The Failed Franciscan: A book by CAFOD volunteer Tim C O’Brien

CAFOD volunteer Tim C O’Brien explains why he chose to write a book about St Francis and what his connection to CAFOD means.

St Francis of Assisi is known as a champion of the environment, the patron saint of ecology. He saw everything in the natural world as his brother or sister. He was a friend to the poor and sided with the marginalised but, more than that, he saw poverty and simplicity in a totally new way. He knew that when we are poor, we can be closest to God.

CAFOD works hard with its fraternity of supporters and network of international partners to promote social justice, assist those in need, and protect the environment and those people at risk from ecological and environmental disasters. CAFOD, like Francis, sides with the marginalised, and the poor are their first concern. So, when I finally got my act together and finished the project that started during lockdown, CAFOD came quickly to mind. I managed to finish and self-publish my little book about St Francis and Franciscan spirituality.

I did not write the book for reasons of financial gain, more as a way of self-expression and personal reflection. I decided to self-publish so that I could put a line under the whole project and have some sort of positive conclusion.

I decided that I would donate any profits from royalties to CAFOD and asked them to collaborate with me in presenting the book as part of its usual distribution network and to appeal to parishes, volunteers and supporters to buy and promote it wherever possible.

We are now in the year 2024. This year is a year of celebrating centenaries for Franciscans. Eight hundred years ago, in 1224, St Francis of Assisi was blessed to receive the Stigmata on Mount Alvernia whilst he was on retreat there. He was in a state of deep contemplation when the marks of the wounds of Christ were seared into his hands, feet and side.

In the same year, the first friars – Franciscan brothers – arrived in Britain to preach the Gospel to the people of this country. Initially, they were viewed with great suspicion…they were crooks and spies or, at best, vagabonds.

Buy one book and you will be contributing to CAFOD and you may find spiritual encouragement. Buy another copy for someone else and you will be evangelising too!

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