Saint Francis of Assisi legacy highlighted in Assisi and Urbino

Cultural and religious events in Italy are highlighting the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi through academic discussion and art exhibitions.

In Assisi, a conference titled ‘Francesco e l’annuncio nella Chiesa’ (Francis and the Proclamation in the Church) is scheduled for September 5 at the Auditorium della Domus Pacis. The event features Bishop Felice Accrocca, poet and writer Davide Rondoni, and moderator Fabio Nardelli. The discussion will focus on how Francis’s lifestyle served as a credible witness to the Gospel, emphasizing simplicity, fraternity, and proximity rather than mere theoretical preaching.

Simultaneously, the Museo Albani in Urbino is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the figure of Saint Francis. The project explores the spread of Franciscan preaching and community within the Marche region. The exhibition showcases various artifacts, including 17th-century paintings, sculptures, and engravings that depict Franciscan spirituality and the cult of the cross. Notable works include pieces by Alfonso Patanazzi and Giovan Battista Urbinelli, illustrating the historical devotion and the ‘Baroccesco phenomenon’ in the territory.