South Nave Window #2 – St. Francis of Assisi Preaching to His Friars | The First Congregational Church of Greenwich

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South Nave Window #2 – St. Francis of Assisi Preaching to His Friars

In memory of Elzey Walters, Sr. by his family

South nave window number 2 shows Saint Francis of Assisi, that great figure of the medieval church, who was dedicated to poverty and a simple Christ-like life. The text quoted is a part of his most popular prayer* which is still widely used today. Here the Saint is addressing a group of people of varying ages and stations. Small vignettes depict him preaching to the birds and the wolf of Gubbio** (in blue at his feet, far left).

“Lord make me a channel of Thy peace.
Lord grant that I may
seek rather to
comfort than
be comforted.

That where there is hatred
I may bring Love.
For it is by
giving that one
receives.”

** St Francis understood why the wolf was terrorizing the people of Gubbio, a town in the Umbria section of Italy, and offered him a lifetime of food in exchange for his agreeing to abandon his violence. The wolf touchingly agreed by placing its paw in the friar’s hand. The story shows how faith can build peace.