A personal visit to Assisi and to the Basilica of St. Francis served as inspiration for this lyrical setting of the Benedizione a Frate Leone  (Blessing for Brother Leo). I viewed the relic, the chartula (parchment) on which St. Francis penned this prayer. Friar Leo was a close companion of St. Francis. He had come to him for help, confiding that he was suffering from severe interior trials and he asked for Francis' help. In response to his friends great need, Francis penned the prayer Lodi di Dio Altissimo (The Praises of God Most High) on a piece of parchment. On the reverse side he wrote the Benedizione a Frate Leone. Upon receiving it, Leo gained instant relief. The blessing itself is from the Book of Numbers 6:25-26 (the blessing of Aaron) which Francis may have learned in a liturgical setting, as in his day, these verses were used for the rite of reconciliation on Holy Thursday.