Franciscan Studies

In addition to our respective specialties, we are interested in Franciscan sources and attempt to cross-reference these sources with our preferred field of research: phenomenology.

Who is Francis Francis of Assisi?

Francis of Assisi was born in 1182. His mother wanted to name him John, but his father, returning from a trip to France, gave him the name Francis. His fame, even during his lifetime, caused him to lose his family name, “Bernardone.” He became Francis of Assisi, thus giving renown to the city in central Italy where he was born. Even today, his name evokes a way of life and a way of being Christian. This man promoted the rebirth of evangelical life in the harsh history of mankind.
His father was a merchant, and François discovered the value of money. He knew how to use it more for his own leisure than to meet the needs of the poor who begged. He was driven by a desire for social advancement and dreamed of becoming a knight. He joined the army, but his dream was cut short and he experienced, along with others, the conditions of imprisonment.
Back in Assisi, he became depressed but matured. He then discovered God’s goodness. His eyes were opened and he saw the world differently: the new society that wanted to be free and egalitarian also had its outcasts: the poor, the lepers, the little ones…
In his quest for a better life, he frequented chapels in poor condition. In his prayers, he heard Christ speaking to his heart: “Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin!” Francis became a mason and repaired churches in the vicinity of Assisi.
In a new stage of conversion, he heard the Gospel in all its radicalism, broke with his family, set out on the road, cared for lepers, and proclaimed to anyone who would listen that “God is Love.” Seduced by the Gospel, he discovered meaning for his life. He allowed himself to be inhabited by this Word, simply, without compromise. He entered into God’s eternity on October 3, 1226.
Fr. Thierry Gournay, ofm

What are “Franciscan sources” and where can they be found?

Franciscan sources, known as Fontes Franciscani, are the essential, early, and foundational documents detailing the life, writings, and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, and their early followers, primarily spanning the 13th and 14th centuries. Key collections include the Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, Celano’s Lives (First and Second), Bonaventure’s Legenda Major, the writings of St. Clare of Assisi, etc.

Nos travaux

Valentin

• Valentin Daydov, The inner eye of Saint Francis and the role of blind sages in religious, Crossing: The INPR Journal, 2024.

Ellen

• Ellen Davydov, Reading Hagiographies as a Potentially Transformative Experience – The Phantasy at work
• Ellen Davydov,« Notre secours est dans le nom du Seigneur, qui a fait le ciel et la terre » –Le Cantique de frère Soleil de François d’Assise comme chemin de vie, Crossing: The INPR Journal, 2024.