The Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi

Map

St Francis Receiving the Stigmata, Ss Stimmate di San Francesco

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September 17th is the Feast Day of the Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi. 

In September 1224 St Francis was on retreat on Mt Alverna. While at prayer he had, according to Thomas of Celano, a vision of a man like a seraph with six wings, his arms outstretched and his feet together 'in the shape of' a cross. While he was contemplating the vision the marks of Christ's wounds began to appear on his body, where they remained until his death two years later.