Saint Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio

Saint Francis is known to have tamed the wolf in Gubbio

Do you know Saint Francis of Assisi is sometimes depicted with a wolf by his side? The story has it that Saint Francis of Assisi was living in Gubbio when the village was assaulted by a fierce wolf. One day, a large wolf appeared and began terrorizing the village and its residents. At first, it began attacking the livestock and became a nuisance. As the villagers became more afraid, the wolf seemed to become braver and began attacking the villagers. It is said that many of the villagers faced their death and were sometimes devoured by this fierce wolf.

The villagers were desperate. It seemed no measure taken was enough to stop the wolf from causing harm to the village and its people. It was at this point that Saint Francis decided to meet the wolf and although the saint was advised against it, nothing could stop him. With God behind him, Saint Francis entered the gates of the village with a small group of his followers. This attracted the attention of the wolf and records indicate that the wolf rushed to attack Saint Francis with its jaws wide open.

Saint Francis was not afraid. It is said he did the sign of the cross and commanded the wolf to stop hurting the villagers. This seemed to take a dramatic effect on the wolf and it is said that the wolf padded up to the saint meekly and laid its head in the saint’s hands. The story has it that Saint Francis then broke out and asked the wolf why it was doing so much evil on the land and destroying and killing people. He asked the wolf then to make peace with the village and said that the villagers should no longer be afraid of it. This caused the wolf to bow its head in shame. Saint Francis then said that the villagers will feed the wolf from that day on in exchange for a peaceful resolution made that the village will no longer live in fear of the wolf.

On hearing this, the wolf was said to have placed one of its forepaws in the saint’s hand and the agreement was made. Saint Francis then walked the wolf to Gubbio where villagers watched in shock as they saw the saint and the animal which terrorized them, move side by side in harmony. It almost seemed as if the wolf had become the pet of Saint Francis. From that point on, the village of Gubbio was no longer assaulted by the wolf which soon became a peaceful part of their everyday lives.

Welcome the Garden with Saint Francis of Assisi Statues to Add Peace and Serenity

Large Saint Francis with Cross Statue

Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) is the co-founder of the Franciscan Order who was born into riches but decided to relinquish his wealth when he received a message from Christ. Born in 1182 to a rich and prominent trading family, the young Francis was known for his worldly charm often being the center of attention in Assisi for his material comforts.

In 1201, young Francis chose to engage in battle but ended as a prisoner of war. His father raised the ransom to get him out of prison in 1203. In 1205, he again armed himself as a soldier but this time, he received a vision from God that made him change the course of his life. Francis was 23.

His change in attitude towards life provoked resentment with his father who could not understand the sudden change in his son's behavior. His family grew embarrassed with him as his change for a life of simplicity and generosity seemed suddenly unacceptable to them. In 1206, Francis renounced his wealth and armed himself with a brown cloak with a cord that became his trademark.

St Francis Discoursing with God in Marble

In his pursuit of the Gospels, the kindly Saint Francis of Assisi, as he came to be known, lived his life very simply. He attracted followers including the rich Bernardo da Quintavalle and preached the necessity of a poor, simple life-style based on the ideals of the Gospels. His followers were called Friars Minor by Francis, that is, the lesser brethren. Together with Saint Clare of Assisi, St. Francis founded the order for women called the Poor Clares and performed generous care for the lepers. In 1221, he set up the Third Order, another branch for lay men and women. His experience with the Stigmata on his hands, feet and side allowed St. Francis of

Assisi to understand the deep sacrifice Christ had made and rekindled his love for God.

Our lovely Saint Francis statues are depicted in their immaculate beauty and reflect high craftsmanship and life. While they make great gifts for the home, these fine St Francis outdoor Statues can also be used to symbolize the gentleness of this great Saint who gave much and took very little. We hope our Saint Francis statues will offer a divine grace to your home and garden.