St. Francis of Assisi, Passion, Poverty, the Man Who Transformed the Catholic Church
By Bret Thoman, OFS · Published by TAN Books
Overview
St. Francis of Assisi, Passion, Poverty, the Man Who Transformed the Catholic Church is a riveting biography that penetrates the inner life of St. Francis and reveals his passion for Christ, unquenchable love of poverty, and steadfast embrace of the Gospel, rooted in the perennial tradition of the Church. Author Bret Thoman guides readers through the transformative life of Francis, showing how his radical fidelity to Christ renewed the Church and continues to inspire Christians of every state in life.
- Reveals the heart of St. Francis, not merely his legend, in vivid biographical detail
- Shows Francis’s intense love for poverty as central to his faith and mission
- Connects Francis’s life with Gospel fidelity and Church renewal
- Presents a narrative accessible for both devotional reading and study
- Anchors Francis’s witness in the Franciscan tradition and Catholic spirituality
FAQs
Q: Who was St. Francis of Assisi?
A: St. Francis of Assisi was a thirteenth‑century Italian friar and founder of the Order of Friars Minor, known for his radical embrace of Gospel poverty, devotion to Christ, and reform of religious life in fidelity to Church teaching.
Q: What does this biography emphasize about his life?
A: This biography penetrates St. Francis’s inner life, highlighting his passion for God, his unshakeable commitment to poverty, and his transformative impact on the Catholic Church through Gospel witness.
Q: Is this book suitable for devotional reading?
A: Yes, the narrative is crafted to engage both the heart and mind, making it suitable for personal reflection, prayerful reading, and spiritual formation.
Q: Can this biography be used for study or parish groups?
A: Yes, its clear structure and theological grounding make it appropriate for study groups, parish formation, and individual readers seeking deeper insight into the Franciscan charism.
Q: What makes this book distinct from other Francis biographies?
A: The author’s attentiveness to Francis’s spiritual motives and Gospel fidelity, grounded in Franciscan tradition, distinguishes this work for readers seeking both historical insight and spiritual depth.
Intended Audience
This biography is for Catholic readers, students of hagiography, parish study groups, and anyone seeking to understand the spiritual vitality and Gospel fidelity of St. Francis of Assisi through a text that is both devotional and instructive.
Key Themes
- Passion for Christ lived in Gospel poverty
- Spiritual transformation and interior life
- Franciscan witness to Church renewal
- Integration of biography with spiritual formation
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Pages:
- 256
- Publication Date:
- 5/19/2016
- Product Format:
- Paperbound
- Forward By:
- Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM CONV
- Height:
- 8.50
- Width:
- 5.50