St. Francis of Assisi was a short man, measuring no more than 152-3 cm with dark eyes and large ears. He was definitely also a charming man.
Although numerous portraits exists, the best sense of what St. Francis looked like may be found in the description provided by his first biographer Thomas de Celano.
| 1 O quam pulcher, quam splendidus, quam gloriosus apparebat (cfr. 2Re 6,22) in vitae innocentia, in simplicitate verborum, in puritate cordis, in dilectione Dei, in charitate fraterna, in flagranti obedientia, in concordi obsequio, in aspectu angelico (cfr. Iud 13.6). | O how beautiful, how radiant, how glorious he appeared in the innocence of his life, in the simplicity of his words, in the purity of his heart, in the love of God, in brotherly charity, in ardent obedience, in harmonious service, and in his angelic appearance. |
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| 2 Dulcis in moribus, natura placidus, affabilis in sermone, commodissimus in exhortatione, fidelissimus in com-misso (cfr. Prov 11,13), providus in consilio, in negotio efficax, gratiosus in omnibus (cfr.Est 2,15). | Sweet in his manners, calm by nature, affable in speech, most effective in exhortation, utterly faithful in what was entrusted to him, prudent in counsel, effective in action, gracious in all things. |
| 3 Mente serenus, animo dulcis, spiritu sobrius (cfr. 2Tim 1,7), contemplatione suspensus, orationi assiduus et in omnibus fervens. | Serene in mind, gentle in spirit, sober in disposition, raised up in contemplation, constant in prayer, and fervent in all things. |
| 4 Constans proposito, virtute stabilis, gratia perseverans, et in omnibus idem. | Steadfast in purpose, firm in virtue, persevering in grace, and the same in all things. |
| 5 Ad indulgendum velox, ad irascendum tardus (cfr. Iac 1,19), liber ingenio, memoria luculentus, subtilis in disserendo (cfr. Sap 7,22.23), circumspectus in eligendo et in omnibus simplex. | Quick to forgive, slow to anger, free in intellect, possessed of a brilliant memory, subtle in discussion, circumspect in making choices, and simple in all things. |
| 6 Rigidus in se, pius in aliis, discretus in omnibus. | Severe towards himself, compassionate towards others, discerning in all things. |
| 7 Facundissimus homo, facie hilaris, vultu benignus, immunis ignaviae, insolentiae expers. | A most eloquent man, cheerful of face, kindly in countenance, free from idleness and without arrogance. |
| 8 Statura mediocris parvitati vicinior, caput mediocre ac rotundum, facies utcumque oblonga et protensa, frons plana et parva, mediocres oculi, nigri et simplices (cfr. Mat6,22), fusci capilli, supercilia recta, nasus aequalis, subtilis et rectus, aures erectae sed parvae, tempora plana, | Of moderate stature, tending rather towards shortness; his head was of medium size and rounded; his face somewhat long and extended; his forehead smooth and small; his eyes of medium size, black and straightforward; his hair dark; his eyebrows straight; his nose symmetrical, slender and straight; his ears prominent but small; his temples smooth. |
| 9 lingua placabilis (cfr. Prov 15,4), ignea et acuta, vox vehemens, dulcis (cfr. Cant 2,14), clara atque sonora, dentes coniuncti, aequales et albi, modica labia atque subtilia, barba nigra, pilis non plene respersa, | His tongue was gentle, fiery and incisive; his voice strong, sweet, clear and resonant; his teeth close-set, even and white; his lips moderate and thin; his beard black, but not thickly covered with hair. |
| 10 Collum subtile, humeri recti, brevia brachia, tenues manus, digiti longi, ungues producti, crura subtilia, parvuli pedes, tenuis cutis, caro paucissima, aspera vestis, somnus brevissimus, manus largissima. | His neck was slender, his shoulders straight, his arms short, his hands slender, his fingers long, his nails projecting; his legs slender, his feet small, his skin fine, his flesh very scant. His clothing was rough, his sleep exceedingly brief, his hand exceedingly generous. |
| 11 Et quia erat humillimus, omnem mansuetudinem ostendebat ad homines (cfr. Tit 3,2), omnium moribus utiliter se conformans. Sanctior inter sanctos, inter peccatores quasi unus ex (cfr. Sap 4,10; Gen 3,22) illis. | And because he was most humble, he showed every gentleness towards all people, adapting himself beneficially to the character of everyone. Holier among the holy, among sinners he was as though one of them. |
| 12 Adiuva igitur peccatores, peccatorum amator, pater sanctissime, et quos cernis miserabiliter in delictorum sordibus iacere, dignare, quaesumus, misericordissime tuis gloriosissimis suffragiis relevare | Therefore help sinners, you lover of sinners, most holy father; and those whom you see lying miserably in the filth of their offences, deign, we beseech you, in your great mercy, to raise up through your most glorious intercession. |
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