Bret Thoman

Bret Thoman, a Franciscan scholar and author, delves into the true essence of St. Francis of Assisi, far removed from his common portrayal as the saint of animals. He discusses St. Francis’s radical embrace of poverty, his transformative encounters with lepers, and the founding of the mendicant order that reshaped church history. Thoman critiques the modern misinterpretations of St. Francis's legacy and highlights the importance of early sources to uncover the depth of his teachings, emphasizing humility and love in the face of societal rejection.