This hitherto unknown manuscript, written in 1981 to commemorate the 800th centenary of St Francis’ birth, provides not only an account of the humanity of St Francis, but also an insight as to how people of our own age may live the active-contemplative life, of which Francis was the supreme example. The book is more than a spiritual guide, however. It is a summons to every Christian to play their part in restoring justice to creation as the chapter entitled ‘The Universe, My Friary’ so clearly demonstrates. The deceptively simple language communicates a profoundly serious message. The book concludes with Doyle’s own lyrical translations of St Francis’ prayers.
