St. Francis of Assisi - Edmond, OK - Statues of Religious Figures on Waymarking.com

This is a small bronze sculpture of St. Francis (Patron Saint of Animals) placed at the entrance to Church of the Good Shepherd in October 2006. A bird is resting on his hand, and the artist did a good job depicting a gentle man. This is one of many pieces of art placed around the city by the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, partnering with local businesses and individuals. The plaque at this one states it was given by Suzanne and Ken Morris, 2007.

Some information on St. Francis (1181-1226)
He was born at Assisi (Italy) to a wealthy cloth merchant (father), and a mother from a noble family. In his youth, Francis lived a very carefree life, spending money lavishly. When he was about 20 he went with the townsmen to fight the Perugians in a skirmish. The Perugians won, and Francis was one of the people taken hostage. He was a captive for over a year, and during this time of having very little food and belongings, he had an awakening and a yearning for a more spiritual life. Some of Francis' dreams during the next year guided him in his newly forming spiritual journey.
On a pilgrimage to Rome, he left all the money on him at the tomb of St. Peter. He also exchanged clothing with a tattered beggar and stayed to fast with them. He was determined to experience a life of poverty. After hearing a voice during one of his times of prayer, he sold many of his belongings to fund the repair of the local St. Damian's church. The church refused the money, and a despondent Francis retreated to a cave for a month. When he emerged, dirty and starving, he was taunted by the townsfolk and dragged home by his father, who beat and bound him and locked him up. Francis was freed by his mother, and immediately returned to St. Damian's. Because of his actions, he was forced by his father to give up all rights to his inheritance. Francis was eager to do this, and also stipped the clothes from his back and gave those to his father also. It was then that Francis surrendered all his worldly goods and priveleges.
He spent the next few years begging for stones in the streets of Assisi, which he needed to restore St. Damian's and two other churches (one was quite a distance away).
Francis had a heart for the lepers and this was one of his many works of charity. He began to lead a life that others admired, and they began to follow him. This group was called The Friars Minor and were given a hut to live in by the Benedictines of Monte Subasio. The First Franciscan convent formed here soon after, and many more came to follow Francis, including nobles and wealthy men.
He was canonized on July 16, 1228
Many places in the world have a blessing of animals on October 4, the date of St. Francis' death.

Associated Religion(s): Catholic Statue Location: in front of Church of the Good Shepherd Entrance Fee: none Artist: Beverly Steigerwald Website: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Take a picture of the statue. A waymarker and/or GPSr is not required to be in the image but it doesn't hurt.

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Date Logged Log   12/05/2011 Max and 99 visited it 06/09/2010 hamquilter visited it

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