anthonyhowelljournal

x

At a time when St. Francis was staying in the town of Gubbio,

There appeared in that region a wolf so maddened by lack of a meal

It took to devouring humans as well as beasts in the wild.

The townsfolk deemed it a scourge of the greatest magnitude

— because it came hungrily near the town— so that they had to forgo

Tilling the fields and ventured into the country only if armed

As if they were going to war. However their weapons alarmed

x

The wolf not at all, and few who went forth were able to escape

Its teeth and its appetite, were they so unfortunate

As to meet it. Everyone was terrified of coming across this snouted bandit.

No one dared to walk outside the city gate. But God decided to show

The strength of love to the people there, employing as his instrument,

Saint Francis. For the people’s sake, the Saint resolved to go

And meet the wolf in the wooded crags that were its natural element.

x

On hearing this the citizens said: “Look out, Brother Francis.

Don’t go outside the gate because the wolf which has already

Devoured so many will certainly attack and make a meal of you.”

St. Francis placed his hope in Jesus Christ, Master of all creatures.

Protected not by shield or helmet, but by the Sign of the Cross,

He went out of the town with his friend, putting all his faith

In the Lord who makes those who believe in Him feel safe,

x

Whether they walk among asps or tread upon a basilisk,

Overcoming not just wolves but even lions and chimeras

Terrifying to behold. His faith in love made Francis bold,

So that he went calmly forth to make the acquaintance of the wolf.

Some locals chose to go with him, but after a league they said:

“We won’t go further, Brother Francis, since that wolf is ferocious

And anyone who nears his lair will probably wind-up dead.”

x

St. Francis answered: “Just stay here. But I am going on

To where the wolf has made his home.” Then, in the sight of those

Who had climbed up into the trees to see how things would go,

The wolf came loping with its mouth open toward St. Francis

And his friend. The Sign of the Cross was made, and the sacred strength

Surging forth from himself and from his friend checked the wolf

And slowed its pace. Perplexed, it came to a halt in front of the Saint.

x

“Come to me, Brother Wolf. In the name of Christ,

I ask you not to hurt me or anyone.” As soon as he had made

The Sign of the Cross, the wolf had closed its jaws,

And, as he made that request, it lowered its head

And lay down at his holy feet, as though it had become tame.

And St. Francis said to it as it remained there before him:

“Brother Wolf, you have mercilessly perpetrated crimes

x

By hunting humans in this region. Lacking sane reserve,

You have been devouring more than some poor beast.

You have had the brazenness to slaughter and to feast

On beings made in the image of God. Clearly you deserve

To be put to death like any common murderer,

And everyone is right in swearing that is what you are.

You have filled this little town of Gubbio with hostility.

x

But now there shall be peace between you and the community.

You may seize on no one nor devour them anymore.

Then, when they’ve forgiven you all your past offences,

Neither men nor dogs will hunt you down.” Acquiescing

With its tail, moving its ears and at last by bowing its head

The wolf revealed that it accepted what the Saint had said.

St. Francis spoke again: “Brother Wolf, since you agree

x

To keep this peace pact, I will undertake to have the people

Of this town give you food each day for as long as you remain,

So that you will never again experience hunger, for I know

That whatever mischief you did was done because you needed to be fed.

But, my Brother Wolf, since I am obtaining for you such a favour

Promise me in the Saviour’s name that you will never again

Endanger beast or man.” The wolf gave an emphatic nod,

x

And then St. Francis said: “Brother Wolf, I want you to give me a pledge

So that I can confidently trust in what you promise me.”

And as the Saint held out his hand, the creature raised its paw

And put it in St. Francis’ hand as a sign that the pledge was secure.

“Brother Wolf, come with me now, without fear, into the town

Of Gubbio to make this peace pact in the Almighty’s name.”

And the wolf began to walk along beside him, gentle as a lamb.

x

When the people heard of this, they were amazed, and the news

Spread quickly through the town, so that men and women,

Young and old, poor and wealthy, gathered in the marketplace,

Because the Saint was coming with the wolf. Then he gave

A sermon, showing how such grave calamities as predators

Were brought about because of sin, and how the fire of hell

By which the damned must be devoured for all eternity

x

Is far worse than the raging of a wolf which can bring agony

Only to the flesh, and how much more they should fear

To be emptied into hell, given one mere animal

Could keep the lot of them in such a state of terror and anxiety.

He continued, “Listen, people. Brother Wolf has come to pay

His respects to you. He’s given me a pledge that he is willing to

Make peace with you if you agree to feed him every day.

x

And I, Francis, pledge myself as bondsman for our Brother Wolf

That he will staunchly keep this pact.” Then all who were assembled

There promised with one voice to feed the creature as required.

Again the Saint sought surety of how the wolf would act.

“Brother Wolf, do you agree to venerate this pact?”

The wolf knelt and bowed its head; next it wagged its tail

To indicate it would not fail to keep the peace agreed.

x

“Brother Wolf, just as you gave a sign outside the gate

That you would keep your word, here before the people now

Please demonstrate again that this command you understand,

Since I am pledged your bondsman.” And so, in the presence of all,

The wolf again held out its paw and put it in St. Francis’ hand,

And then surprise and joy so occupied the watching crowd

That they all shouted to the sky, and praised the Lord aloud.

x

And from that day, the wolf and the people kept the pact

And the wolf would go from door to door for food.

Hurting no one, no one hurt it. People fed it courteously.

And it is a striking fact that not a single dog ever barked at it.

When the wolf grew old and died, the people there were sad,

Because its peaceful manner reminded them of how the Saint enticed

A wolf with loving kindness. Praised be Our Lord Jesus Christ.

x

The Runiad is an epic poem completed June 2025. Books 1-24 can be read on this Heyzine Link