St. Francis’ Lenten Retreats: A Time of Prayer and Transformation

St. Francis of Assisi, known for his deep spirituality and devotion to prayer, observed multiple periods of Lent throughout the year, not just the traditional 40-day period leading up to Easter. In the 13th century, St. Francis would retreat to hermitages in the hills and mountains, suspending his apostolic ministries to focus solely on prayer and fasting.

During these extended periods of prayer, St. Francis would immerse himself in communion with God, dedicating his whole heart and body to Christ. His biographer, Thomas of Celano, described how Francis would spend long hours in prayer, often praying through the night in abandoned churches in deserted places. Through these intense periods of prayer, St. Francis became a channel of God’s grace and love, transforming into a more Christlike figure.

After completing his 40 days of prayer and fasting, St. Francis would return to the valley, renewed and transformed by his time in the hermitages. He would then dedicate himself to serving God’s people, including the lepers and the community.

While most of us may not be able to dedicate ourselves exclusively to prayer for 40 days, St. Francis’ example serves as an inspiration as we begin our own Lenten journey. May we all strive to deepen our prayer life and draw closer to God during this sacred season.