The Wolf of Gubbio: A Lesson in Peace and Compassion

The story of the Wolf of Gubbio is one of the most famous accounts of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures and his courage in living the Gospel. While staying in the town of Gubbio, Francis learned that a fierce wolf was terrorizing the region. The wolf attacked animals and even people, causing the townsfolk to live in fear. Many avoided leaving the city unless they were heavily armed, yet the wolf continued to strike. Moved by compassion for both the people and the wolf, Francis decided to act. Despite the warnings of the townspeople, he went out to meet the animal, trusting fully in God and the sign of the cross. With calm words and gentle courage, he spoke to the wolf, calling it to live peacefully with the townspeople. 

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Resources:
The Deeds of Blessed Francis and His Companions, XXIII (FA:ED III, p. 482 - 485
The Little Flowers of Saint Francis, Chapter 21 (FA:ED III, p. 601 - 604)

Perfect Joy in Times of Trouble

The teaching on perfect joy stands at the heart of the Franciscan way of life. While it is often remembered as a single story, the Franciscan sources present it in several forms. Together, they invite us not just to admire Saint Francis, but to examine how we live the Gospel while facing the trials and tribulations of life. One version of the story involves Francis and Brother Leo who are traveling together. Francis carefully lists things that might seem like signs of success: preaching well, being admired, growing in knowledge, or doing great works for God. One by one, he sets them aside. Perfect joy, he says, is found when a person is rejected, misunderstood, or treated harshly—and yet responds with patience, humility, and love for Christ. 

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Resources: 

The Writings of Francis of Assisi, “True and Perfect Joy”, (FA:ED I, p. 166 - 167)

The Deeds of Blessed Francis and His Companions, VII (FA:ED III, p. 449 - 450)

The Little Flowers of Saint Francis, Chapter 8 (FA:ED III, p. 579 - 581)

Francis Unwavering Commitment to Helping the Needy

There are several examples that highlight Francis’s unwavering commitment to helping the needy and his deep humility and compassion. He once met a nobleman who had fallen into poverty and, moved by pity, gave him his own clothes. On other occasions, Francis gave his mantle to an elderly woman in Celano, to a poor man he met while returning from Siena, and to another man who had just lost his wife. 

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Resources: The Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul by Thomas of Celano, Second Book, Chapter LIII - LIX (FA:ED II, p. 304 - 306) 

Bonaventure - The Major Legend of Saint Francis, Chapter 1:1-2 (FA:ED II, p. 531-532)

Saint Francis and Care for Creation

Care for creation flowed naturally from Francis’ faith and from his deep love for God, whom he recognized as the Creator of all things. Because everything came from God’s hand, Francis learned to see all creatures as connected—and worthy of respect. Stories from Francis’s life make this vision concrete. He once told a gardener to leave the edges of a garden untouched so that wildflowers could grow freely. While walking, he would stop to lift worms from the road so they would not be crushed. He preached to the birds, rescued “Brother Rabbit” from a trap, and showed gentle care for animals that others might overlook. 

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Resources:

The Writings of Saint Francis, “The Canticle of the Creatures” (FA:ED I, p. 113) 

The Remembrance of the Desire of the Soul by Thomas of Celano, Chapter CXXIV (FA:ED II, p. 353 - 354) 

Bonaventure - The Major Legend of Saint Francis, Chapter 8:6 (FA:ED II, p. 590)

Jubilee Year of St. Francis

News is spreading quickly around the world about the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, that began Jan.10, 2026, and continues to Jan. 10, 2027. The Holy Father is bringing the world’s attention to the Saint of Assisi to coincide with the 800th anniversary of his death. Click to read the decree.

The jubilee year is a time to reflect on the life and death of Francis, who was canonized a saint only two years after his passing. To help celebrate the jubilee, in the months ahead we will look at 14 of the favorite stories about St. Francis that are cherished by the members of the People of Peace OFS Fraternity.