Svatý František z Assisi a vlk z Gubbia Sculpture

Amidst the tranquil greenery of Střešovice, a captivating sculpture awaits. The Svatý František z Assisi a vlk z Gubbia Sculpture stands as a testament to a timeless tale of peace and understanding. This sandstone masterpiece, crafted by Vladimír Matoušek, was installed in 2016, gracing the park before the School Sisters’ motherhouse near Patočkova Street. It beckons you to explore the legendary encounter between Saint Francis of Assisi and the formidable wolf of Gubbio. The Svatý František z Assisi a vlk z Gubbia Sculpture depicts a pivotal moment from the early 13th century. The city of Gubbio was terrorized by a fearsome wolf, preying on both livestock and people. Fear gripped the hearts of the inhabitants, who dared not venture beyond their homes unarmed. Prayers and hunts proved futile against the creature’s reign of terror. Into this atmosphere of fear and desperation arrived two monks. One of them was Francis of Assisi. Hearing of Gubbio’s plight, they embarked on a mission to confront the wolf. Guided by the wolf’s tracks, they approached its suspected lair. The Svatý František z Assisi a vlk z Gubbia Sculpture captures the dramatic moment of their encounter. Francis, undeterred by the wolf’s menacing presence, approached it calmly. The wolf, seemingly bewildered by the monk’s serenity, held back its aggression. With a gentle gesture, Francis addressed the wolf. “Brother Wolf,” he implored, “you disobey your Creator by taking the lives of His creations. In the name of Christ, I command you to cease your harmful ways!” The wolf, as if touched by divine intervention, bowed its head in submission. It followed Francis back to Gubbio, where the saint assured the townspeople of the wolf’s transformation. The Svatý František z Assisi a vlk z Gubbia Sculpture embodies this promise of peace. The wolf, now a symbol of repentance, lived peacefully among the people of Gubbio for two years. It was cared for by the community, a living testament to Francis’s message of compassion. The wolf’s eventual demise was mourned by the townspeople, who remembered it as a reminder of Francis’s sanctity. As you stand before the Svatý František z Assisi a vlk z Gubbia Sculpture, you are transported to that moment of transformation. It is a story that resonates through the ages. It teaches the power of compassion and the potential for harmony between humanity and nature.