Friday, April 4, 2008 at 2:02am
Book: St. Francis preached to Muslims
Frank M. Rega's new book, "Francis of Assisi and the Conversion of the Muslims; With Concise Biography of the Saint," sheds new light on the saint who some say imitated Christ more than any other Christian leader. "If you're tired of portraits of St. Francis as little more than a Birkenstock-clad hippie, a Peace Corps social worker, or an effeminate tofu-eating Green Party activist, read this book," wrote Dr. Philip Blosser on his blog.
During the Fifth Crusade to Egypt, "In 1219 Francis was present in Egypt at the city of Damietta on the Nile, with some of his friars." During a truce, Francis entered the Muslim camp with Brother Illuminato, who was probably the interpreter, Rega said in an interview with LifeSiteNews Wednesday.
"It is important here to recognize the bravery of Francis. He preached to armed Muslims who a few days before had won a major skirmish at Damietta, killing about 5,000 Christians," Rega said. Francis and his companion were at first taken prisoner, beaten and put in chains by the sentries.
The sultan, al-Malik al-Kamil, asked Francis if he was a messenger from the crusaders. "Francis replied that he was indeed a messenger, but a messenger from God." According to Rega, "the love flowing from Francis began to move the Sultan, and according to one contemporary writer, 'that cruel beast became sweetness himself.' .. Francis and his companion remained in the Muslim camp for many days, and parted on excellent terms with the Sultan." Al-Malik was said to have converted to Christianity on his deathbed.
During the Fifth Crusade to Egypt, "In 1219 Francis was present in Egypt at the city of Damietta on the Nile, with some of his friars." During a truce, Francis entered the Muslim camp with Brother Illuminato, who was probably the interpreter, Rega said in an interview with LifeSiteNews Wednesday.
"It is important here to recognize the bravery of Francis. He preached to armed Muslims who a few days before had won a major skirmish at Damietta, killing about 5,000 Christians," Rega said. Francis and his companion were at first taken prisoner, beaten and put in chains by the sentries.
The sultan, al-Malik al-Kamil, asked Francis if he was a messenger from the crusaders. "Francis replied that he was indeed a messenger, but a messenger from God." According to Rega, "the love flowing from Francis began to move the Sultan, and according to one contemporary writer, 'that cruel beast became sweetness himself.' .. Francis and his companion remained in the Muslim camp for many days, and parted on excellent terms with the Sultan." Al-Malik was said to have converted to Christianity on his deathbed.