Saint Francis of Assisi

Why this icon

Saint Francis of Assisi is the first icon of a saint that I wrote. He is a figure who has deeply moved me through his perspective on Creation.

For him, creatures are not merely a backdrop for humanity; they are his companions, his “sisters” and “brothers”. Francis contemplates them as gifts from God and recognises the beauty of their Creator within them. This depiction notably echoes the famous story of the sermon to the birds, in which Francis addresses the birds, inviting them to praise God for the gifts of Creation.

About this icon

Saint Francis of Assisi is depicted wearing the brown habit of the Franciscan friars. His simple attire reflects his choice of poverty and Gospel simplicity. Francis chose to follow Christ in a life stripped of excess, lived in fraternity and entirely oriented toward God.

Francis is shown facing forward, his gaze directed toward the person contemplating the icon. His face is peaceful and recollected. He does not seem to seek attention for himself; rather, his demeanour invites us to enter into that contemplation of Creation which, for him, leads to God.

The birds are central to the composition here. They evoke the many stories from Saint Francis's life in which animals play a special role, most famously the sermon to the birds. Yet their presence can be understood more broadly: they represent all of Creation in its diversity and beauty.

For Francis, fraternity is not limited to relationships between human beings. He recognises himself as a brother to all creatures, because they all originate in God. Through Saint Francis, the icon invites us to view Creation not as a possession, but as a gift: a multitude of creatures that, each in its own way, give glory to their Creator.