an audio version, can listen to most of the chapters of the 2017 edition on my YouTube channel.
If you are called to pilgrimage to Assisi and would like some assistance, please reach out for a sacred travel consult after reviewing all my posts about Assisi and St Francis. I was last in Assisi in April 2026 for the first exposition of the relics of St Francis in honour of 800 years since his passing.
Namaste.
You might also like:
→ Final veneration of the relics of St Francis of Assisi & St Carlo Acutis
→ What is a sacred travel consult
© Paul McCarthy & Iluminar.au
