Bishop Felice Accrocca publishes 11th Franciscan pill

Bishop Felice Accrocca published the eleventh installment of his Franciscan series, titled "Francis the clandestine who opens our eyes and heart," on September 11. The article, part of the "FeliCitazioni francescane" column, explores how immigrants can serve as resources.

In the text, Accrocca, who serves the Diocese of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino and Foligno, uses a story from Thomas of Celano to illustrate his point. The account describes how Saint Francis attempted to travel to Syria but ended up in Dalmatia due to contrary winds. To continue his journey, Francis and a companion boarded a ship to Ancona in secret because the sailors had refused them due to insufficient food supplies.

Accrocca notes that after Francis boarded the vessel clandestinely, a man provided food for the hidden travelers. During a subsequent storm that delayed the voyage, the food belonging to Francis multiplied to the point that it satisfied the needs of everyone on board until they reached port.