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Animal Rights History Timeline » [c485-1450] Medieval Ages » Francis Assisi

Saint Francis Assisi

A Monk of a German Monastery, Life of Saint Francis

He Is Piously Moved Toward All God's Creatures

[1275] A Monk of a German Monastery, "He is Piously Moved Toward All God's Creatures," in chap. 10 "His Compassion for Other Poor People and for the Sick, and Even for Brute Animals." of A Life of Saint Francis by an Anonymous Monk of a German Monastery reprinted in Francis of Assisi, Early Documents: The Prophet (New York, New City Press: 2001; Google Books: Online Library of Free eBooks: Preview).

The saint's compassion toward humans is not surprising, since he also bore toward brute animals a feeling of piety. He picked up little worms from the road so they would not be trampled under foot; he called all creatures by a fraternal name, either because all things came from one father, or because of his estimation of humility, he would not put himself even ahead of vile creatures. But among other animals he especially loved the meek, in which he found some mystical likeness to the Son of God. He especially loved, however, the little lambs, because of the gentleness and humility of our Lord Jesus Christ was frequently likened in Scripture and fittingly adapted to the lamb. Sometimes coming upon lambs being led to the slaughter, he would be sorrowful and would pay for them wither with the mantle he was wearing, or in whatever way he could with the price asked. (Prophet, 851)