Mary’s Top 5 Reads: Saint Francis in Focus
Pope Leo XIV announced that 2026 will be a special year of remembrance, marking 800 years since the death of the beloved St Francis of Assisi.
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6 March, 2026Year of St Francis
Take a deep dive into the life of St Francis with Mary from the Diocesan Resource Centre, who has handpicked her top five reads on this remarkable saint.
If you’re keen to explore further, join us for our next Called to Know More session, dedicated to Saint Francis and presented by Mark Toohey, former Franciscan friar.
1. Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi
By Richard Rohr
The title of this book attracted me, as one of my many impressions of St Francis is as a man of love, a man of peace. This book goes beyond a biography, although there are some biographical nuggets with Francis described as a “dropout”, “unique” and “liberated”.
Richard Rohr, through his deep exploration of St Francis helps to make us aware of how we can let the light of Christ’s love shine through in our lives.
I highly recommend this title!
2. Franciscan Prayer
By Ilia Delio
This book clearly outlines the rudiments of Franciscan Prayer: Gaze-Consider-Contemplate-Imitate.
We are told that the starting point for prayer is gazing upon the God of self-diffusive love. To be drawn into the embrace of God through gazing upon God with wonder and awe. We then move through the book to learn that “For Franciscans, to love God is to love a crucified God, a God of reckless, scandalous love.” A love that is an act of sacrifice.
There is so much to contemplate in this book, such depth of spiritual wisdom, that those who are seeking a deeper prayer life, a deeper relationship with God will find it invaluable.
3. Little Flowers (Fioretti) of Francis of Assisi
This is a collection of episodes, legends and miracles drawn from the Franciscan tradition.
Written over a century after his death this is considered to be the most popular account of St Francis’ life, the narratives having been passed down via oral tradition.
This is not a heavy theological tome or biography, but a portrait of lived faith; gentle, joyful and humble.
Fioretti is an easy read for those looking for glimpses into the life of Francis.
4. Brother Sun, Sister Moon : The Story of St Francis
By Margaret Mayo and Peter Malone
Designed for children aged over 7, this book contains biographical details and some of the episodes from Francis’ life that are found in Fioretti.
There are beautiful illustrations to accompany the legends especially “The Playful Fish” and “The Noisy Swallows” and each verse of “The Canticle of the Sun” has its own postage stamp-size illustration.
A great introduction to Francis for children.
5. Saint Francis of Assisi
By Joyce Denham and Elena Temporin
This is a child’s biography of St Francis, written in a fiction style, with one chapter per page spread, illuminated with a modern style of illustration.
A fun way for children from 5 years to learn about St. Francis.
“Set in the medieval countryside surrounding Assisi, this book invites you to step into his world, beautifully recreated in words and pictures”
Explore these resources
Explore these titles in the Diocesan Resource Centre
Opening hours:
- Monday: 10am-5pm
- Friday: 10am-5pm
- 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month: 10am-2pm
