Conventual Franciscans of California
Our Founder
One day when Francis went out to meditate in the fields he was passing by the church of San Damiano which was threatening to collapse because of extreme age. Inspired by the Spirit, he went inside to pray. Kneeling before an image of our crucified Lord, he was filled with great fervor and consolation as he prayed.

While his tear-filled eyes were gazing upon the Lord's cross, he heard with his bodily ears a voice coming from the cross, telling him three times: "Francis, go and repair my house, which as you can see is falling into ruin."

Conventual Franciscans of California - St. Francis of AssisiTrembling with fear, Francis was amazed at the sound of the astonishing voice, since he was alone in the church; and as he received in his heart the power of the Divine words, he fell into a state of ecstasy.

Returning finally to his senses, he prepared to put his whole heart into obeying the command he had received. He began zealously to repair the church materially, although the principal intention of the words referred to that Church which Christ purchased with His own blood, as the Holy Spirit afterward made him realize and as he later disclosed to the friars.

(Adapted from the Life of St. Francis by St. Bonaventure