Without going deeply into historical details and discussions, I will try to relate in all simplicity what these four places – that mark the valley in the form of a cross – reveal about St. Francis’ journey.
Let us begin from the highest point: Poggio Bustone.
It was there that Francis saw the beginnings of his community adventure: the sharing and harmonious relations among the brothers and the creation of the Franciscan fraternity. Moreover, it was there in the upper cave that Francis’ real spiritual birth took place, when, in the abandonment of faith he became aware that sinner though he was he was forgiven and loved by God.
Fontecolombo is the place most frequented by Saint Francis in the last years of his life. It was here that he received the medical treatment of the time for his eye illness, as suggested by the Roman Curia: eye cauterization. Francis became friendly with “Brother Fire”, strong and joyous but sometimes cruel. Most of all, Fontecolombo is the place where, three years before his death, Francis put his hand to the definitive draft of the Rule of the Friars Minor. Bearing in mind, with care and wisdom, the life and evolution of his fraternity, he held fast to the original inspiration of his vocation. This place, in wich a lively Franciscan presence has always been preserved, is, at the same time, a witness to the contemplative dimension of Francis and his Order and to their special presence to all people and their concerns.
Greccio, one of Francis favorite hermitages, the remains of which can still be admired, is twinned with Bethlehem with good reason. In 1223 Christmas Midnight Mass was celebrated in one of is caves. Everything recalled the humble Incarnation and Nativity of Jesus, so that the scene seemed to become tangible in its smallest details. In the Psalm that Francis composed for that occasion, he sings of “the day that the Lord has made, a day of celebration and joy”. Christmas, as this Psalm proclaims, is illuminated by the light of Easter. For Easter already shone forth in the hearth of that night, and the triumph of life burst forth in the midst of the cold and poverty.
La Foresta, immersed in a scenery of peace, invites one to contemplation and recalls two events, in appearance different and yet complementary. In search of solitude and tranquility, Francis was received here as a guest. Like Jesus, Francis used to retire from the crowd, but was pursued just the same. Many people wanted to see him and listen to him. The vineyard of the priest of the little church of St. Fabian was happily visited by many people who pilfered all the grapes. The vineyard was, nevertheless, to yield twice the usual vintage of wine “for the joy of those who sit at table”. In this way, fraternal hospitality received its reward. La Foresta, a place infused with natural beauty, allows one to glimpse the wonders of creation through Francis’ eyes. For this reason the Canticle of Brother Sun, which celebrates a world reconciled, is also able to reflect with profound meaning on wounded humanity, suffering and death
2001 ©GiordaniProductions
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