James and Viena were humble and simple people who desired to have many children. They were finally blessed with Francis, who was well behaved and obedient, but he had a serious illness and his parents promised that if he was healed, they would give him up to God. And so it happened and they took Francis to Assisi. He was happy at the monastery for some time, but his parents wanted him to return with them and Francis did. He later asked his parents’ permission so that he could retire into a life of prayer and was joined afterwards by several companions.

Do you sometimes feel that you are on the road toward something that your parents or family want or expect from you? Do you love this or would you prefer something else? In what ways could you feel free to follow your true vocation?