Sant Rufino: The Church of St. Francis' Baptism

In October of 1182, Francis was baptized in the baptismal font, shown in attached photo. Who could possibly my have known that when that to y baby was immersed in the waters of baptism, his destiny would one of humble greatness. Talk about an oxymoron! Francis, himself, said that he was destined for greatness.
His life began by being immersed in the waters of Christ's death and resurrection and his life marked a gradual transformation into being one with Christ in a way never l known before or seen since.
Francis ended his life by being so configured to Christ, in his deep love for Christ's Passion, that he was " marked" or pierced by the five wounds of the crucifixion : the Stigmata. As he lie dying he asked to be stripped completely naked and be placed on the bare earth which he loved so much. The softness of the dirt eased his tremendous pain. He died during the evening of October 3/4 on the bare earth just in his mid forties.
When you see Francis , you see Christ. The message if Francis: we are ALL called to mirror Christ. This can only happen by a reckless, lavish, and foolish Love.

But Love can be very painful, as you all know through your own experience. It demands a complete emptying of the self, allowing one to be wounded and "pierced" in spirit. To be configured to Christ means surrendering to God's work as the Sculptor, chiseling away at all that disfigures us and the work of art we are meant to become.

But the JOY, the absolute joy and ecstasy to allow this to happen and live freely in true freedom as a child of God. Francis showed us a way that can never be duplicated , nor should it. God has different plans and a different sculpture for each one of us.

Easter is the great Promise that we will emerge from God's artistic and divine touch as a New Creation. Christ. Risen. Alive. Forever. With ALL!!
Blessed Easter.
Buen camino. Francesco.