The work of St. Francis in the vineyard

Father Joshua J. Whitfield noted that St. Francis practiced a form of penance by cleaning and repairing churches during the early years of his ministry. As a penitent brother, Francis would enter churches to sweep floors and ask friends for stones to rebuild chapel walls.

Whitfield explained that Francis performed these tasks because he believed the places where Christ was present in the Eucharist deserved to be beautiful and well-maintained. In his writings, Francis encouraged his brothers and priests to ensure that church walls, altars, linens, and chalices were kept in good condition.