Last Updated on February 26, 2022 by ellen
I’ve been fascinated with learning about the saints ever since I learned that I was born on the Feast of Saint Nicholas (December 6). One of my favorite saints was Saint Francis because he is the patron saint of animals. I’ve always been curious about how people are inspired to live their lives so when I had the chance to review My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more.
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My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi
The captivating story of the world’s favorite saint is now retold for a modern audience by one of the great novelists of our time. Perhaps more than any other figure in Christian history since Jesus Christ, Saint Francis of Assisi has captured our imagination, for his is a story of extreme self-sacrifice, of love to God and man. How could this wealthy, handsome youth cast away all the advantages that were his by birth and choose instead a career of poverty and humility? How could he attract members of all strata of society to his mission? And how, when his order became established throughout Europe, could he renounce great personal power and humbly continue his lifes work?
Here is Francis, from his twelfth-century boyhood to his life as a missionary roaming the very boundaries of the known world. Here too are the men and women who followed him–Bernard de Quintavalle, the rich businessman; Peter Cathanii, the lawyer; Brother Giles, the farmers son; Lady Clare; and so many others–all drawn together by the personal magnetism and humble faith of their leader, all re-created by bestselling novelist Elizabeth Goudge against a rich medieval canvas.
My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi is written as a story by the novelist Elizabeth Goudge who was a New York Times best selling author. Sometimes religious history books can be a bit dry and difficult to follow – at least that has been my experience. My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi is anything but. Elizabeth Goudge knows how to tell a story that’s easy to follow and interesting.
Like a story, the author tells Saint Francis’ life as though she were there. She created this story based on her own research, and if you want, you can continue your reading about his life by looking at the list at the end of the book. I love that Elizabeth Goudge wrote this so your average person could learn more about Saint Francis. If you’re looking for facts for a paper, I would definitely recommend you continue with the referenced readings for more information.
I’d definitely recommend this for anyone who wants more of an insight into Saint Francis’ life.
Ellen is a mom of a 25-year-old son and 30-year-old daughter. She is Grandma to one adorable toddler. In what little spare time she has, she loves to read, watch movies, and check out the latest toys and games.
I have always enjoyed his writing and Poems (if they were called that…maybe prayers). Anyway his wisdom resonates through the ages.
I agree, Shelley. Such amazing words!
I had a few religion courses I took for graduation at a Jesuit university, where I earned my nursing and MBA degrees, so learned more about the Catholic religion (grew up Lutheran). Always love to learn more and books like these are a lot easier to grasp than textbooks and more enjoyable when not going for a grade!
I completely understand! I had a few religious classes in college too!