1182-1226
Banners from the Rotunda of Witnesses
Banner Quote:
You are wisdom. You are peace. You are beauty. You are eternal life.
In this banner, Francis of Assisi beckons us to Christ, who is pictured as the Good Shepherd who watches over His flock. After renouncing an inheritance of wealth, Francis formed an order called the Friar's Minor, or Lesser Brothers. They devoted themselves to a life of contemplation and service to the poor and sick. His writings are filled with the insights of one who followed closely after Christ and who saw in the created world a constant witness pointing back to the Creator. The fish motif seen in the banner was a popular symbol with early Christians and referred to the Greek word ICHTHUS, a monogram for Jesus Christ Son of God Savior.