Francis and the Miracle of the Crucifix

One day in 1206, Francis went out into the surrounding countryside, in order to meditate. Finding himself near the church of San Damiano (St. Damian), which was badly dilapidated, he felt drawn to go in to pray. As he knelt before the image of Christ crucified, he heard the voice of God saying to him: “Rebuild my Church.”  After a lengthy meditation, he must have had a revelation of what the crucifixion and death of Jesus meant. This revelation must have torn his heart with compassion and love. He must have felt that God had answered his prayers at last.

So Francis set about the task of rebuilding the forsaken wayside chapel of San Damiano in the valley below Assisi. Although he believed that the task of “rebuilding” the Church was just a matter of stones and mortar, his life-style changed accordingly.