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New film about St. Francis features our own Br. Murray Bodo, OFM
The Cincinnati Art Museum, a world-class cultural institution, will debut a documentary film that explores St. Francis' influence on the development of Western art from the Renaissance to modern movements. Br. Murray Bodo, OFM, a Franciscan friar of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is featured in the film that invites viewers to reflect on the remarkable artistic legacy of one of history's most beloved saints.
The screening of “Saint Francis: The Legacy of an Artist” will take place on Nov. 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. In addition to the film, the Museum will showcase an exhibit of Franciscan-inspired art by contemporary U.S. artists and offer a Q&A with filmmakers and artists behind the project, including Br. Murray. The film will also be shown across the US in 2027.
Br. Murray Bodo, OFM, is shown at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. He has visited Assisi extensively and led pilgrimages there for many years. (courtesy photo)
A celebration of St. Francis in poetry and arts
Br. Murray is a prolific author of Franciscan spirituality, a poet and popular pilgrimage leader to Assisi. He has also co-edited a new book with Dr. Winfield Bevins, founder of Creo Arts to accompany the documentary, “Brother Wind and Sister Water, A Celebration of St. Francis in Poetry and Arts.” A publication date has not yet been announced.
This is the promotional poster for “St. Francis and the Arts,” a new documentary that will debut on Nov. 10, 2026, at the Cincinnati Art Museum. (courtesy photo)
The film was directed by David Whitaker and commissioned by Creo Arts, a national ecumenical nonprofit ministry focused on art and faith. The film invites people to go deeper in their faith and to reflect on the timeless relevance of Francis’ vision and the enduring power of art to inspire hope, peace and compassion. Br. Murray was filmed in 2025 at his friary in Cincinnati. The timing of the film’s release coincides with the Jubilee Year of St. Francis proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV.
“St. Francis Beneath a Tree Praying” by Rembrandt is an example of Franciscan-inspired art. (Photo is public domain via Wikimedia Commons)
The humanity of Christ
After more than six decades of ministry, dozens of books and hundreds of poems, Br. Murray has conducted extensive research on the life and impact of St. Francis, including his artistic contributions.
“The Franciscans had an enormous impact on the arts because of the importance of the incarnation in Franciscan spirituality. They emphasized the human Christ who was a baby and who suffered and died. Artists have responded to these images of the humanity of Christ,” said Br. Murray.
Br. Murray hopes that future generations will understand the enduring legacy of St. Francis and the wide-ranging religious art he inspired.
“I pray the lasting impact of the film and book will be to remind people of how important a figure St. Francis is in the history of Western religious art. He himself is an image of what it means to be a completely committed follower of Christ,” said Br. Murray.