St Francis Gazing at the Stars

Every year during our Holistic Healing Retreat in Assisi (Italy), which this summer takes place from 15 to 19 July 2011 (click here for information), we visit some relevant zones related with the life of St Francis.

The Eremo delle Carceri, Francis’ contemplative hermitage caves on the slope of Mount Subasio, is one of them. 

There we were drawn by a cluster of bronze statues portraying St Francis and his disciples, Brother Leo and Brother Juniper, while they look at the stars. 

Brother Leo, the most learned among the three, depicts the Large and Small Dipper on the ground, and after having identified other stars, draws a series of complex measurements with his hands and finally finds the Polar Star.

Brother Juniper, the “clown monk” of the Order, appears to mock Brother Leo and points at the Polar Star straight away. 

Right to the side of the two friars there is St Francis, peacefully lying down with his sandals off, his arms behind his neck, gazing at the whole firmament, perhaps listening to the buzz of cicadas, and saintly enjoying the climax of Summer. 

For a video of these statues and other features at the Eremo see the video below:

 “Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.” (Isaiah 45:8).

Click here for our calendar of holistic and astroshamanic events.

For individual consultations with Franco Santoro and Associates click here
 

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For the movie Francesco with Mickey Rourke see below