Saint Francis Renounces His Earthly Father

Saint Francis had sold some of his father's goods, and offered the purchase-money to the priest of San Damian for the service of God; wherefore his father brought him before the Bishop of Assisi that he might renounce his inheritance and give up all that he had. Francis, the true lover of poverty, showed his readiness to do this, and in the Bishop's presence laid aside his clothes, and restored them with the money to his father. It was found that beneath his choice apparel he had been wearing sack-cloth next his skin. Then, intoxicated with wondrous fervour of spirit, Francis put off even his drawers, and, being entirely naked, said to his father, in the presence of all the company: 'Hitherto have I called you my father on earth; but henceforth I may confidently say, "Our Father who art in heaven," for in Him I have put all my trust.' Then his father arose, took all the clothes and the money, and carried them home. But the Bishop, greatly marvelling at Francis' steadfastness, took him in his arms and covered him with his own mantle.

- 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