Have Franciscans Abandoned St. Francis All Together?

St. Francis used to say that nothing is more important than the salvation of souls, and he often offered as proof the fact that the Only-begotten of God deigned to hang on the cross for souls.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

CHAPTER CXXXI : 172

OF CHARITY

St. Francis Worshiped The Creator And Not Creation

St. Francis praised the Artist in every one of his works; whatever he found in things made, he referred to their Maker. He rejoiced in all the works of the Lord's hands, and with joyful vision saw into the reason and cause that gave them life. In beautiful things he came to know Beauty itself. To him all things were good. They cried out to him, "He who made us is infinitely good." By tracing his footprints in things Francis followed the Beloved wherever he led. He made, from created things, a ladeer to his throne.

Celano
Second Life - 165