Go, Repair My House, Which, As You See, Is Falling Completely To Ruin

Original San Damiano Cross
Saint Clare Basilica
Assisi, Italy

Changed now perfectly in heart and soon to be changed in body too, he was walking one day near the church of St. Damian, which had nearly fallen to ruin and was abandoned by everyone. Led by the Spirit, he went in and fell down before the crucifix in devout and humble supplication; and smitten by unusual visitations, he found himself other then he had been when he entered. While he was thus affected, something unheard of before happened to him: the painted image of Christ crucified moved its lips and spoke. Calling him by name it said: "Francis, go, repair my house, which, as you see, is falling completely to ruin."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER VI

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