The film dramatizes about a dozen vignettes from the life of St. Francis and
his early followers - starting with their return in the rain to Rivotorlo from
Rome when the Pope blessed their Rule and ending with their dispersal to
preach. The unconnected chapters are like parables, some with a moral.
The slight and comic Ginepro returns naked to St. Mary's of the Angels,
having given away his tunic, but not his ricotta. The aged Giovanni shouts
and holds onto his cape; the beatific St. Clair pays a visit. Humble Francis
doubts his leadership, hugs a leper, and sends his brothers spinning, dizzy,
and smiling into the world. This brotherhood is infused with whimsy as well
as belief.