St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 4 : 7

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 4 : Of the advancement of the Order under his hand, and of the confirmation of the Rule already sanctioned

- 7 -

“For holy Poverty...made them swift unto all obedience
strong to labour, and speedy in journeying.”
St Francis and Lady Poverty, by Andrea Sacchi (1633).
Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Rome. Public
domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Now many were not only smitten with devotion, but also kindled by yearning after the perfection of Christ, and, despising all the vanity of worldly things[1], followed in the footsteps of Francis; and these, increasing by daily additions, speedily reached unto the ends of the earth[2]. 

2. For holy Poverty[3], whom alone they took with them for their charges, made them swift unto all obedience, strong to labour, and speedy in journeying. 

3. And since they possessed no earthly things they set their affections on naught, and had naught that they feared to lose; they were everywhere at ease, weighed down by no fear, harassed by no care; they lived like men who were removed from vexations of the mind, and, taking no thought for it, awaited the morrow[4], and their night’s lodging. 

4. Many reproaches were hurled upon them in divers regions of the world, as on men contemptible and unknown; howbeit, their love for the Gospel of Christ rendered them so long-suffering as that they sought rather to be in places where they would endure persecution in the body[5], than in those where their saintliness was recognised, and where they might be puffed up by the applause of the world. 

5. Their very destitution of possessions seemed unto them overflowing wealth, while, according unto the counsel of a wise man, they were better pleased with little than with much[6].

6. On a time when some of the Brethren had come unto the regions of the infidels, it chanced that a certain Saracen, moved by kindly feeling, offered them money for the food they needed; and when they refused to take it, the man marvelled, perceiving that they were penniless. 

7. But when at last he understood that they had become poor for the love of God and were resolved not to own money, he associated himself with them in such affection as that he offered to supply all their needs[7], so long as he should have aught in his possession. 

8. O priceless value of poverty, by whose marvellous power the mind of a fierce barbarian was changed into such compassionate gentleness! 

9. How appalling and scandalous a crime it is, that any Christian should trample on this rare pearl, that a Saracen exalted with such honour!

Footnotes

[1] Cf. “Vanity of vanities, said Ecclesiastes vanity of vanities, and all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes i, 2.

[2] Cf. “Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world.” Ps. xviii, 5.

[3] Cf. “Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke  vi, 20.

[4] Cf. “Be not therefore solicitous for tomorrow; for the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.” Matt. vi, 34.

[5] Cf. “Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven.” Matt. v, 11-12.

[6] “Be contented with little instead of much, and thou shalt not hear the reproach of going abroad”: Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxix, 29.

[7] Cf. “And Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided victuals for the king and for his household: for every one provided necessaries, each man his month in the year.” 3 Kings (1 Kings) iv, 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.

St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 4 : 5-6

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 4 : Of the advancement of the Order under his hand, and of the confirmation of the Rule already sanctioned

- 5 -

1. After this, Francis, shepherd of a little flock[1], led his band of twelve Brethren unto Saint Mary of the Little Portion (Portiuncula) – with heavenly grace going before – so that in the place where  the Order of Minors by the merits of the Mother of God had taken its beginning, it might by her aid gain an increase. 

2. There too he became a herald of the Gospel, going round among cities[2] and fortified places, proclaiming the Kingdom of God, not in words learned of human wisdom, but in the power of the Holy Ghost[3]. 

3. He seemed unto them who beheld him to be like a man of another world; one, to wit, who had his heart ever set on Heaven and his face turned toward it, and who endeavoured to draw all men upwards. 

4. From this time, the vine of Christ began to put forth a shoot bearing the fragrance of the Lord, and the flowers produced therefrom became the rich fruit of sweetness, honour, and righteousness[4].

Footnotes

[1] Cf. “Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a kingdom.” Luke xii, 32.

[2] Cf. “And Jesus went about all the cities, and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom”: Matt. ix, 35.

[3] Cf. “And my speech and my preaching was not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in shewing of the Spirit and power;” 1 Cor. ii, 4; “Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”: 1 Cor. ii, 13; “Go thou, and preach the kingdom of God.” Luke ix, 60.

[4] Cf. “As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour: and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches.” Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xxiv, 23.

- 6 -

“That virgin dearest unto God, Clare...Mother of the Order of Poor Ladies.” 
St Clare and nuns of her Order (artist n/k, 14th. century). Convent of San
Damiano, Assisi. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. 

1. For, enkindled by the fervour of his preaching, very many folk bound themselves by new rules of penitence following the pattern received from the man of God; and that same servant of Christ ordained that their manner of living should be called the Order of the Brethren of Penitence[1]. 

2. Of a truth, even as the way of penitence is known to be common unto all that strive after Heaven, of how much worth in the sight of God was this Order – embracing clerks and laymen, virgins, and married folk of either sex – may be noted by the many miracles wrought by some of its members. 

3. There were also maidens converted unto perpetual virginity and among these was that virgin dearest unto God, Clare[2]. She was the first little plant among them, who like a pure white blossom breathed fragrance and shone like a star exceeding bright. 

4. She is now glorified in heaven[3], and rightly honoured by the Church on earth, she that was the daughter in Christ of the holy Father Francis, the little poor one, and herself the Mother of the Order of Poor Ladies.

Footnotes

[1] Ordo Fratrum de Paenitentia : sometimes called the Order of the Brothers of Penance.

[2] St Clare of Assisi: 16 July 1194 – 11 August 1253.

[3] Canonized in 1255 by Pope Alexander IV. Feastday 12 August.

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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.

St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 4 : 4

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 4 : Of the advancement of the Order under his hand, and of the confirmation of the Rule already sanctioned

- 4 -

“The Brethren awake were astounded, and they that slept were
awakened and alarmed.” The Vision of the Flaming Chariot, by
Giotto (1295). Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi. 
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Now while the Brethren were abiding in the place aforesaid[1], the holy man one Saturday entered the city of Assisi to preach early on the Sunday, as was his wont, in the Cathedral Church. 

2. While the man devoted unto God was passing the night, after his custom, in a hut within the Canons’ garden praying unto God and absent in the body from his sons, lo, about midnight, while some of the Brethren were taking rest, others keeping vigil in prayer, a chariot of fire[2] of marvellous brightness, entering by the door of the house, turned thrice hither and thither[3] through the dwelling, and over the chariot a shining ball of fire rested, in appearance like unto the sun, making the night radiant. 

3. Those of the Brethren awake were astounded, and they that slept were awakened and alarmed at the same moment. They felt the light no less in their hearts than with their bodies, while by the power of that marvellous brightness the conscience of each was laid bare unto his fellow. 

4. For they all understood alike – all seeing in turn the hearts of each – that their holy Father was absent from them in body but present in spirit[4]; and that, transformed into such a likeness, illumined with heavenly rays, and flaming with ardent heat, he was shewn unto them by the Lord with supernatural might in a shining chariot of fire; so that they, as Israelites indeed, might follow after him who, like another Elias, had been made by God the chariot and the horseman[5] [6] of spiritual men. 

5. We must verily believe that He opened the eyes of those simple men at the prayers of Francis, that they might see the mighty deeds of God[7], who aforetime opened the eyes of the young man that he might see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about Eliseus[8]. 

6. When the holy man returned unto the Brethren, he began to scrutinise the secrets of their consciences, to console them with that marvellous vision and to foretell many things that should come to pass concerning the progress of the Order. 

7. And as he revealed many things surpassing mortal sense, the Brethren perceived of a truth that the Spirit of the Lord had rested upon His servant Francis in such fulness[9] as that they would walk most securely in following his teaching and life.

Footnotes

[1] “a certain deserted hut nigh the city of Assisi”: see section 3 above.

[2] Cf. “And as they [Elias and Eliseus] went on, walking and talking together, behold a fiery chariot, and fiery horses parted them both asunder: and Elias went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” 4 Kings ii, 11.

[3] Cf. Eliseus took the mantle of Elias and with it “he struck the waters [of the river Jordan], and they were divided, hither and thither, and Eliseus passed over.” 4 Kings ii, 14.

[4] Cf. “I indeed, absent in body, but present in spirit, have already judged, as though I were present, him that hath so done”: 1 Cor. v, 3.

[5] Cf. “the chariot of Israel, and the driver thereof”: 4 Kings ii, 12.

[6] Cf. “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” John i, 47.

[7] Cf. “Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God”: Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) xviii, 5. 

[8] Cf. “And Eliseus prayed, and said: Lord, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw: and behold the mountain was full of horses, and chariots of fire round about Eliseus.” 4 Kings vi, 17.

[9] Cf. “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord.” Is. xi, 2-3.

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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 4 : 2-3

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 4 : Of the advancement of the Order under his hand, and of the confirmation of the Rule already sanctioned

- 2 -

1. Thus they returned in their holy intent unto the valley of Spoleto, and began to discuss whether they ought to live among men, or to betake themselves unto lonely places. 

2. But Francis, the servant of Christ, trusting not in his own efforts or those of his Brethren, with importunate prayer enquired the pleasure of the divine will concerning this. 

3. Then he was illumined by a divinely revealed oracle, and understood that he had been sent by the Lord unto this end: that he might win for Christ the souls that the devil was striving to carry off. 

4. Wherefore he chose to live rather for all men than for his single self, inspired by the example of Him who brooked to die[1], one Man for all[2].

Footnotes

[1] “brooked to die”: i.e., was willing to endure death. 

[2] Cf. “And Christ died for all; that they also who live, may not now live to themselves, but unto him who died for them, and rose again”: 2 Cor. v, 15.

- 3 -

“We adore Thee, O Christ...and we bless Thee because

by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.” 
St Francis, by Rubens (1615). Art Institute of Chicago.
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Accordingly, the man of God returned with the rest of his companions unto a certain deserted hut nigh the city of Assisi, wherein they lived after the pattern of holy poverty in much toil and necessity[1], seeking to be refreshed rather with the bread of tears than of luxury[2]. 

2. For they gave themselves up continuously unto divine prayers, being earnest in the practice of devout mental prayer rather than spoken prayers, for they had not yet any ecclesiastical books wherein they might chant the Canonical Hours. 

3. In the absence of such, they meditated day and night on the book of the Cross of Christ, continuously looking thereupon, by the example of their Father, and taught by his discourse, for he continually spake unto them concerning the Cross of Christ. 

4. When the Brethren besought him to teach them how to pray, he said: “When ye pray, say ‘Our Father,’ and: ‘We adore Thee, O Christ, in all Thy churches that be in the whole world, and we bless Thee because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.’”[3] 

5. Moreover, he taught them to praise God in all things[4] and through all His creatures, to reverence priests with an especial honour, firmly holding and simply confessing the true faith, according as the Holy Roman Church doth both hold and teach it[5]. 

6. The Brethren observed the instructions of the holy Father in all things, and, using the form of prayer that he had given unto them, would humbly prostrate themselves before all churches and crosses that they beheld, even from a distance.

Footnotes

[1] Cf, “In labour and painfulness, in much watchings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness”: 2 Cor. xi, 27.

[2] Cf. “How long wilt thou feed us with the bread of tears: and give us for our drink tears in measure?” Ps. LXXIX, 6.

[3] “This prayer by St. Francis was inspired by the Antiphon: Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi; quia per sanctam Crucem tuam redemisti mundi, which was part of the Liturgy for Good Friday. This Antiphon has a long and venerable history as a prayer in and of itself. Pope St. Gregory the Great (590-604) recommended it (Liber Responsalis, PL 78, 805) as did the monk Arnulphe (Documenta Vitae Religiosae, PL 184, 1177).”: See “Adoramus te” in Preces latinae (©copyrighted by Michael Martin).

[4] Cf. “Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all”: 1 Thess. v, 16-18.

[5] Cf. “I, N, with a firm faith believe and profess each and everything which is contained in the Creed which the Holy Roman Church maketh use of.” This is the first line of the Professio fidei Tridentina / the Tridentine profession of Faith, issued in 1565 by Pope Pius IV in his bull “Iniunctum nobis” under the auspices of the Council of Trent.

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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 4 : 1

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 4 : Of the advancement of the Order under his hand, and of the confirmation of the Rule already sanctioned

- 1 -

“They had the protection of heaven when in the company

of the man of God.” Francis of Assisi, by Jusepe de Ribera

(1643).  Palatine Gallery, Florence. 

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

1. Thenceforward Francis, relying on the favour of heaven and on the Papal authority, made his way with all confidence toward the valley of Spoleto[1], that he might both live and teach the Gospel of Christ. 

2. While he was holding converse with his companions on the road as to how they might observe in sincerity the Rule that they had professed, how they might walk in all holiness and righteousness[2] before God, how they might progress among themselves and be an example unto others, their discussion was prolonged and the hours slipped by. 

3. At last, wearied with the length of their toilsome way and also being hungry, they found themselves in a certain lonely place.

4. Then verily, having no means whereby they might provide themselves with the food they needed, the providence of God came speedily unto their aid. 

5. For, all of a sudden, there appeared a man carrying bread in his hand which he gave unto the little poor ones of Christ; then, just as suddenly, he vanished without any man knowing whence he came or whither he went[3]. 

6. The poor Brethren, realising from this that they had the protection of heaven when in the company of the man of God, were refreshed more by the gift of the divine generosity than by the actual food of the body.

7. Moreover, filled with divine consolation, they firmly resolved and irrevocably confirmed they would never resile from their vow of holy poverty even when under the pressure of hunger or other afflictions.

Footnotes

[1] Spoleto is a town about 45 miles to the south of Assisi.

[2] Cf. “That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear, In holiness and justice before him, all our days”: Luke i, 74-5.

[3] Cf. “And (He) had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them the bread of heaven. Man ate the bread of angels: he sent them provisions in abundance”: Ps. LXXVII, 24-25; “He filled them with the bread of heaven”: Ps. CIV, 40. 

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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 : 10

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

- 10 -

“Verily, he it is that by his work and teaching shall sustain the Church of Christ.”
Innocent III’s dream & sanctioning of the Rule, by Benozzo Gozzoli (1400). Church
of San Francesco, Montefalco (Umbria). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Then the servant of God Almighty, betaking himself wholly unto prayer, gained by devout intercession that which he might set forth outwardly and the Pope feel inwardly. 

2. For when he had narrated a parable of a rich King that had of free will espoused a fair woman who was poor, and how the children she bore shewed the likeness of the King that begat them, and so were brought up at his table, even as he had learnt this of the Lord, he added, as an interpretation thereof: 

3. “There is no need to fear that the sons and heirs of the eternal King might perish from hunger – they who, born of a poor mother in the image of Christ the King through the power of the Holy Spirit, are themselves to be brought forth from within a poor little religious order through the spirit of poverty.

4. For if the King of heaven hath promised an everlasting kingdom unto them that follow Him[1], how much more shall He provide for them those things that He bestoweth alike on the good and on the evil?”[2] 

5. When the Vicar of Christ had diligently hearkened unto this parable, and the interpretation thereof, he marvelled greatly, and perceived that Christ had of a truth spoken through a man.

6. Moreover, he maintained, by the inspiration of the Divine Spirit, that a vision which at that time was shewn unto him from heaven would be fulfilled in Francis. 

7. For in a dream he saw, as he recounted, the Lateran Basilica about to fall, when a poor little man, of mean stature and humble aspect[3], propped it with his own back, and thus saved it from falling.

8. “Verily,” saith he, “he it is that by his work and teaching shall sustain the Church of Christ.”

9.  From this vision, he was filled with an especial devotion unto him, and in all ways disposed himself unto his supplication, and ever loved the servant of Christ with an especial affection. 

10. Then and there he granted his request, and promised at a later day to bestow yet more upon him.

11. He sanctioned the Rule, and gave him a command to preach repentance, and made all the lay Brethren that had accompanied the servant of God wear narrow tonsures, that they might preach the word of God without hindrance[4].

Footnotes

[1] “For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”: 2 Pet. i, 11.

[2] “That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven, who maketh his sun to rise upon the good, and bad, and raineth upon the just and the unjust”: Matt. v, 45.

[3] Cf. “small and feeble” [Lat. parvus et modicus]: Is. xvi, 14; “Despised, and the most abject of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with infirmity: and his look was as it were hidden and despised, whereupon we esteemed him not”: Is. liii, 3.

[4] Cf. “Blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it”: Luke xi, 28.

[End of Chapter 3]

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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 : 9

“Il poverello.” From Saint Francis in the Desert, by Giovanni
Bellini (1480). The Frick Collection, NYC. 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

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1. Now when he had come unto the Roman Curia, and had been introduced into the presence of the Supreme Pontiff, he expounded unto him his intent, humbly and earnestly beseeching him to sanction the Rule aforesaid for their life. 

2. And the Vicar of Christ, the lord Innocent III[1], a man exceeding renowned for wisdom, beholding in the man of God the wondrous purity of a simple soul, constancy unto his purpose, and the enkindled fervour of a holy will, was disposed to give unto the suppliant his fatherly sanction.

3. Howbeit, he delayed to perform that which the little poor one[2] of Christ asked, by reason that unto some of the Cardinals this seemed a thing untried, and too hard for human strength. 

4. But there was present among the Cardinals a venerable man, his Lordship John of Saint Paul, Bishop of Sabina, a lover of all holiness, and a helper of the poor men of Christ. He, inflamed by the Divine Spirit, said unto the Supreme Pontiff, and unto his colleagues: 

5. “If we refuse the request of this poor man as a thing too hard and novel, when his petition is that the Gospel’s pattern of life may be sanctioned for him, let us beware lest we stumble at the Gospel of Christ[3]. 

6. For if any man saith that in the observance of Gospel perfection, and the vowing thereof, there is contained aught that is novel, or contrary unto reason, or impossible to observe, he is clearly seen to blaspheme against Christ, the author of the Gospel.”[4] 

7. When these arguments had been set forth, the successor of the Apostle Peter, turning unto the poor man of Christ, said: “Pray unto Christ, my son, that He may shew us His will through thee, and when we know it more surely, we will more confidently assent unto thy holy desires.”

Footnotes

[1] Innocent III: Pope from 1198-1216. 

[2] The Latin diminutive pauperculus became in Italian il poverello, a name which endures to this day,

[3] Cf. “For this is the charity of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not heavy”: 1 John v, 3.

[4] Cf. “Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light”: Matt. xi, 29-30.

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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.