St. Francis And The True Spirit Of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi

A couple of years ago, I was reading a set of homilies by St. Francis de Sales bound into one volume. The preface of this volume was written by Cardinal Carberry on May 31, 1985. In the preface he wrote:

“St. Francis de Sales attracted untold numbers to the Church by observing the primary rule of ecumenical dialogue: Never dilute the truths of the Faith in order to achieve a façade of unity.”

When reading these words, I thought that they were too good to be true. What I find even more ironic is that these words were written 17 months before the diabolical abomination known as the World Day of Prayer for Peace, which took place at Assisi on October 27, 1986. This event involved inviting representatives from all of the worlds religions to Assisi and having them all pray for world peace.

Twenty months after the Assisi meeting, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre consecrated four bishops against the wishes of Pope John Paul II, which resulted in the excommunication of Archbishop Lefebvre and his new bishops. In the homily he gave during the Consecration Mass, he viciously attacked the Assisi prayer meeting. He said:

“I really believe that there has never been a greater iniquity in the Church than Assisi, which is contrary to the First Commandment of God and the First Article of the Creed. It is incredible that something like that could have ever taken place in the Church, in the eyes of the whole Church – how humiliating! We have never undergone such a humiliation!”

The words “spirit of Assisi” are referenced three times in that same homily. Obviously what Pope John Paul II did was a huge mistake and set the Church on a bad course.

When we think of Assisi, we think of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis had a different approach than Pope John Paul II. When the Saint encountered the Sultan of Egypt he politely but firmly tried to convert him. This was in the midst of the crusades and St. Francis was looking for peace; the same peace prayed for at the Assisi gathering of 1986. When it became apparent that the Sultan would not convert, St. Francis immediately put an end to the dialogue.

The Church has a rich history of ecumenical dialogue. It continues to this day, though the definition of the words “ecumenical dialogue” has somewhat shifted. It is no longer the ecumenical dialogue of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Sales, or Cardinal Carberry. It is now the ecumenical dialogue of the spirit of Assisi. The same ecumenical spirit which has caused the last three Popes to visit synagogues, mosques, and temples of other religions.

In this new ecumenical dialogue, no attempt is made to convert the non-Christian to the true Faith. I’ve always wondered, if this is the new policy, why do we venerate the Saints of the past?  The same Saints who believed in the true spirit of Assisi. The same Spirit of Assisi that was commanded by our Lord when he said:

Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

A good way to familiarize ourselves with the true spirit of Assisi is to read about St. Francis himself.  A most remarkable Saint.  The current Pope took his name from this amazing Saint.  Let’s pray that he and all of the bishops adopt the theology and practices of St. Francis as well.