Am a native San Franciscan. Lived last in the city in the mid-70’s. Had been aware of St. Francis all my life, but really knew nothing about him. So, went to the city library, a really beautiful building, and found a slim book containing all his writings.
Checked it out and read it. Beautiful sayings, not unlike Macy’s Aurelius’ Meditations.
Worth the read.
Didn’t know about the nativity scene or the stations of the cross, but it fits.
Just as amazingly, on the fifth crusade, he gained admission to the Mahdi’s camp, with some fellow monks. They practiced their religion in peace and did not preach to their hosts. Over time, St. Francis and the Mahdi began to converse, later becoming friends. They wrote letters to each other, as long as they both lived. Haven’t read them, but for two religious leaders, representing different religions, to overcome their differences, is quite amazing. Can you imagine it happening today?