As we mark the 800th anniversary of the Stigmata of Francis of Assisi, it is fitting to reflect on the profound journey of this remarkable figure, whose life and wounds continue to inspire. This essay, “Wounds of a Wounded Pilgrim: Seedbed of Flowers,” by our renowned Franciscan scholar Fr Gerry Lobo OFM, delves into how Francis’s transformative encounter with the leper and his subsequent experiences illustrate the deep impact of suffering and the embodiment of Gospel values.
Francis of Assisi, immersed in a profound meditation on the peak of Mount La Verna, experienced a divine encounter in September 1224, possibly around the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. During this mystical moment, the wounds of Christ’s Passion—known as the Stigmata—were imprinted upon his body. This event is supported by ample historical evidence and remains a powerful testimony to the spiritual depths Francis reached.
Wounds Degrade, But Wounds Also Heal
The well-known words of Scripture declare, “By His wounds, we are healed.” Wounds, while bearing the potential to heal, can also lead to profound suffering, even death, particularly when they are inflicted by others. In our contemporary society, elderly people are often marked by the weight of life’s trials. They carry the burdens of aging—physical infirmities—but also emotional and psychological wounds. These may stem from painful experiences such as separation, bereavement, loneliness, and, tragically, rejection by their own loved ones. Some of these wounds remain raw, as though they have been flayed alive.
Fr Gerry Lobo, OFM
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