St. Francis Statue and Live Doves
by Carolyn Derstine
Title
St. Francis Statue and Live Doves
Artist
Carolyn Derstine
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
In one of the hallways by the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, Assisi, there is a fascinating statue of St. Francis that includes two live doves. Many of the stories that surround the life of Saint Francis say that he had a great love for animals and the environment. In fact, he believed that nature itself was the mirror of God. One story goes that Saint Francis saw a boy coming into the market place with a small cage filled with doves that he had snared and wished to sell. Saint Francis called to the boy, “please come!” When the boy was standing next to him, Saint Francis leaned in and almost whispered, “Young man, you know that the dove is a sweet and gentle bird, a symbol of faith and purity. Imagine what might become of these doves when you sell them. Do you really want them to be killed, cooked or even caged by some heartless man? Please, for your salvation as well as the salvation of these birds, please give those doves to me.” Without hesitation, the boy handed the cage to Saint Francis. He opened the cage. Very gently, Saint Francis held the dove, cooing softly and stroking its feathers, “Gentle sister, how could you allow yourself to be caught and caged? Please come with me and I will build a nest for you so you can raise your young and live in peace.” In the friary, Saint Francis built nests for all the doves. They lived with the monks like tame pets, though they were always free to fly away whenever they wished. This statue, in that church where St. Francis worshiped, brings this story to life for visitors as these live doves still come daily to dwell in hands of St. Francis. (The sign on the wall reminds visitors to not touch the doves.)
Uploaded
July 13th, 2018
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