The Stigmata of Francis of Assisi: New Studies, New Perspectives

The stigmata of Francis of Assisi constitutes one of the more fascinating parts of the story of the Poor One in the many volumes that allow us to study his life both through his writings and the first storytellers of the Franciscan movement. Was the imprint of the wounds of Christ onto the body of Francis a hagiographic phenomenon, a re-writing of the story, or an imposition of later writers and artists? Is it acceptable to even raise that kind of question about something that is so deeply imbedded in the heart of the Franciscan tradition? The essays in this book hope to challenge us to look at this part of the Franciscan heritage with new eyes.

The essays in this book substantially complement and enrich current efforts to understand this high moment of the spiritual experience of St. Francis, which Celano (De miraculis, 1-2) hailed as a new and stupendous miracle and the signature event of the new man that Francis was for his time. The essays of Jacques Dalarun and Michael F. Cusato offer critical examinations of the historical event. Carla Salvati presents an excellent assessment of the importance of medieval devotion to the wounds of Christ while offering a fine study of the relics associated with the event. Taken together, they present contemporary interpretations of how the stigmata narration developed and its meaning for our time.

Appendix with color images.