GOD’S PAUPER, ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

“When he spoke, or prayed, or when he thought he was alone, flames of heavenly fire emanated from his body; he became an archangel with red wings flapping in the wind; and if it was night, you were frightened and crouched to avoid being burned. ‘Brother Francis, I would cry out, extinguish yourself, you will burn the World!’ ”

The Legendary tale of St Francis of Assisi, narrated by his loyal Brother Leo: the clash with family and social status quo, the breathtaking Italian countryside, Rome, the Holy Land, the return to the homeland; divine poverty, struggle with the Self and human weakness, love for nature, Theosis. The Kazantzakean lyricism and thought in its greatest heights.

“God’s Pauper” by Nikos Kazantzakis is more than the story of Saint Francis of Assisi, the young lord who, in one magnificent gesture, gave away all his wealth to the poor. How did his friends react, who all this time were begging for his friendship? They chased him out of Assisi hurling rocks and insults at him.

A book full of love for Man, but also for all of God's creatures, sparrows, snakes, lions and ants alike, is authored by another of God’s paupers; Nikos Kazantzakis, who travelled to Umbria in Italy to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. This book is for people who are experiencing a harsh winter; it is the book that reveals to you the power that is deep within you and in every creature of our world, regardless how weak or destitute they seem.

"To get to Heaven," Kazantzakis tells us, "you must gain momentum from the bottom of Hell."