St. Francis of Assisi

Travel

Greccio, the Fascinating Site of the World's First Nativity Scene

by Silvia Donati | Wed, 11/04/2020 - 00:00

Known by worshipers around the world as the ‘Franciscan Bethlehem,’ the Sanctuary of Greccio is one of the four sanctuaries erected by St. Francis in the so-…

Travel

In the Spirit of Saint Francis: Visiting FAI's Bosco di San Francesco in Assisi

by Silvia Donati | Thu, 01/12/2017 - 06:00

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is no doubt one of Assisi’s major attractions; yet, how many know of or venture along the nearby trails and woods where…

Travel

The Way of St. Francis: Walking 550 Kilometers Along One of the World's Greatest Pilgrimages

by Silvia Donati | Fri, 10/16/2015 - 04:00

Saint Francis of Assisi, whose feast day was recently celebrated on October 4, is considered by many to be the first “ecologist” in history. His famous…

Lifestyle

Rare Albino Pony Born in Assisi

by Silvia Donati | Fri, 09/26/2014 - 02:15

Milky Way is the name given to the extremely rare albino female pony born in late August in Assisi. The announcement was made by Father Danilo Reverberi, the…

Lifestyle

Franciscan Monks in Rome Use Kickstarter to Fund Restoration of St. Francis Cell

by Silvia Donati | Mon, 04/07/2014 - 12:27

A group of Franciscan monks in Rome is turning to Kickstarter to finance the restoration of the tiny cell where St. Francis is said to have stayed when…

Lifestyle

Boom of Virtual Pilgrims to St. Francis’ Tomb in Assisi

by Silvia Donati | Sun, 10/27/2013 - 06:00

For centuries, Assisi has been a main destination of Christian pilgrimage. The tomb of St. Francis in particular has attracted millions of people, driven by…

Culture

Assisi: Pax et Bonum

by Anne Harrison | Fri, 03/29/2013 - 11:54

The wind swept over the square outside the Upper Basilica, filling the sky with grey clouds. St Francis sat astride his horse with bowed head. This statue…

Culture

Interview with Friar Alessandro, The Voice of Christmas

by Julie Burns | Fri, 12/14/2012 - 09:57

He is from the Porziuncola in Assisi – the original friary founded by St Francis of Assisi – and his extraordinary singing voice has recently made history –…

Culture

Devil’s Face Uncovered in Famous Giotto Fresco

by Natalie Aldern | Thu, 11/10/2011 - 03:36

Art restorers working on a fresco by Renaissance painter Giotto di Bondone have discovered the smirking face of the devil disguised in clouds within the…