The book "Being Touched by the Cross: St. Francis of Assisi; Face of Jesus in the Present World" in the conversion of St. Francis of Assisi answers the needs of thousands of Franciscans who want to learn more about the genuine little poor man of Assisi, as he was known by his companions and throughout the world.

There have always been exceptional souls who illuminate the road to compassion, selflessness, and love in a world rife with chaos and uncertainty, where the shadows of doubt hang heavy. Saint Francis of Assisi, whose life and teachings continue to inspire millions of people and bridge the gap between humanity and divinity, is one of these shining figures.

This book examines the remarkable life and enduring legacy of this cherished medieval saint. I invite you to witness the brilliance of a soul that embraced the cross not as a burden but as a source of divine illumination as we set out on this profound journey through time and spirituality.

In "Being Touched by the Cross," we follow St. Francis' journey from his life-changing encounter with a leper, which changed his perspective on the world and sparked an enduring flame of compassion within him, to his profound relationship with nature and its Creator, which led to a legacy of ecological stewardship that has a significant impact on our contemporary world.

St. Francis' life and also the lives of those around him, are revealed in each chapter of this book. We will bear witness to the profound spiritual experiences that shaped him into the personification of Christ's love, from the tranquility of the Porziuncola to the lofty Francis and his encounters with the Cross, which changed not only the heights of Mount La Verna.

May St. Francis' life serve as an inspiration to help us see Jesus in the people around us, in the cries of the poor, and in the whispers of nature's symphony as we immerse ourselves in his story. 

Allowing St. Francis' timeless wisdom to lead us as we seek to be touched by the Cross and become bearers of divine light in our modern world, let us now embark on this transformative journey.

St. Francis has made a lasting impression on people of all ages and genders worldwide. So that they can learn about this man's spirit, which has captivated millions of people over the years and still inspires and appeals to modern men. The little poor man's charisma has drawn admirers from both the religious and lay worlds.

The following pages will provide more information about when, how, and through whom the Order has come to us to give glory not to man but to God, who established this order in His wisdom and who, through His servant Francis, set an example for the world.

This book is for public and private circulation. I like to use the expression beyond its usual legal sense. The words of St. Francis should spread among us in the close and intimate circle of our fraternities and among all the faithful. There it is that we can benefit from them in an ever deeper sharing of the Spirit who inspired Francis: "to observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, by living in obedience, without property, and in chastity."

May God bless each one of us for reading this book. We may get inspiration from the content, reflections, experiences, and questionnaires. We may transform into a new life and become the source of change for others as well.