Publisher's Synopsis
So, by means of these six wings, it is possible accurately to understand the six levels of enlightenment, by which the soul, as though taking steps or making gradual movement, transcends into peace through an ecstatic deepening of Christian wisdom. This path, however, is nothing but a burning love for the Crucified, which so transformed Paul into Christ, being caught up in the third heaven - so much so that he said, "I am crucified with Christ - but it is now not I who live, but Christ who lives in me"11. It was also this love which so absorbed Francis' mind and expressed itself in his flesh for two years before his death, during which time he bore the most sacred stigmata of the Passion. The image of the six seraphic wings implies the six grades of enlightenment, which begin with the created world and lead ultimately to God, into whom no-one truly enters except through the Crucified. For, whoever does not enter by the door, but ascends in some other way, is but a trespasser and a thief
