When Saint Francis Saved the Church

By: Jon M. Sweeney

Narrated by: Jon M. Sweeney

Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

Francis of Assisi was a rebellious, reveling young man. After a profound conversion experience, he became the most popular saint in history. Jon Sweeney sheds new light on this familiar tale. Moreover, he demonstrates that Francis himself became a conversion experience for all of Christian history, reviving the Church and revolutionizing how we think about the poor and marginalized, our relationship to the created world, and even our own mortality. The fascinating story of this unruly young man who saved the Church will inspire you change your corner of the world.

©2014 Ave Maria Press (P)2014 Franciscan Media

Historical?

What would have made When Saint Francis Saved the Church better?

As I listened to the book, the style caused me to question what was documented by research and what was based on the author’s opinion. He makes many statements that sound like assumptions and interpretations.

What was most disappointing about Jon M. Sweeney’s story?

The style in which the story was told. Mr. Sweeney is obviously a very good historian but the style does not convey history.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jon M. Sweeney?

Any professional narrator. Unless they are professionals, the authors should not read their books.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Saint Francis did save the Church by Gods Spirit

Francis of Assisi was the opening door for my faith.
watching how his Love and concern for those who suffered the greatest from leprosy as they were rejected and removed by the Higher church, Francis ripped off his clothes walked out of the city that he grew up in. He started building a church that would house the lepers and then when the people flocked to his church from the city. The higher church lost income and went and burned down all his work when he had gone on evangelizing close to his church, he found the rubble of all his hard work smoldering. He then walked to Italy to ask the Pope if he had sinned deserving this torment from the Higher church?
Asking the Pope what was is it he did wrong? The pope got tears saying, he remembered when he became a new follower of the faith, he also had the same desires but now the Greek Pagan mythologies and politics ruined the church.
Saint Francis before leaving to see the Pope, warned his followers never did he want a library of pagan religious books, but only one Book to be allowed,God's Holy Word.
when Francis went to Italy, those he left behind to watch over his church, built a library, Francis returned from Italy he was malnutritioned and sick and found the Library, they then argued with him, He went into deep depression, letting the Greek pagans run the church, and not those led by the Holy Spirit of God. having traveled so far by foot, for over a year suffering malnutrition, He soon became sick and died alone in his own room away from those who ruined his dream. TDR