Saint Francis and His Mother

When in the absence of his father Francis remained at home, even if he was eating alone in the house with his mother, he would cover the table with loaves of bread as if he were preparing for the whole family; and when his mother asked him why he was putting so many loaves on the table, he answered that he did so in order to give alms to the poor, because he had determined to give to anyone who asked alms for the sake of God. His mother, who loved him above her other children, bore with him in such things, and observed his doings, greatly wondering thereat in her heart; for, whereas he had been wont to set his heart on going after his companions when they invited him, and had been so attracted by their company that he would many times rise from table even if he had only eaten a little, leaving his parents in distress on account of his hasty departure, now his whole heart was fixed on looking out for the poor, or on hearing of any to whom he might give alms.

- text taken from Franciscan Days: being selections for every day in the year from ancient Franciscan writings, translated and arranged by Alan George Ferrers Howell