Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: While reluctant to undertake such a major project , he was persuaded in 1975 to accept the commission and began work on his Saint-Fran Ã ois d'Assise .
Simplified: At first he did not want to start such a large work , but in 1975 he was persuaded to accept the commission and began work on his Saint-Fran Ã ois d'Assise .