Brazilian Naif Painting of Saint Francis of Assisi, "Saint Francis, Poor Friar..."

Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, left a life of wealth and took vows of poverty. Telma Morais works in naif style to portray him in his coarse brown robe. The beloved saint holds a sheaf of wheat and a blue bird perches on his shoulder. "I imagine Saint Francis walking through the world in the material poverty that he chose," the Brazilian artist confides. "I'm his unconditional admirer — of his happiness, his courage and his miracles. I imagine that the mended tears in his robe, represent the words of his prayer. While I painted this image, I sang his prayer aloud and, when I finished, I felt miniscule in the presence of so much greatness in that special year, 2020. Saint Francis, pray for us. Amen."