In Italy, near the turn of the 12th century, a twenty three year old by the name of Giovanni Bernardone, after a severe illness, gave up his worldly, carefree life and began working with lepers and restoring churches which had fallen into ruin. He later discarded his lay clothes to assume those of a mendicant. He also took the name of Francis and was canonised in 1228 as St. Francis of Assisi.

Francis began to see God in all things, and he spent a great deal of his young life in wonder. Here is a English translation of his famous "Canticle to the Sun".

Praise to my Lord for all his creation; For our Brother Sun who brings us day and light And brings You to us. Praise to my Lord for our Sister Moon and for the Stars hung bright and lovely in Heaven Praise to my Lord for our Brother Wind and for Air and Clouds and weather Whereby You maintain life in All. Praise to my Lord for our Sister Water, useful and lowly, precious and clear. Praise to my Lord for our Brother Fire, Mighty and strong, by whom You make for us light in darkness. Praise to my Lord for our Mother Earth who does uphold and teach us, and brings, forth both fruit and flowers in many colours. Praise to my Sister Death, from whom none can flee. Blessed are those who find themselves in Your most Holy Will, for Death shall not harm them. O all ye Beings, praise and bless my Lord and be thankful, and serve Him in great humility."

Two years before his death Francis fasted, prayed and meditated for forty days and nights; as did Jesus and the Buddha. At the end of the forty days, Francis had his heart's desire - the stigmata.

It is very easy to say that Francis created his own reality but this in no way denies the Force that enabled him to do so.

We are learning to see All in All.