St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 3 : 8

St Francis in prayer, by Cigoli (1597-9). Hermitage
Museum, St Petersburg. Public domain via Wikimedia
Commons.

The following posts present The Life of St Francis (1181-1226) written by St Bonaventure (1221-1274) who joined the Franciscan Order in 1243. Confirmed as Minister General in 1257, he later wrote this life of St Francis (Legenda Major Sancti Francisci, c1260-63).

I offer this annotated presentation of St Bonaventure’s biography firstly as a small gift to our gentle Queen and Mother in gratitude for her many graces and favours, at the same time praying she will continue to provide help and protection for the author and his family; and secondly, to honour and thank St Francis whose name I received at my Confirmation in 1961 when I was seven years old.

This presentation of St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis is based on E. Gurney Slater’s English translation published in 1904, to which I have added Scriptural excerpts and occasional comments in footnotes.

Chapter 3 : Of the founding of his Order, and the sanction of the Rule

- 8 -

1. Now when the servant of Christ perceived that the number of the Brethren was gradually increasing, he wrote for himself and for his Brethren a Rule[1] for their life in simple words. Herein the observance of the Holy Gospel was set as the inseparable foundation, and some few other points were added that seemed necessary for a consistent manner of life. 

2. Desiring, however, to have what he had written approved by the Supreme Pontiff[2], he arranged to go with that simple group of his to the presence of the Apostolic See, relying solely on divine guidance.

3. God from on high had regard unto his desire and fortified the minds of his companions, who were afeared at the thought of his guilelessness, by a vision shewn unto the man of God after this wise. 

4. It seemed unto him that he was walking along a certain road, near by which stood a very lofty tree. 

5. When he had drawn nigh unto it, and was standing beneath it, wondering at its height, on a sudden he was so raised on high by the divine might as that he touched the top of the tree, and bent down its highest branches unto its roots right easily. 

6. Filled with the Spirit of God, Francis, understood the portent of this vision to refer to the stooping of the Apostolic See unto his desire; wherefore he was gladdened in spirit and his Brethren were strengthened in the Lord; and thus he set forth with them on the journey.

Footnotes

[1] Pope Innocent III (1198–1216).

[2] There were to be three Rules before St Francis died: (i) The Primitive Rule (1209): a short collection of Gospel verses; (ii) the Unconfirmed Rule (1221) with some 23 chapters; and (iii) the Confirmed Rule (1223), comprising twelve chapters.

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The Virgin of Tenderness. >12th century.

SUB tuum præsidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genitrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. 

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have lifeeverlasting. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxiv. 30-31.30-31.

St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 3 : 7

“Their number increased to twelve.” From the Legend of St Francis, by Giotto
(1295). Upper Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi.
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The following posts present The Life of St Francis (1181-1226) written by St Bonaventure (1221-1274) who joined the Franciscan Order in 1243. Confirmed as Minister General in 1257, he later wrote this life of St Francis (Legenda Major Sancti Francisci, c1260-63).

I offer this annotated presentation of St Bonaventure’s biography firstly as a small gift to our gentle Queen and Mother in gratitude for her many graces and favours, at the same time praying she will continue to provide help and protection for the author and his family; and secondly, to honour and thank St Francis whose name I received at my Confirmation in 1961 when I was seven years old.

This presentation of St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis is based on E. Gurney Slater’s English translation published in 1904, to which I have added Scriptural excerpts and occasional comments in footnotes.

Chapter 3 : Of the founding of his Order, and the sanction of the Rule

- 7 -

1. Whereas about this time another good man did enter the Religious community, the blessed family of the man of God reached the number of seven. 

2. Then the holy Father called all his sons unto him and told them many things concerning the Kingdom of God, the contempt of the world[1], the sacrifice of their own wills and the chastisement of the body, and did lay before them his intent of sending them forth into the four quarters of the world. 

3. For now the barren and poor humble simpleness of the holy Father had brought forth[2] seven sons and he was fain to give birth unto the whole company of the faithful in the Lord Christ, calling them unto the mourning of penitence. 

4. “Go ye,” saith the sweet Father unto his sons, “bringing tidings of peace unto men, and preach repentance for the remission of sins[3].

5. Be ye patient in tribulation, watchful unto prayer, zealous in toil, humble in speech, sober in manner, and thankful for kindnesses, seeing that for all these an everlasting kingdom is prepared for you.” 

6. Then they, humbly prostrating themselves on the ground before the servant of God, received with gladness of spirit the behest of holy obedience. 

7. And Francis said unto each one singly: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.”[4] 

8. He was wont to say these words whensoever he was guiding any Brother unto obedience. 

9. Then he himself, knowing that he was set as an example unto the rest, that he might first do that which he had taught[5], set forth with one companion toward one quarter of the world, the remaining six being apportioned, after the fashion of a Cross, unto the other three parts. 

10. After some little time had passed, the kindly Father, longing for the presence of his beloved family – since he could not of himself call them together into one place – prayed that this might be accomplished by Him Who gathereth together the outcasts of Israel[6]. 

11. And this came to pass. For, with no mortal summoning and quite unexpectedly, within a short time all came together according as he had desired, by the effectual working of the divine goodness, and to their no small marvel. 

12. Moreover, as four other honourable men joined them about that time, their number increased unto twelve.

Footnotes

[1] Cf. “Love not the world, nor the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, is the concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the concupiscence thereof: but he that doth the will of God, abideth for ever.” 1 John ii, 15-17.

[2] Cf. “the barren hath borne many”: I Kings ii, 5; “My little children, of whom I am in labour again, until Christ be formed in you”: Gal. iv, 19.

[3] Cf. “John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins”: Mark i, 4.

[4] Ps. LIV, 23.

[5] Cf. “The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to teach”: Acts i, 1.

[6] Cf. “The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: he will gather together the dispersed of Israel”: Ps. CXLVI, 2.

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The Virgin of Tenderness. >12th century.

SUB tuum præsidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genitrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. 

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have lifeeverlasting. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxiv. 30-31.30-31.

St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 3 : 6

The following posts present The Life of St Francis (1181-1226) written by St Bonaventure (1221-1274) who joined the Franciscan Order in 1243. Confirmed as Minister General in 1257, he later wrote this life of St Francis (Legenda Major Sancti Francisci, c1260-63).

I offer this annotated presentation of St Bonaventure’s biography firstly as a small gift to our gentle Queen and Mother in gratitude for her many graces and favours, at the same time praying she will continue to provide help and protection for the author and his family; and secondly, to honour and thank St Francis whose name I received at my Confirmation in 1961 when I was seven years old.

This presentation of St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis is based on E. Gurney Slater’s English translation published in 1904, to which I have added Scriptural excerpts and occasional comments in footnotes.

Chapter 3 : Of the founding of his Order, and the sanction of the Rule

- 6 -

“The Holy Spirit came upon him.” St Francis at prayer,
by Murillo (1645-50). Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp).
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

1. When this vision was related unto him, the man of God was not puffed up with the glorying of men but, recognising the goodness of God in the favours shewn unto him, he was the more keenly motivated to repel the craftiness[1] of the ancient enemy, and to preach the glory of the Cross of Christ. 

2. Now on a day, while in a certain lonely place he was bitterly bewailing the remembrance of past years[2], the joy of the Holy Spirit came upon him, and he was assured of the full remission of all his offences. 

3. Then, carried out of himself, and wholly wrapt in a marvellous light, the horizons of his mind were enlarged[3], and he clearly beheld the future story of himself and of his sons. 

4. Returning after this unto the Brethren, “Be consoled,” saith he, “my dearest, and rejoice in the Lord[4], and be not sad for that ye be few in number, nor let my simpleness nor your own make you afeared, 

5. for the Lord hath verily shewn me that God will cause us to wax into a great host, and will enlarge us in manifold wise with the grace of His blessing.”

Footnotes

[1] “craftiness”: the Latin original has “versutia”: cf. “But I fear lest, as the serpent seduced Eve by his subtilty [versutia], so your minds should be corrupted, and fall from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Cor. xi, 3;

[2] Cf. “I will recount to thee all my years in the bitterness of my soul”: Is. xxxviii, 15 (from the Song of Ezechias).

[3] Cf. “And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth),  That he was caught up into paradise, and heard secret words”: 2 Cor. xii, 3-4.

[4] Cf. “Brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of his power”: Eph. vi, 10; “As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord”: Phil. iii, 1.

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The Virgin of Tenderness. >12th century.

SUB tuum præsidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genitrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. 

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have lifeeverlasting. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxiv. 30-31.30-31.

St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 3 : 4-5

The following posts present The Life of St Francis (1181-1226) written by St Bonaventure (1221-1274) who joined the Franciscan Order in 1243. Confirmed as Minister General in 1257, he later wrote this life of St Francis (Legenda Major Sancti Francisci, c1260-63).

I offer this annotated presentation of St Bonaventure’s biography firstly as a small gift to our gentle Queen and Mother in gratitude for her many graces and favours, at the same time praying she will continue to provide help and protection for the author and his family; and secondly, to honour and thank St Francis whose name I received at my Confirmation in 1961 when I was seven years old.

This presentation of St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis is based on E. Gurney Slater’s English translation published in 1904, to which I have added Scriptural excerpts and occasional comments in footnotes.

Chapter 3 : Of the founding of his Order, and the sanction of the Rule

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1. Not long after, five men were called by the same Spirit, and thus the sons of Francis numbered six; 

2. the third place among them fell unto the holy Father Giles[1], a man verily filled with God and worthy to be famed in remembrance. 

3. For he became afterward noted for the practice of lofty virtues, even as the servant of the Lord had foretold concerning him, and, albeit he was uneducated[2] and simple, he was exalted unto the heights of sublime contemplation. 

4. For while for a long space of time he was continuously absorbed in uplifting of the heart unto God; during this time he was so often snatched up unto Him in ecstasies

5. (even as I myself beheld with the witness of mine own eyes), that he might be considered as living among men an angelic rather than a human life.

Footnotes

[1] Giles: c. 1190-1262. Aegidius in the Latin text. St Aegidius (or Giles) was a 7th century Greek ascetic who lived in France.

[2] “uneducated”: St Bonaventure’s Latin text has “idiota.”.According to the original Greek word, idiota means private, simple, uneducated or peculiar, rather than foolish or stupid.

- 5 - 

Brother Sylvester (standing) with St Francis (kneeling). Exorcism
 of demons at Arezzo, by Giotto (1297-9). Basilica of San Francesco
 d'Assisi. Public domain. Wikimedia Commons.

1. Moreover, about that same time, a certain priest of the city of Assisi, Sylvester by name[1], a man of honourable life, received from the Lord a vision not to be passed over in silence. 

2. For since, taking a human perspective, he had looked askance at the manner of life of Francis and his Brethren, he was visited – lest he should be imperilled by his rash judgement – by the regard of heavenly grace. 

3. For in a dream he beheld the whole city of Assisi beset by a great dragon[2], whose huge bulk seemed to threaten all the countryside with destruction. 

4. Then he saw a Cross of gold proceeding out of the mouth of Francis, the top whereof touched Heaven[3], and its arms outstretched at the side seemed to reach unto the ends of the world, and at its glittering aspect that foul and loathsome dragon was utterly put to flight[4]. 

5. When this had been thrice shewn unto him, he deemed it a divine portent and related the events of his dream in their order unto the man of God and his Brethren; and not long after this he left the world[5], and adhered so constantly to the footsteps of Christ that his life in the Order rendered true the vision that he had received while yet in the world.

Footnotes

[1] Sylvester: 1175-1240. A canon of the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi.

[2] Cf. “And there was a great dragon in that place, and the Babylonians worshipped him”: Daniel xiv, 22 et seq. 

[3] Cf. “And he [Jacob] saw in his sleep a ladder standing upon the earth, and the top thereof touching heaven: the angels also of God ascending and descending by it”: Gen. xxviii, 12.

[4] Cf. “Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon”: Ps. XC, 13.

[5] i.e., in order to follow “the manner of life of Francis and his Brethren.”

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The Virgin of Tenderness. >12th century.

SUB tuum præsidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genitrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. 

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have lifeeverlasting. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxiv. 30-31.30-31.

St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 3 : 3

The following posts present The Life of St Francis (1181-1226) written by St Bonaventure (1221-1274) who joined the Franciscan Order in 1243. Confirmed as Minister General in 1257, he later wrote this life of St Francis (Legenda Major Sancti Francisci, c1260-63).

I offer this annotated presentation of St Bonaventure’s biography firstly as a small gift to our gentle Queen and Mother in gratitude for her many graces and favours, at the same time praying she will continue to provide help and protection for the author and his family; and secondly, to honour and thank St Francis whose name I received at my Confirmation in 1961 when I was seven years old.

This presentation of St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis is based on E. Gurney Slater’s English translation published in 1904, to which I have added Scriptural excerpts and occasional comments in footnotes.

Chapter 3 : Of the founding of his Order, and the sanction of the Rule

- 3 -

“The first of these was that venerable man, Bernard.”
Blessed Bernard of Quintavalle, companion of Holy
Father Francis. 19th century print. Public domain.

1. Accordingly, as many remarked in the man of God both the truth of his simple teaching and of his life, certain of them began by his example to turn their thoughts unto penitence, and, renouncing all[1], to join themselves unto him in habit and life. 

2. The first of these was that venerable man, Bernard, who, being made a partaker in the divine calling[2], earned the title of the firstborn son of the blessed Father, both by being first in time, and by being of an especial holiness. 

3. For he, having ascertained the saintliness of the servant of Christ, was minded after his example to utterly despise the world, and sought counsel from him how he might accomplish this. 

4. Hearing this, the servant of God was filled with consolation by reason of his first offspring conceived of the Holy Spirit. “From God,” saith he, “it behoveth us seek this counsel.”[3] 

5. Forthwith, when it was morning, they entered into the church of Saint Nicholas[4], and, having first prayed, Francis, the worshipper of the Trinity, did thrice open the book of the Gospels, seeking by a threefold witness from God to confirm the holy purpose of Bernard. 

6. In the first opening of the book was discovered that saying: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor.”[5] 

7. In the second: “Take nothing for your journey.”[6]

8. And in the third: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”[7] 

9. “This,” saith the holy man, “is our life and Rule, and that of all that shall be minded to join our fellowship.

10.  Do thou go, then, if thou wilt be perfect[8], and fulfil that which thou hast heard.”

Footnotes

[1] Cf. “And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him”: Luke v, 11; “And leaving all things, he [Levi] rose up and followed him”: Luke v, 28. 

[2] Cf. “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly vocation, consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus”: Hebr. iii, 1.

[3] We must seek counsel from God. The servant of God, Francis, does not wish to rely only upon human wisdom but determines to ask God directly for guidance.

[4] The church of San Nicolò was first documented in 1097 and it was listed as a parish church in 1227.

[5] “Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me.” Matt. xix, 21.

[6] “And he said to them: Take nothing for your journey; neither staff, nor scrip, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats.” Luke ix, 3.

[7] “Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matt. xvi, 24.

[8] “Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect…”: Matt. xix, 21.

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The Virgin of Tenderness. >12th century.

SUB tuum præsidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genitrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. 

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have lifeeverlasting. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxiv. 30-31.30-31.

St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 3 : 1-2

The following posts present The Life of St Francis (1181-1226) written by St Bonaventure (1221-1274) who joined the Franciscan Order in 1243. Confirmed as Minister General in 1257, he later wrote this life of St Francis (Legenda Major Sancti Francisci, c1260-63).

I offer this annotated presentation of St Bonaventure’s biography firstly as a small gift to our gentle Queen and Mother in gratitude for her many graces and favours, at the same time praying she will continue to provide help and protection for the author and his family; and secondly, to honour and thank St Francis whose name I received at my Confirmation in 1961 when I was seven years old.

This presentation of St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis is based on E. Gurney Slater’s English translation published in 1904, to which I have added Scriptural excerpts and occasional comments in footnotes.

Chapter 3 : Of the founding of his Order, and the sanction of the Rule

- 1 -

“This is what I desire, yea, this is what I long for with
my whole heart.” Francis esposing poverty.
Andrea Sacchi (1633). Galleria Nazionale d'Arte, Rome.
Public domain via Wiki Commons.

1. Now Francis, the servant of God, abiding at the church of the Virgin Mother of God, with continuous sighing besought her that had conceived the Word full of grace and truth[1] that she would deign to become his advocate; and, by the merits of the Mother of Mercy[2], he did himself conceive and give birth unto the spirit of Gospel truth. 

2. For while on a day he was devoutly hearing the Mass of the Apostles, that Gospel was read aloud wherein Christ gave unto His disciples that were sent forth to preach the Gospel’s pattern for their life : that they should possess neither gold, nor silver, nor money in their purses, nor scrip[3] for their journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves[4]. 

3. Hearing this, and understanding it, and committing it unto memory, the lover of Apostolic poverty was at once filled with joy unspeakable. “This,” saith he, “is what I desire, yea, this is what I long for with my whole heart.” 

4. Forthwith he loosed his shoes from off his feet[5], laid down his staff, cast aside his purse and his money, contented himself with one scanty tunic, and, throwing aside his belt, took a rope for girdle, applying all the care of his heart to discover how best he might fulfil that which he had heard, and conform himself in all things unto the rule of Apostolic godliness.

Footnotes

[1] Cf. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John i, 14.

[2] Advocata nostra / most gracious advocate and mater misericordiae / Mother of mercy are two titles from the Salve Regina (Herman Contractus, 1013-54). “This hymn is said to be a favourite of our Lady herself by testimony of those who have reportedly seen her in visions. One account concerning this claim relates a vision of St. Dominic (1170-1221). He was entering a corridor of the monastery to resume his midnight prayer vigil when he chanced to raise his eyes and see three beautiful ladies approach him. He knelt before the principal lady and she blessed him. Even though St. Dominic recognized her, he begged her to tell him her name. The lady replied: ‘I am she whom you invoke every evening: and when you say, ‘Eia ergo, advocata nostra,’ I prostrate myself before my Son, entreating Him to protect this Order.” (From the Life of St. Dominic, Lacordaire). See Preces Latinæ (© Michael Martin).

[3] “scrip” refers here to a small bag or satchel (Lat. pēra, ae, f.).

[4] Matt. x, 9-10.

[5] Cf. “And he [the Lord] said: Come not nigh hither, put off the shoes from thy feet: for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground”: Exod. iii, 5; “And he [John the Baptist] preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.”: Mark i, 7.

- 2 - 

1. From this time forward, the man of God began, by divine impulse, to become a jealous imitator of Gospel poverty and to invite others unto penitence. 

2. His words were not empty, nor meet for laughter, but full of the might of the Holy Spirit[1], penetrating the heart’s core, and smiting all that heard them with a mighty amazement. 

3. In all his preaching, he would bring tidings of peace, saying: “The Lord give you peace,”[2] and thus he would greet the folk at the beginning of his discourses. 

4. This greeting he had learnt by revelation from the Lord, even as he himself did afterward testify. 

5. Whence it befell, according unto the prophet’s words, that he – himself inspired by the spirit of the prophets – brought tidings of peace, and preached salvation[3], 

6. and by salutary admonitions allied many unto that true peace who previously were at enmity with Christ and far from salvation.

Footnotes

[1] Cf. “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the desert”: Luke iv, 1.

[2] Cf. “Now the Lord of peace himself give you everlasting peace in every place. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thess. Iii, 15.

[3] Cf. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, and that preacheth peace”: Is. lii, 7.

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The Virgin of Tenderness. >12th century.

SUB tuum præsidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genitrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. 

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have lifeeverlasting. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxiv. 30-31.30-31.

St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 2 : 8

The following posts present The Life of St Francis (1181-1226) written by St Bonaventure (1221-1274) who joined the Franciscan Order in 1243. Confirmed as Minister General in 1257, he later wrote this life of St Francis (Legenda Major Sancti Francisci, c1260-63).

I offer this annotated presentation of St Bonaventure’s biography firstly as a small gift to our gentle Queen and Mother in gratitude for her many graces and favours, at the same time praying she will continue to provide help and protection for the author and his family; and secondly, to honour and thank St Francis whose name I received at my Confirmation in 1961 when I was seven years old.

This presentation of St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis is based on E. Gurney Slater’s English translation published in 1904, to which I have added Scriptural excerpts and occasional comments in footnotes.

Chapter 2 : Of his perfect conversion unto God and of the repairing of three churches

- 8 -

St Francis had an ardent devotion to the Blessed Virgin,
here portrayed as Our Lady of the Angels. The Vision of 
St Francis, by Vincenzo Carducci (1631). Museum of Fine
Arts, Budapest. Public domain (Wikimedia Commons).

1. When this church too was at length finished he came unto the place that is called the Portiuncula (the Little Portion[1]), where a church had been built in days of old in honour of the most Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, but which was then deserted and cared for by none. 

2. When the man of God beheld it thus abandoned, by reason of the ardent devotion that he had toward the Sovereign Lady of the world, he took up his abode there, that he might diligently labour to repair it. 

3. Perceiving that Angels oft times visited it – according unto the name of that church, that from old time was called Saint Mary of the Angels – he abode there by reason of his reverence for the Angels, and his especial love for the Mother of Christ. 

4. This place the holy man loved before all other places in the world; for here he began in humility, here he made progress in virtue, here he ended in happiness, and, dying[2], commended it unto the Brethren as a place most beloved of the Virgin.

5. Concerning this place a certain devout Brother, before his conversion, beheld a vision right worthy to be recounted. 

6. He beheld a countless host of men stricken with blindness, with their faces uplifted unto heaven, on bended knees[3], encircling this church, 

7. and they all, stretching out their hands on high[4], cried unto God with tears[5], beseeching His mercy and light[6]. 

8. And lo, there came a great radiance from heaven, illumining all, and this gave light unto each one of them, and granted the longed-for salvation. 

9. This is the place wherein the Order of Friars Minor[7] was begun by Saint Francis according unto the impulse of divine revelation.

10. For at the bidding of divine providence – by which the servant of Christ was guided in all things – he built three physical churches before, instituting the Order, he preached the Gospel; 

11. thus not only did he make progress in an ordered course from things perceived by the senses unto things perceived by the understanding, and from lesser things unto greater, but he did also prefigure in mystic wise by his material labours the work that should be wrought thereafter. 

12. For, like the thrice-repeated repairing of the material fabric, the Church, under the guidance of this holy man, was to be renewed in threefold wise, according to the pattern, the Rule, and the teaching of Christ; and a triple army of such as should be saved was to be triumphant, even as we now perceive to be fulfilled. 

Footnotes

[1] Lat. portĭuncŭla, ae, f. (a diminutive of portĭo, ōnis, f). meaning a small portion of land. According to a legend, the little chapel of Portiuncula was erected under Pope Liberius (352-66) by hermits from the Valley of Josaphat, who had brought thither relics of the Blessed Virgin. The same legend relates that the chapel later passed into the possession of St. Benedict in 516. It was known as Our Lady of the Angels – a title referring, according to some, to Our Lady’s Assumption into Heaven accompanied by Angels ; another opinion attributes the name to the singing of Angels which had been frequently heard there.

[2] St Francis died in the evening on the 3rd of October 1226.

[3] Cf. “[Solomon] then kneeling down in the presence of all the multitude of Israel, and lifting up his hands towards heaven, he said: O Lord God of Israel . . . fulfil to thy servant David my father, whatsoever thou hast promised him, saying: There shall not fail thee a man in my sight, to sit upon the throne of Israel”: 2 Par. vi, 13-16.

[4] Cf. “The priests stretching forth their hands to heaven, called upon him that was ever the defender of their nation, saying in this manner: Thou, O Lord of all things . . . O Lord the holy of all holies, keep this house for ever undefiled”: Mach. xiv, 34-36.

[5] Cf. “I have cried to God: and the Lord will save me”: Ps. LIV, 17.

[6] Cf. “Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.”Is. xxxv, 5;  “John [the Baptist] called to him two of his disciples, and sent them to Jesus, saying: Art thou he that art to come; or look we for another? . . . And in that same hour, he cured many of their diseases . . . and to many that were blind he gave sight.” Luke vii, 21; “The multitudes marvelled seeing the dumb speak, the lame walk, and the blind see: and they glorified the God of Israel.” Matt. xv, 31.

[7] The official name, Fratres Minores (Ordo Fratrum Minorum – O.F.M.), or Friars Minor, was variously translated into the popular speech of the Middle Ages. In England the Friars Minor were commonly known as the Grey Friars from the colour of their habit. This name corresponds to the Grabrodrene of Denmark and Scandinavia. In Germany they were usually known as the Baarfüsser (Baarfuozzen, Barvuzen, Barvoten, Barfüzzen, etc.), that is, Barefooted (wearing only sandals). In France they were usually called the Cordeliers from their rope-girdle (corde, cordelle) but were also known as the Frères Menous (from Fratres Minores). Their popular name in Italy was the Frati Minori or simply the Frati. See Order of Friars Minor in Cath. Encyclopedia.

[End of Chapter 2]

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The Virgin of Tenderness. >12th century.

SUB tuum præsidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genitrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. 

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have lifeeverlasting. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxiv. 30-31.30-31.