The Impression of the Stigmata upon St. Francis

On Mount La Verna, the love of Christ crucified that filled St. Francis's soul became visible in his body. In 1224 he withdrew from the world for prayer, living apart while Brother Leo brought what he needed. Near the feast of the Holy Cross, Francis saw a six-winged seraph bearing the figure of the crucified Lord. Joy at Christ's loving presence mingled with sorrow at His Passion.

When the vision ended, Francis bore wounds in his hands, feet, and side resembling the wounds of Christ. The earliest testimony is unusually close to the event. Brother Leo referred to the stigmata in his own hand, Brother Elias described them when announcing Francis's death in 1226, and Thomas of Celano recorded them within a few years.

The marks did not replace the hidden work of holiness. They revealed the direction of a life already formed by poverty, penance, compassion, and love for the Passion. Francis had long sought to resemble Jesus in his heart. At La Verna, his body also became a witness to Christ crucified.