ST.FRANCIS OF ASSISI : CONVERSION OF A PROSTITUTE
Once while St.Francis was preaching in a province of the Sultan of Babylonia, with couple of his companions, there came a certain woman beautiful in face and body but foul in mind and soul. The cursed woman solicited St.Francis to commit a most foul act with her. St.Francis answered her “If you wish me to do what you want, you must also do what I want”. The woman readily agreed and led the Blessed Father to a room. But St.Francis said to her “Come with me and I will show you a very beautiful bed”. And he led her to a very large fire that was burning in that house at that time. And in fervor of spirit he stripped himself naked and threw himself down on the fire in the fireplace as on a bed. And he called to her, saying “Undress and come quickly and enjoy this splendid flowery and wonderful bed, because you must be here if you wish to obey me”. And St. Francis remained there with a joyous face, resting in the fireplace as though on flowers and the fire did not burn or singe him. On seeing such a miracle the woman was terrified and felt sincere remorse in her heart. And she not only repented her sin and evil intention but was also perfectly converted to the faith of Christ, and through the merits of the Holy Father she became so holy in grace that she won many souls for the Lord n that region
