A protest against cutting ancient trees demonstrated by these stumps deposited in the Assisi main square.
Our tour group gathered together for the walk down, down, down through Assisi from the Center Square to St. Francis’ Basilica. An African Franciscan monk was our guide in English.
The Basilica is two churches built on top of each other where St. Francis is buried. Over 16,000 visitors come yearly to Assisi to the venerated St. Francis Basilica. ‘Silenzio’ was required throughout the Basilica as we viewed the frescos of St. Francis’ life. The Basilica was heavily damaged in an earthquake in the 1970s and again in 2016 and is in various states of repair. No pictures were allowed inside.
St. Francis of Assisi was a reformer of the church in the 1200s. Today, Franciscans, take the same vows of chastity, poverty and obedience to the teachings of Christ that St. Francis modeled during his life. They wear simple brown robes with a loose-knotted belt and sandals. The rule is “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in His footsteps.”
They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:44 NIV
Have you ever depended on others for your daily life? How did it feel to be poor? What would St. Francis think about the ornate Basilica built in his honor?