Milani-Francis Comparative Reflective Article
FROM PRIVILEGE TO PURPOSE: The Transformative Journeys of Saint Francis of Assisi and Don Milani
By Marco Tavanti, Elizabeth Wilp, and Julie Tavanti
First published on October 3, 2023, the 797th Anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi's death, when he passed in the Porziuncola accompanied by his only remaining companions, Frate Elia, Frate Jacopa, and Frate Leone, along with Frate Angelo and Frate Masseo.
** Reflections inspired by the Centennial Celebrations of Don Milani (1923–2023)
Don Lorenzo Milani and Saint Francis of Assisi are revered figures in Christian history, each profoundly shaping Italian culture and extending their influence globally through their unwavering dedication to social justice and deep compassion for the marginalized. Saint Francis, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 in Assisi, was the son of Pietro, a wealthy silk merchant, and Pica, a noblewoman. His early life was steeped in luxury, contrasting the simplicity and poverty he later embraced in his commitment to solidarity with the less fortunate and the natural world. Yet, many of his privileged connections became his disciples or important assets in this later mission.
In a different era and context, Don Lorenzo Milani was born in Florence in 1923. His father, Albano Milani, was a university professor and a descendant of a prominent nineteenth-century philologist, while his mother, Alice Weiss, was a Jewish secularist and a professional artist; her cousin was one of Sigmund Freud’s earliest disciples and the founder of the Italian Psychoanalytic Association. Lorenzo developed an early passion for art in an environment rich with intellectual discourse and artistic expression, which later influenced his educational methodologies. Despite his privileged background, Don Milani’s adult conversion to Christianity marked a profound turning point, leading him to dedicate his life to enhancing educational opportunities for the rural poor.
Both men radically deviated from their affluent origins, transforming their lives and inspiring their contemporaries to adopt lifestyles that prioritize social justice and environmental stewardship. This account delves into their shared values, contrasting leadership styles, and the lasting impact of their commitment to bettering the world.
From Privileged Backgrounds to Empathic Missions
Saint Francis of Assisi and Don Lorenzo Milani, both born into affluence, chose to redirect the privileges of their upbringings towards missions deeply entrenched in social justice and educational reform, respectively. Saint Francis grew up in a prosperous merchant family in Assisi, Italy. His life, replete with leisure and travel — especially to France — afforded him luxuries and exposure to the troubadour culture. Yet, his public renunciation of wealth, marked dramatically by disrobing in the town square, signified a stark pivot to a life of poverty. This radical transformation challenged societal norms and inspired his affluent peers to reconsider their lifestyles.
Similarly, Don Lorenzo Milani, emerging from an intellectually rich and financially stable family in Florence, was profoundly shaped by his father, a university professor, and the vibrant intellectual circles of Italian society. His conversion to Christianity as an adult and subsequent ordination led him to the marginalized communities of San Donato in Calenzano and later the mountains of Barbiana. There, he committed himself to revolutionizing educational practices for the rural poor. His background enabled him to challenge established educational norms and push for systemic reforms within Italian education.
Both men adeptly used their understanding of their social milieus to drive significant change. Saint Francis founded the Franciscan Order, a mendicant movement that, with the backing of Pope Innocent III, set a precedent for spiritual simplicity that appealed to the disillusioned elite. Don Milani used his academic prowess to critically analyze and reform educational standards through his compelling writings and letters, which confronted the prevailing authoritative attitudes and societal structures that favored the privileged.
The profound life choices and visionary teachings of Saint Francis and Don Milani transcended social divisions, offering powerful alternatives for living and influencing intellectual and educational discourse both in Italy and globally. Their journeys illustrate how privilege, rather than acting as a barrier to empathy and solidarity with the underprivileged, can be leveraged to foster social justice and systemic change. Their enduring legacies exemplify how individuals from privileged backgrounds can utilize their resources and cultural insight to advocate for and realize societal transformations that champion the common good, grounded in fairness and compassion.
From Privileged Friends to Companions in the Same Mission
Saint Francis of Assisi’s profound transition from a life of opulence to one marked by spiritual poverty not only transformed his personal identity but also profoundly influenced his contemporaries from privileged backgrounds, who played key roles in propagating his mission. Among the most significant of these followers was Saint Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio, a young woman from an affluent family in Assisi. Inspired by Francis’s unwavering commitment to poverty and humility, Clare bravely chose to abandon her life of luxury at 18 despite facing strong opposition from her family. Embracing Francis’s ascetic lifestyle, she found the Poor Clares (Clarisse), an order of nuns deeply committed to the Franciscan ideals of extreme poverty and simplicity. This marked a pivotal early expansion of Francis’s vision. Empowered by her noble background and supported by Francis’s influential circle, Clare also authored the first monastic guidelines written by a woman, which further solidified her legacy and influence within the Franciscan movement.
Brother Leo, also known as Frate Leone, came from a prosperous background and became one of Francis’s most steadfast companions and confidants. His unwavering loyalty and meticulous documentation of Francis’s life and teachings have provided critical insights into the spiritual doctrines that Francis championed. Another early adherent, Bernard of Quintavalle, from a wealthy family, was deeply moved by one of Francis’s sermons in Assisi, which prompted him to divest his wealth and join Francis’s mission, exemplifying Francis’s ability to inspire transformative spiritual journeys among his socioeconomic peers.
Lady Jacopa de Settesoli, affectionately called ‘Frate Jacopa’ by Francis, was a wealthy widow from Rome who significantly supported Francis and his followers. Her contributions went beyond financial aid, as she provided care during Francis’s illness. Her dedication earned her a cherished role within the Franciscan tradition. It led her to solidify the Terzo Ordine for lay people committed to Franciscan ideals, thus broadening the reach of Franciscan spirituality. Though Saint Clare is often closely linked with Francis, his bond with Jacopa was notably profound. Notably, she is buried facing Francis’s tomb in the Crypt of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, a spot originally intended for his confidant, Frate Elias, highlighting her pivotal influence in Francis’s life and the early Franciscan community.
Frate Elias of Cortona, a misinterpreted follower from an affluent background, served as the intellectual pillar for Francis. Rising to become the Minister General of the Franciscan Order, Elias’s legal background and administrative acumen were crucial in managing the order’s growth and formalizing its commitments through the Second Rule, which received verbal approval from Pope Innocent III. This rule maintained the order’s radical poverty principles in canonical terms, ensuring they were understood and upheld within the broader Church. Elias also oversaw major construction projects like the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi and the Church of San Francesco in Cortona, where he was entombed, solidifying his key role in the order's physical and spiritual expansion.
Together, these individuals supported Francis’s vision and played critical roles in institutionalizing and disseminating his revolutionary ideals of poverty and simplicity. Their contributions ensured the endurance and adaptation of his teachings through generations, demonstrating Francis’s unique ability to unite people from diverse social backgrounds around a common cause. Their collective efforts have left a lasting legacy, continuously inspiring spiritual and ethical leadership that transcends time.
Just as Saint Francis of Assisi harnessed the support of his affluent friends to propagate his mission, Don Lorenzo Milani similarly benefited from a network of influential and well-connected individuals who played pivotal roles in advancing his educational reforms. Born into a family steeped in intellectualism, Don Milani’s circle included leading thinkers, artists, and academics who aided him in challenging and transforming the Italian educational landscape.
Adriano Milani Comparetti, Lorenzo’s older brother and a distinguished physician and researcher, was a notable figure in this circle. Adriano’s insights into the socio-economic barriers impacting health and education profoundly influenced Lorenzo’s approach to educational reform. His involvement lent credibility and visibility to Lorenzo’s initiatives, effectively bridging the gap between educational theory and public health concerns.
Among his connections was also Giorgio La Pira, a prominent Italian politician and the mayor of Florence, known for his profound Christian values and commitment to social justice. This alignment with Don Milani’s own efforts in education and advocacy created a strong bond between them. Their shared focus on societal improvement through their respective roles deepened their friendship and facilitated important dialogues on social reform and educational enhancements in Italy during that time.
Similarly, a priest and philosopher, Ernesto Balducci, resonated with Don Milani’s vision. Balducci’s theological insights and rapport with intellectual elites bolstered Milani’s radical educational and social justice ideologies. His contributions were crucial in clarifying the philosophical foundations of Milani’s educational methods, garnering further support from both academic and religious communities.
Moreover, Milani’s network extended to influential journalists and publishers who played a significant role in publicizing his progressive ideas and pedagogical innovations. Through various publications and public discourse, these media professionals helped elevate the conversation around educational reform to a national level, influencing public opinion and policy toward more inclusive and transformative practices.
Through these strategic relationships, Don Lorenzo Milani effectively leveraged his privileged background and connections to champion a more equitable educational system. His friends supported his financial and intellectual mission and helped magnify his message across diverse strata of Italian society. This collective effort ensured that Milani’s educational reform and social justice legacy continued to inspire and influence long after his passing.
New Mindsets and Critical Perspectives
Saint Francis of Assisi and Don Lorenzo Milani are exemplary figures whose transitions from privilege to purposeful lives of service illustrate profound shifts in mindset and commitment. Born into wealth, Saint Francis initially indulged in leisure and festivity. His early aspirations for military glory ended abruptly after experiences of captivity and defeat, which culminated in a profound personal crisis and disillusionment with his former lifestyle. These challenging experiences set the stage for a dramatic transformation. His pivotal encounter with leprosy and what he interpreted as a divine call to embrace poverty profoundly altered his trajectory. This shift in values led him to reject his life of comfort, adopting instead a path of simplicity and austerity dedicated to the renewal of the Christian Church. His journey from privilege to poverty reshaped his existence and left a lasting impact on Christian spirituality and practice.
Similarly, Don Lorenzo Milani, who came from a family of intellectuals and atheists, experienced a profound transformation when he converted to Christianity in his early twenties. After his ordination as a priest, Milani dedicated his life to addressing social injustices through educational reform. He passionately advocated for the rights and safety of the working class and placed special emphasis on developing innovative educational strategies. He focused on promoting literacy and empowerment among children from impoverished, rural backgrounds. This commitment reflected his desire to elevate the marginalized within Italian society and underscored his belief in education as a fundamental tool for social change.
Both men’s commitments were deeply intertwined with their backgrounds. Francis famously renounced his wealth and established the Franciscan Order, embracing and advocating a lifestyle of extreme poverty, simplicity, and direct service to the people living on the margins and excluded by society. His teachings and life deeply influenced Christian theology and the Church’s approach to poverty and environmental stewardship, underscored by his profound connection with nature, as celebrated in his “Canticle of the Sun” (also known as Canticle of the Creatures and Laudes Creaturarum and attributed to Francis).
On the other hand, operating from the small village of Barbiana, Don Lorenzo Milani did more than teach. He fundamentally transformed the educational process. He established a community-centered ethos that emphasized the humanistic aspects of education. He took a clear position for the poor and marginalized, providing empowering educational models based on inclusion. He engaged with the mindset transformation, critical education, and personal-social development of his students. Although his connection to nature was not as overt as that of Saint Francis, Milani’s lifestyle and the rural setting of his school demonstrated a profound respect for the natural world, echoing Franciscan values.
Milani actively challenged individuals from privileged backgrounds, inviting them to Barbiana to experience firsthand the harsh realities and “mud” of life in the Mugello mountains. He aimed to expose them to the struggles the rural poor faced and inspire a greater sense of responsibility and action among those in positions of power. Reflecting his deep connection to the landscape he loved, Milani was ultimately buried in his tunic and hiking boots, symbolizing his commitment to his educational mission and the rugged environment of Barbiana. Even Pope Francis, who visited Barbiana in 2017, had to adapt and dirty his Pope’s shoes in the rugged terrain of those mountains. The mud on the boots and the dust on the tunic are symbols of transformative leadership and radical commitment to responding to real-world challenges.
Their leadership styles were also markedly influential. Francis led by example; his radical lifestyle choices and deep personal convictions inspired a wave of followers that led to the rapid expansion of the Franciscan Order. Milani’s approach was more confrontational, challenging the educational status quo with his uncompromising stance on social reform and justice. His methodologies and writings, particularly “Letter to a Teacher,” sparked significant discourse and action within Italy's educational reform and social justice movements.
Though stemming from distinct periods and contexts, the legacies of these two men converge on their impact on societal values and norms. Francis’s legacy is vast, touching the lives of the religious and those interested in environmental and social ethics. Though perhaps less recognized globally, Milani left a profound imprint on educational theory and practice, particularly in Italy.
Conversion as Evolution with a New Perspective
In conclusion, Saint Francis of Assisi and Don Lorenzo Milani's radical transformations represent a profound evolution of perspective rather than simply a rejection of their privileged pasts. These figures did not merely discard their affluent origins; instead, they redefined the use of their privileges to champion broader, altruistic goals. Their life journeys illuminate a pivotal truth about social and spiritual reform: it requires not abandoning one’s background but repurposing towards more noble ends.
Saint Francis and Don Milani skillfully utilized their established connections, cultural insights, and economic resources to magnify their missions' reach and impact. This strategic approach broadened their influence and drew their affluent peers into their transformative visions, creating a ripple effect of change. By inviting the privileged to participate, they leveraged diverse resources — social, cultural, economic, political, and moral capitals — to enact significant societal transformations.
Their lives demonstrate that radical conversion entails an evolution of values and intentions, wherein the potential of one’s inherited advantages is redirected to support the causes of the underprivileged and protect the environment. This inclusive paradigm encourages participation from all societal tiers, fostering a collaborative effort towards the mission. Consequently, the legacies of Saint Francis and Don Lorenzo Milani continue to inspire and serve as beacons for ethical and spiritual leadership. They exemplify how personal transformation, aligned with a commitment to service, can yield enduring and expansive impacts, cultivating societal changes deeply anchored in equity, compassion, and respect for the natural world.
Suggested Citation: Tavanti, Marco, Elizabeth Wilp, and Julie Tavanti. “From Privilege to Purpose: The Transformative Journeys of Saint Francis of Assisi and Don Milani.” Medium (EduVators), October 3, 2023. https://medium.com/p/3c7a7cb18a30/.
Explore More: Spoto, Donald. Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi. United Kingdom: Penguin Publishing Group, 2003. Mayo, Peter. “Lorenzo Milani in our times.” Policy Futures in Education 11, no. 5 (2013): 515–522.
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About the Authors: Marco Tavanti is an Italian-born American professor who deeply appreciates Don Lorenzo Milani’s teaching methods. He learned about these methods near the Barbiana school early in his career. Marco’s work brings these impactful ideas into today’s teaching practices worldwide. Elizabeth Wilp is a researcher contributing to inclusive education, especially in curricula and classrooms with students from different cultures and backgrounds. Her research and experience provide important insights into how schools can be more effective and welcoming for all students. Julie Tavanti is a Chinese-born American student passionate about developing new ways to teach students who learn differently and helping more women get into STEM fields. Her unique background and dedication to diverse education shape her views and efforts.
