Reading Diary B: Saints and Animals

Here are some of the stories from Saints and Animals.

The Wolf-Mother of Saint Ailbe: Ailbe was abandoned by his parents and raised by a wolf. He was then taken by a prince and the prince raised him. Ailbe then had to save his wolf-mother from the hunters and made a promise to her that nobody would hurt her or her children. I liked this story because it shows a love between mother and child. Even if the mother is a wolf, she still took care of the little boy and I like how he was able to return the favor in the end. He kept his promise that nobody would harm his wolf family.

Saint Francis of Assisi: I liked this story because of how they described Saint Francis. He had a smile that made everyone feel better even though most people in similar circumstances were not able to remain smiling. He wanted to be poor so he could be like Christ. I found that interesting that somebody would want to be poor. Saint Francis could also calm the animals down. He was able to turn a wild wolf into a neighborhood pet. He was feared but then the people grew to love him. It shows that even the scariest of things could possibly have some good in them. Saint Francis was kind to everyone and found himself at home among the beasts in the wild. He was able to bring animals and people together in harmony.

St. Francis of Assisi by Guercino (1591–1666). Wikimedia Commons