Zealously Rebuilding Upon A Firm Foundation

The first work that blessed Francis undertook was to build a house of God. He did not try to build one anew, but he repaired an old one, restored an ancient one. He did not tear out the foundation, but he built upon it, ever reserving to Christ his prerogative, though he was not aware of it, for other foundation, no one can lay, but that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. When he had returned to the place where, as has been said, the church of St. Damian had been built in ancient times, he repaired it zealously within a short time by the help and grace of the Most High.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER VIII

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