The Poverello of Assisi will stop by the Big Apple next week. An exhibition on St. Francis of Assisi will be held in New York City, as well as the United Nations from November 17 – 28th, and is entitled “Brother Francis: Footprints, Words and Images.”
It is the first time that papal manuscripts and documents of the 13th and 14th century, regarding the Saint of Assisi, are exhibited. It consists of 19 pieces that are owned by the Ancient Fund of the Communal Library of the Sacred Convent of Assisi.
The exhibition will be presented on November 13, at the Italian Consulate in New York. Among those attending the opening day of the exhibit are Stefano Acunto, Honorary Vice Consul of New York; Archbishop Bernardito C. Auza, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN; Father Enzo Fortunato, Director of the Press Office of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, and Flavia de Sanctis, President of the Ancient Cultural Association.
At the heart of the exhibition is Codex 338, a collection of the first writings and documents regarding Saint Francis and the Order of Friars Minor. It contains the “Canticle of the Creatures,” a text that inspired future Italian literature.
“Ever year the Basilica of Saint Francis is visited by some 6 million tourists, 40% of who are Americans,” explained Father Fortunato.”This makes one understand the attention to Franciscan spirituality, which is again a point of reference and a model, thanks to Pope Francis, who has updated the message of the Saint of Assisi.”
The goal of this exhibition, the organizers believe, is to offer people a new reflection on the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi, “known in the world as a man and Saint of the people, of peace and of brotherhood.”
