St. Francis of Assisi, one of the world’s most popular saints, has been the subject of many Orbis titles. His model of mission, centered on proclaiming the Gospel at all times — not just with words, but with one’s life — speaks to the whole Church, and to Maryknoll in particular. It was mission marked by the spirit of poverty and love for those on the margins, care for creation, nonviolence and dialogue with those of other faiths.

In this Jubilee year, which marks the 800th anniversary of Francis’ death in 1226, Orbis is pleased to have acquired a rich backlist of titles from our friends at Franciscan Media (who are suspending their book program). These include the classic by Murray Bodo, OFM, Francis: The Journey and the Dream, which conveys the story of Francis through a combination of lyrical prose and brief, absorbing vignettes.

We are also publishing several works by Ilia Delio, a Franciscan sister and visionary theologian. Two of them will appear this fall. Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis considers the essential quality that marked Francis’ life, and how it might transform our own lives. In The Humility of God: A Franciscan Perspective, Sister Delio explores the humble dimensions of God — born in a stable, dying on a cross — who captured the heart of St. Francis, and invites readers to be transformed by the same divine dimension. Additional Franciscan titles will appear next year.

But for all those who wish to immerse themselves in the spirit of Francis and Clare, there are other popular works on our list. Howard A. Snyder’s Francis of Assisi: Movement Maker explores Francis’s unconventional lessons in leadership. Poverty and Joy: The Franciscan Tradition, by William J. Short, OFM, is widely regarded as one of the best introductions to Franciscan spirituality, while Carlo Carretto’s bestselling classic, I, Francis, brings Francis to life and lets him speak to our time.

St. Francis and the Foolishness of God, by Marie Dennis, Joseph Nangle, OFM, Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and Stuart Taylor, lays out the counter-cultural features of Francis — especially his rejection of materialism, his model of community and his spirit of nonviolence — and shows their relevance today. The late Michael Crosby, a Capuchin priest, was the author of many books on discipleship and spirituality, including Finding Francis: Following Christ. A book by George Dardens and Marvin Mich, In the Spirit of St. Francis & the Sultan, recounts the famous gesture of Francis, who crossed the battle lines of the Crusades to meet with Sultan Malik al-Kamil in Damietta, Egypt, in 1219. Drawing on Francis’ example, they show how Christians and Muslims can draw on values common to both traditions to work together to build more just and peaceful communities.

Finally, Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff is the author of Francis of Assisi, which focuses on Francis’ preferential option for the poor, and The Prayer of Saint Francis, which explores the history, meaning and relevance of the famous and much-loved prayer of peace attributed to Francis.

Robert Ellsberg is the publisher of Orbis Books and author of The Franciscan Saints.