Early in his life, Francis was discerning, but not a discernment informed by the Spirit of the Lord, and yet the Lord was preparing him. This prayer is really an expression of Francis of Assisi’s discernment throughout his life journey. How to think things through, to get through things. Francis is praying for the practical/common wisdom of what needs to be done and the knowledge of how best to accomplish that goal. Francis was asking the Lord for the sense to understand why he has to act and the knowledge of how to act in this situation. Paolo concluded, “So according to my studies and Italian literature background, I suggest you translate senno and cognoscimento with something like ‘sense’ and ‘knowledge.’” St. The most similar Italian contemporary word is ‘ conoscenza.’ Once again I will say that ‘ cognoscimento’ means ‘How to do something?’”įr. It is a typical 13th-century vulgare word, the common language spoken before Italian. “‘ Cognoscimento’ does not exist any more. Adjusting it to the use of the time, I should say that senno means ‘Why I should do something?’ “‘ Senno’ is still an Italian word but has a slightly different meaning … ‘prima faciae” senno equals sense. Paolo just what did Francis say in Italian. Paolo Benati, TOR, former TOR Secretary General, now Provincial of the Assisi Province, and moral theology scholar, came to visit Franciscan University.
Also, I was a bit confused because, frequently, I’ve seen this line translated as “wisdom and understanding.” I wondered what did St. Francis’ understanding in the use of these two concepts - sense and knowledge. I started to question just what might be St. Francis Said Before the Crucifix,” and there is a line toward the end that is translated as “sense and knowledge.” Usually, this prayer is titled “Prayer of St. Francis’ Prayer to Discern God’s Will Before the Crucifix Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart, and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command.
Francis of Assisi’s “Prayer to Discern God’s Will Before the Crucifix.” Often it brings to mind an immediate focus on priesthood or religious life, or we think of puzzled students trying to discern God’s will. Here at Franciscan University, we speak jokingly of discernment as the “D” word because it is an especially supercharged word. A famous prayer of the great saint gives us insight into how he understood the quest for God's will.
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