Francis, Brother of the Universe #1

Francis is born in Assisi, Italy in the year 1181 or 1182, at the end of the Dark Ages. As he grows up he becomes friend to many nobles, even though he is a member of the middle class. A war with the nearby town Perugia sends Francis into battle. He is captured along with many of his noble friends and imprisoned. He offers comfort to his fellow inmates, but is affected by the imprisonment himself. After a year of being a prisoner the ransom is paid and they are freed. However just months later Francis takes ill and is sick for a very long time. Finally Francis, known as "King of the Feasts" amongst his friends, returns to full health. Francis feels a greater desire to be a noble, and be accepted and he creates bigger and better parties, all the while spending his fathers money.

Another war is about to start between the Pope and the Roman Emperor, and Francis sees this as a chance to redeem himself. Francis has a prophetic dream that he will be a great leader of men. However Francis hears the voice of God and is told to go back to Assisi even though it will cause his family great shame. The whole town talks about Francis and the voices he hears, his father is very upset with him. Every chance Francis gets he goes to the caves at Mount Subasio to try and communicate with God. Finally after a year of searching, Francis goes to the broken-down church of San Damiano to pray and once again is visited by the voice of God.

Francis takes bolts of fabric from his father to fund the restoration of the San Damiano church. His father is enraged and demands everything back, Francis gives back everything including the clothes off his back, he is a son of God.

Francis continues his work for God and is rewarded with supplies from the Pope in Rome.

Notes:

• 48 pages no ads.
• "Francis, Brother of the Universe the Story Behind the Story" inside front cover.
• "Canticle of the Sun" one page text piece.
• "Extent of the Holy Roman Empire in Francis' Lifetime." one page map of Central Europe.
• "Italy and the Region of Assisi" one page map of Italy.
• "Saint Francis and the Customs of Christmas" one page of Christmas customs.
• "Some Other Facts About St. Francis and His Followers" one page text piece inside back cover.