St. Francis of Assisi - The Wounded Healer
St. Francis of Assisi has been a spiritual model and guide for me throughout my life, so much so that in my early twenties I began my studies in theology with the intent of joining a Franciscan order (the Order of Franciscan Minors - OFMs). About ten years ago I was reading one of the modern accounts of St. Francis’ life and discovered that in the final couple of years of his life, he suffered greatly, both physically and spiritually, and yet retained his characteristic joy. I came to view him at this point in his life as a “wounded healer”. I tried to convey this in my sketch of him, portraying him with melancholic countenance that, at the time, was filled with a deep love for and understanding of the suffering of others.
St. Francis of Assisi has been a spiritual model and guide for me throughout my life, so much so that in my early twenties I began my studies in theology with the intent of joining a Franciscan order (the Order of Franciscan Minors - OFMs). About ten years ago I was reading one of the modern accounts of St. Francis’ life and discovered that in the final couple of years of his life, he suffered greatly, both physically and spiritually, and yet retained his characteristic joy. I came to view him at this point in his life as a “wounded healer”. I tried to convey this in my sketch of him, portraying him with melancholic countenance that, at the time, was filled with a deep love for and understanding of the suffering of others.
St. Francis of Assisi has been a spiritual model and guide for me throughout my life, so much so that in my early twenties I began my studies in theology with the intent of joining a Franciscan order (the Order of Franciscan Minors - OFMs). About ten years ago I was reading one of the modern accounts of St. Francis’ life and discovered that in the final couple of years of his life, he suffered greatly, both physically and spiritually, and yet retained his characteristic joy. I came to view him at this point in his life as a “wounded healer”. I tried to convey this in my sketch of him, portraying him with melancholic countenance that, at the time, was filled with a deep love for and understanding of the suffering of others.