Predigt des hl Franziskus
Predigt des hl. Franziskus (Sermon of Saint Francis)
Artist Unknown, German Chromolithograph Holy Card. c. 1890–1910.
This holy card presents a group portrait of prominent saints from the Franciscan tradition, gathered together in a serene devotional composition. The central figure is Saint Francis of Assisi, easily recognized by his brown habit and stigmata. Surrounding him are six Franciscan saints whose lives reflect the many forms of holiness nurtured within the Franciscan family: Saint Clare of Assisi, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Louis IX of France, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen. Their attributes are rendered with clarity: Elizabeth holds flowers as symbols of charitable mercy, Anthony carries the lily of purity, Clare the monstrance and veil, Veronica the crucifix of mystical union, Louis and Elizabeth wear crowns as signs of royal sanctity, and Fidelis’ presence reflects his particular importance in German-speaking Franciscan devotion.
At the top of the card, two angels hold a scroll inscribed with the Latin phrase “Mirabilis Deus in sanctis suis”, which translates to “God is admirable in His Saints.” This motto frames the image as a celebration of sanctity not as individual achievement, but as a divine work manifested through human lives. The composition intentionally gathers saints from different centuries, states of life, and vocations — monarchs, mystics, preachers, founders, and martyrs — to express the breadth of Franciscan spirituality.
The visual style and printing technique identify this as a German chromolithograph from the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890–1910). The softly blended colors, fine linework, and delicate gold highlights reflect the devotional aesthetic commonly produced in Catholic publishing houses of Bavaria and the Rhineland. As with many holy cards of this period, the image was meant to be portable, carried in prayer books, breviaries, or rosaries, serving as a quiet companion in personal devotion rather than as an object of public display.
The original image is in the public domain, however, the file now offered is a manually restored version of this antique illustration, in a higher resolution. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image. Imperfections due to historical aging of the source may still be present.
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