In Reluctant Saint, Donald Spoto portrays a very human Francis who remains human to the end of his life---a likeable yet exasperating person who achieves a depth of union with his God by struggling with his shortcomings. At the same time, Spoto illuminates the social, economic and ecclesiastical upheaval of the 13th century, at time in many ways analogous to our own. Concubinage and ignorance among the clergy, wealth and power struggles between hierarchy and civil leaders, civil wars and explosive economic growth, heresy and military threat from the Muslim empire all had a direct effect on the life and spiritual development of Francis Bernadone.
Spoto’s style is very readable, one chapter drawing you into the next. His insights into theology and spirituality provide good food for thought and prayer.
This book is available for loan from our parish library. You can find it in Saints & Biographies.
The Parish Library is located on the first floor of the Parish Center building. Hours are Sunday 8:00am to 12:00 noon and, Thursday 10:00am t0 2:00pm. Call Pat at 433-8433 for more information.
For a preview of this book on amazon.com, click here.
