Francis returned to Assisi after relinquishing his dream of knighthood. One he returned, he resumed his life of business and pleasure. However, his companions noticed a change in him. This was not the same lively, outgoing Francis that they knew. This man was more reserved, he spent less time in the social circles of Assisi and spent more time in silence. He became more occupied with “evangelical” living and less engaged with his regular social companions or his upcoming marriage. “Lost in meditation, he often seemed distracted…he was giving alms generously to the poor and devoting more and more time to prayer and meditation.”
Francis was praying in the church of St. Damiano, a church in Assisi that had fallen into ruin, when he heard a voice.
Francis was praying in the church of St. Damiano, a church in Assisi that had fallen into ruin, when he heard a voice.