How Francis Tamed the Wolf of Gubbio

Gubbio, a town in Umbria, was in the grip of terror. There lived in the woods a fierce wolf that had already attacked and killed many animals and people. That is why a high wall with fortified gates was built around the town. Nobody dared to leave the city. People were armed to the teeth.

One day, Francis came into the city. He was very surprised at the people’s fear. He realized that the wolf could not be the only one to be blamed. Deep in the people’s hearts there was a reason for it which was as evil as the wolf apparently was.

Now Francis offered his help. He wanted to face the wolf all by himself, armed with nothing but his good intention and affection - with the strength of the Cross, as he told the people. Then suddenly the wolf came approaching him with bared teeth. But when he saw the good heart of Francis and heard Francis calling him ‘Brother Wolf’, he was surprised. He made big eyes when he saw how kindly this man looked at him. At that moment his wickedness left him. He put his paw in St. Francis’ outstretched hand. He promised him that he would never again attack anyone and went with him to the city. When the townspeople saw how the wolf had changed, they renounced their evil ways and called the wolf ‘brother’. They took care of him every day. When the wolf died of old age, the whole town mourned him. To this day, the citizens of Gubbio show the stone sarcophagus in which the bones of the wolf have lain for centuries (LFl 21).

From CCFMC, Lesson Unit 23