This book explores the great 13th century mystery: Why was the body of St Francis stolen and hidden. This multi-layered, intricately plotted, historical tale investigates what caused the Franciscan Order to destroy all early biographies of Francis by his closest disciples in favour of a sanitised biography of the powerful St Bonaventure. The story begins 30 years after Francis death, when Father Leo, Francis' closest friend, is dying. Bound to a vow of silence, Leo sends a cryptic message to Conrad, his own favourite student, connecting him with an unlikely companion, 16-year old Sister Amata. The two begin to search for the truth about St Francis - a truth that will shake the foundation of the Franciscan Order and the faith of the masses. With illustrations of St Francis and letters to Father Leo.
Reviews
""If Satan existed, the future of the order founded by St. Francis would afford him the most exquisite gratification. 'The net result of Saint Francis' life was to create yet one more wealthy and corrupt order, to strengthen the hierarchy and to facilitate the persecution of all who excelled in moral earnestness or freedom of thought. In view of his own aims and character, it is impossible to imagine any more bitterly ironical outcome."
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