I found this little man at a old house last year while digging plants from a old home place. He was broken off at the feet, but I brought him home anyway. Have you ever seen one like him? He is holding a bird in his hand and seems to have on a robe of some sort. What is he or who is he? Anyone know??
St.Francis of Asissi...that may not be spelled right,but I believe it's him.
Saint Francis of Assisi.
Francis called for simplicity of life, poverty, and humility before God. He worked to care for the poor, and one of his first actions after his conversion was to care for lepers. Thousands were drawn to his sincerity, piety, and joy. In all his actions, Francis sought to follow fully and literally the way of life demonstrated by Christ in the Gospels. That is, living in imitation of Christ.
Some links about him:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06221a.htm
http://www.sanfrancescoassisi.org/
Adam.
Thanks Adam.I knwe someone would come along and help.
hmmmm wonder what I should do with him?? I am not Catholic. I'm baptist....maybe my mother wont pitch a fit when she sees it!
Thanks for the help ya'll!
Whiterose, you sure know how to make me feel better about ALOT of things! You are a true Angel at heart, and I'm glad to have the pleasure of being your friend.
(((((Whiterose)))))
I'll leave him right where he is, and for that matter if he represents the love of God for all creatures, then he is more than welcome to stay here.
Yes,St.Francis represents the good in everyone.I'm not Catholic either,but would not have a problem with honoring him in my garden.
I love animals and all forums of nature....think he'll fit in nicely.
Not a Catholic either, but an admirer of this wonderful man. He represents just how much like GOD we can become if we just yield our will and ways to JESUS every day. Let the statue stay in your garden. As long as you aren't worshiping it or the man it portrays no sin has been committed. If your mother-in-law fusses tell her it is JESUS. After all, that is how Francis wanted to be like.
Mollybee: He looks very much at home in your garden, like he belongs there.
Thanks for all the support. I think he'll do a wonderful job here in my garden.
Mollybee:
being other faithed i think it is still a cool statue for in the garden. you may want to bring it forward a bit. the things behind it look like they will get a little big then put some things infrount of ti that will stay small like thyme or other things that are about that hight.
((((WHITEROSE)))
I just found this thread. Franz von Assissi was a man who cares for the nature,animals and plants.
He honestly did not watch it all.
He is a " we love him all " in europe.
Sorry, can not explain it better.
I'm so glad I found him now!! Even more so that I brought him home to live in my garden. :)
He'll probably stay there in that place for a while then I'll move him later when things begin to grow and cover him up some, I'm sure he wont mind being covered just a little lol
Francis of Assisi was born Francesco Bernardone, in 1181 or 1182. He is depicted dressed in brown sackcloth tied with a rope sash, and with bare or sandalled feet. The bird is a symbol of Francis, in his hand or on his shoulder, alternately, a wolf may walk by his side. He lived his life in prayer, fasting, and preaching, refusing all charity, except enough for "one day at a time"!
Remembering his life, and his love of his "brother" animals, seems appropriate in the garden.
Perhaps, MOLLYBEE, you could add a birdbath somewhere nearby, Francis would like that!
That is what I have been thinking John. So far he is the only cement statue in my garden, but I have my eye on a cement bridbath at HomeDepot seems fittin to have them together doesn't it? Better get the truck gased up and ready to go, I can see now I'm gonna need it!
Gosh, I never find cool stuff like that when digging! He's neat, Molly. :)
Thanks! :)
Being a Catholic, I thought I might lend some light to this. When we see A statue of St Francis, we are reminded to say the famous prayer he wrote. It is as follows:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
...where there is injury, pardon;
...where there is doubt, faith;
...where there is despair, hope;
...where there is darkness, light;
...where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
...to be consoled as to console;
...to be understood as to understand;
...to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
...it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
...and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
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Lou
:) Thanks Lou
Very nice translation of his words,thank you!!!
Franz was a very nice guy, he always wanted to connect all peoples,animals,plants and all what the Lord has grown.
Happy Easter to all.
Hi, being Chile a Catholic country, I can add that statues of St. Francis are seen very often in gardens holding his open hands together. People then fill them with seeds to feed birds or water for them to drink it or take a bath. St. Francis is considered the protector of animals and at St. Francis' Day the church allows people to attend a special mess with their pets to be blessed in his name.
Ursula
