This month (October 2026) marks the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi. Stratford-upon-Avon Quaker Roger Matthews reflects on his life and how it might be relevant to Quakers today.
Francis was canonised less than two years after his death – a tribute to the impact he had already had during his life. Yet Francis was in effect a drop-out, who renounced his rich family to live in poverty, repairing derelict churches and nursing lepers. Although he could read and write, he never studied nor sought any office in the church, remaining until his death an unordained friar.
Francis is probably now best known for his embracing of nature as God’s creation, but he also advocated the observance of poverty, a complete detachment from material goods and a life of solidarity with the marginalised. This was – and remains – a radical position, though one fully in line with the teachings of Jesus. For this reason, when Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the papal name of Francis, it was as a sign of radicalism.
Why might Francis of Assisi be of interest to Quakers? “Show a loving consideration for all creatures, and seek to maintain the beauty and variety of the world” (Advices & queries, 42) reflects the wide perception of God’s living creation that Francis proclaimed in pieces like the Canticle of Brother Sun (shared below). But a guiding principle for Francis was “following Jesus’ example of love in action” (Advices & queries, 4) and he made a strong commitment to living “in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars” (Advices & queries, 31) when in 1219 he went to Egypt to seek an end to fighting between Crusaders and the Muslim world.
The Canticle of Brother Sun
This is a song originally written in an Umbrian dialect of Italian by Francis in the 1220s.
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honour, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendour! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.
Photo of a statue of Francis by Robert So on Pexels.com