Son Though He Was

"Young Francis"

Logline: A privileged young man in medieval Italy turns his back on a life of revelry and riches to dedicate his life to helping the most needy.

Summary

In the medieval town of Assisi, the wife of a wealthy cloth merchant is experiencing long, painful labour. A mysterious BEGGAR advises her to go to a stable to give birth, and while others think him mad, PICA di BERNARDONE, the woman with child, agrees. The baby is born soon after. The Beggar asks to hold the child and presses a cross on the child's shoulder telling the mother her son will do great things.

When PIETRO di BERNARDONE returns from a selling trip to France, he is filled with joy at the sight of his son. He vows to give the child everything he could ask for, promising a life of riches and indulgences. In honor of his many business dealings in France and his wife's origins, he nicknames the child FRANCESCO.