St Francis and the Birds

          

          St Francis of Assisi lead a very interesting life and made a huge impact on many peoples lives in the Renaissance era. So there is no wonder that such an inspiring, God-like man, was the center of many paintings by artist and architect Giotto di Bondone. Giotto painted 28 scenes of St Francis' life, and many other paintings of his life but the above is about a story of St Francis traveling to Spoleto Valley near the town of Bevagna. He saw a pack of birds and ran over to them. Instead of the birds squawking and flying away, the birds patiently stayed. In complete shock (and can you blame him, birds were just hanging out wanting to listen to him. I would just lose my mind!), St Francis asked if the birds wanted to hear the word of God. He said to them “My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God’s guidance and protection.” As the story goes, the birds then flew off "rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature". St Francis then thanked God and went on with his journey.

          This painting (and the other ones just like it, seen below) are completely fascinating to me. I feel like they really speak to the kind of person St Francis of Assisi was. He was holy and caring, and that definitely shows through the paintings and writings on his life.