The Writer's Almanac from Wednesday, October 4, 2017 “Defiance” by Sally Van Doren from Promise. © Louisiana State University Press, 2017. ORIGINAL TEXT AND AUDIO - 2017 Today is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. He was born in Assisi, in central Italy, in 1182. He started out as a wealthy man-about-town, until he fell into a serious illness in his 19th year. He was praying in the dilapidated Church of St. Damiano one day in 1206, and he heard the voice of Christ saying, “Go, Francis, and repair my house which, as you see, is well-nigh in ruins.” He went and took some of his father’s money for the project. He went on to found the Franciscan Order, which was dedicated to poverty, penance, and the relief of the sick.
I corresponded with Ann Rice very briefly, via email, in the mid-2000's. She was remarkable.
I corresponded with Ann Rice very briefly, via email, in the mid-2000's. She was remarkable.