St Bonaventure’s Life of St Francis : Chapter 5 : 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 V : Of the austerity of his life and of how all created things afforded him comfort

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“By his example many were incited to bear the Cross

of Christ.” St Francis of Assisi Embracing a Crucifix, 

by Bernardo Stozzi (early 17th. c.). National Museum,

Cardiff. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. When therefore the man of God, Francis, perceived that by his example many were incited to bear the Cross of Christ with fervour of soul[1], he himself was incited, like a good leader of the army of Christ, to reach unto the palm of victory by the heights of unconquered valour. 

2. For, considering that saying of the Apostle: “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the vices and concupiscences,”[2] and being fain to wear the armour of the Cross[3] upon his body, he restrained his sensual appetites with such strict discipline that he would barely take what was necessary to support life. 

3. For he was wont to say that it was difficult to satisfy the needs of the body without yielding unto the inclinations of the senses. 

4. Wherefore he would hardly and but seldom allow himself cooked food when in health; and when he did allow it, he would either sprinkle it with ashes, or by pouring water thereupon would as far as possible destroy its savour and taste. 

5. Of his drinking of wine what shall I say, when even of water he would scarce drink what he needed, while parched with burning thirst? 

6. He was always discovering methods of more rigorous abstinence, and would daily make progress in their use; and albeit he had already attained the summit of perfection, yet, like a novice, he was ever making trial of some new method, chastising the lusts of the flesh by afflicting it[4]. 

7. Howbeit, when he went forth abroad, he adapted himself – as the Gospel biddeth[5] – unto them that entertained him, in the quality of their meats, yet only so as that on his return unto his own abode he strictly observed the sparing frugality of abstinence. 

8. In this wise he shewed himself harsh toward his own self, gracious toward his neighbour, and in all things subject unto the Gospel of Christ; and did thus set an example of edification, not alone by his abstinence, but even in what he ate.

9. The bare ground for the most part served as a couch unto his wearied body and he would often sleep sitting, with a log or a stone placed under his head. 

10. Clad in one poor tunic, he served the Lord in cold and nakedness[6].

Footnotes

[1] Cf. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke ix, 23.

[2] Gal. v, 24.

[3] Cf. “Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil... Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one; and take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).” Eph. vi, 11-17.

[4] Cf. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.” Rom. xiii, 14.

[5] “Into whatsoever house you enter...remain, eating and drinking such things as they have...and into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.” Luke x, 5, 7-8.

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

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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 : 11

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

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 Confirmation of the Franciscan Rule, by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1483-5).
Basilica di Santa Trinita, Florence. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Now as the Order was spreading abroad, Francis was minded to make the Rule of their life (that the lord Innocent had sanctioned) be confirmed in perpetuity by his successor Honorius[1], and he was admonished by a revelation from God as follows. 

2. He seemed to see in a vision that he had gathered from the ground some very small crumbs of bread and was about to share them among many famished Brethren that stood round about him. 

3. While he hesitated, fearing to distribute among them such minute crumbs lest haply they might slip between his hands, a Voice from above said unto him: “Francis, make one Host out of all the crumbs, and give it unto these that would fain eat.” 

4. This he did, and such as did not receive it devoutly, or despised the gift as they received it, were speedily stricken with leprosy, and so marked out from the rest. 

5. At morn, the holy man narrated all these things unto his companions, grieving that he could not interpret the mystic meaning of the vision[2]. 

6. But on the day following, as he kept prayerful vigil[3], he heard a Voice speaking unto him from heaven as follows[4]: “Francis, the crumbs of the night past are the words of the Gospel, the Host is the Rule, the leprosy is sin.” 

7. Being fain, therefore, to reduce into a more convenient form the Rule that was to be confirmed – it having been somewhat diffusely compiled by simply putting together words of the Gospel – and being directed thereunto by the vision that had been shewn him, he went up into a certain mountain with two companions, the Holy Spirit leading him. There, fasting, or living on bread and water alone, he compiled the Rule, according to what the divine Spirit had taught him in prayer. 

8. When he came down from the mountain, he entrusted this Rule unto the keeping of his Vicar who, when a few days had gone by, affirmed that he had lost it through negligence. Then the holy man returned unto the lonely place and there drew up the Rule again, like the former one, as though he had received the very words from the mouth of God; and he obtained its confirmation, as he had desired, from the lord Pope Honorius aforesaid, in the eighth year of his pontificate[5]. 

9. When persuading the Brethren with ardour to observe this Rule, he would say that he had set naught therein of his own devising, but that he had made all things be written according as they had been divinely revealed unto him. 

10. That this might be more assuredly confirmed by the witness of God, it was but a few days thereafter that the stigmata of the Lord Jesus[6] were imprinted upon him by the finger of the Living God[7]. This was the seal, as it were, of the Chief Pontiff, Christ, to sanction in all ways the Rule and to approve its author, even as is described in its own place below, after the recital of his virtues.

Footnotes

[1] Pope Honorius III (1216-1227) succeeded Pope Innocent III (1198-1216).

[2] Cf. “Then was the mystery revealed to Daniel by a vision in the night: and Daniel blessed the God of heaven”: Dan. ii, 19.

[3] Cf. “But continuing in prayer with tears besought God”: Tob. iii, 11.

[4] Cf. “For he received from God the Father, honour and glory: this voice coming down to him from the excellent glory”: 2 Pet. i, 17.

[5] Pope Honorius III approved the Rule of the Friars Minor through his Bull Solet annuere on November 29, 1223, 

[6] Cf. “I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body”: Gal. vi, 17.

[7] Cf. “And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the sign of the living God”: Apoc. vii, 2.

[End of Chapter 4]

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

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“He beheld the Blessed Francis...uplifted in the air, his hands
outstretched after the manner of a Cross.” Apparition at Arles, by

Giotto (d. 1337). Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi.

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Now as time went by, and the Brethren were multiplied, their watchful shepherd[1] began to call them together unto a Chapter General in the place of Saint Mary of the Little Portion (Portiuncula), so that, in accordance with God’s line of distribution within the land of poverty[2], he might allot unto each his portion of obedience.

2. Here, despite there being a lack of all things needful, a company of more than five thousand Brethren came together at one time. The divine mercy succoured them to ensure there was a sufficient supply of food, bodily health was maintained and spiritual joy abounded. 

3. In the provincial Chapters, even when Francis could not be physically present, his spiritual presence was evident in his zealous care for their governance, his urgency in prayer and the efficacy of his blessing. In fact there was one occasion when he did visibly appear by the operation of God’s marvellous power. 

4. For while that glorious preacher Anthony[3] (who is now a noted Confessor of Christ[4]) was preaching unto the Chapter of the Brethren at Arles on the title inscribed on the Cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” a certain Brother of proved uprightness, Monaldo by name, was moved by a divine impulse to look toward the door of the Chapter-house. There he beheld with his bodily eyes the Blessed Francis himself uplifted in the air, his hands outstretched after the manner of a Cross, blessing the Brethren. 

5. All the Brethren felt that they had been filled with a consolation of spirit so great and so new that the Spirit bore indubitable witness within them of the true presence of the holy Father. This was further assured, not only by manifest tokens, but also by external testimony through the words of that same holy Father. 

6. The almighty power of God vouchsafed unto the holy Bishop Ambrose to be present at the burial of the glorious Martin[5], so that he might honour the holy Pontiff with his holy ministry.

7. We must verily believe that He did also make His servant Francis appear at the preaching of His true herald Antony, so that he might sanction his preaching of the truth, and in particular his preaching of the Cross of Christ, whereof he was a supporter and servant.

Footnotes

[1] Cf. “Behold I myself will seek my sheep, and will visit them. As the shepherd visiteth his flock in the day when he shall be in the midst of his sheep that were scattered, so will I visit my sheep”: Exech. Xxxiv, 11-12; “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly, according to God”: 1 Pet. v, 2.

[2] Cf. “And he brought them into the mountain of his sanctuary: the mountain which his right hand had purchased. And he cast out the Gentiles before them: and by lot divided to them their land by a line of distribution.” Ps. LXXVII, 54; and: “And he named the second Ephraim, saying: God hath made me to grow in the land of my poverty.” Gen. xli, 52.

[3] St Anthony of Padua (1195-13 June 1231).

[4] Anthony was canonised in 1232 by Pope Gregory IX.

[5] There was a popular account circulating that on the day of St. Martin’s death in Tours (397), St. Ambrose was celebrating Mass in Milan. During the service, Ambrose seemed to fall asleep at the altar for three hours. When his deacons finally woke him, Ambrose explained that he had been delayed because he was burying his ‘brother Martin.’ See, e.g., Gregory of Tours in his De virtutibus Martini (6th. Century).

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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 : 9

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

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Autograph letter of St Francis with the Tau (1224).
 Lower Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi. Public 
domain, via Wikimedia Commons. tetraktys (CC BY 3.0).

1. As the merits of the virtues of these little ones of Christ waxed greater, the fragrance of their good repute spread everywhere and drew many folk from divers parts of the world to see the holy Father in person. 

2. Among them was a certain skilled composer of secular songs, who by reason of this gift had been crowned by the Emperor and thence called “King of Verses.”[1] He now was minded to seek the man of God, who held worldly things in contempt. 

3. When he had found him preaching in a Monastery at Borgo San Severino, the hand of the Lord was upon him and he beheld that same preacher of the Cross of Christ, Francis, marked after the likeness of a Cross with two exceeding shining swords set crosswise, whereof the one reached from his head unto his feet, the other across his breast from hand to hand. 

4. He did not know the servant of Christ by sight but speedily recognised him when signalled out by so great a portent. 

5. All astonished at this sight, he immediately began to resolve on better things; at length, pricked by the power of his words and pierced as though by the sword of the Spirit proceeding out of his mouth, he utterly renounced worldly pomp and clave unto the blessed Father, professing his vows. 

6. Wherefore the holy man, seeing that he had utterly turned from the restlessness of the world unto the peace of Christ, called him Brother Pacifico. 

7. He afterward made progress in all holiness and, before he became Minister in France (being the first who held the office of Minister there), he was privileged to behold once more a great T on the forehead of Francis which, marked out by a variety of colours, adorned his face with its marvellous beauty. 

8. This sign, in sooth, the holy man revered with deep affection, praising it often in his discourse.

9. In the letters that he dictated, he signed it with his own hand at the end, as though all his care was, in the prophet’s words[2], to set a mark Tau upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and mourn, and that be truly converted unto Christ Jesus.

Footnotes

[1] “Born probably near Ascoli, Italy, in the second half of the twelfth century; died probably at Lens, France, c. 1234. Local authors identify him with a certain William of Lisciano. Before becoming a Friar Minor he had been poet laureate at the Court of Frederick II of Sicily.” Catholic Encyclopedia.

[2] “And the Lord said to him: ‘Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem: and mark Thau upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and mourn for all the abominations that are committed in the midst thereof.’” Ez. ix, 4.

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

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“He immediately rose up healed.” Christ heals the man
sick with palsy, by Alexandre Bida (1873-5). Public
domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

1. About that time, a certain Religious of the Order of Cross-bearers, Morico by name, was lying in a hospital hard by Assisi suffering from an infirmity so serious and so protracted that he was given up unto death by the physicians; he became a suppliant of the man of God, beseeching him earnestly through a messenger that he would deign to intercede with the Lord on his behalf. 

2. The blessed Father graciously acceded thereunto and, having first prayed, took some crumbs of bread, and mixed with them some oil taken from the lamp that burned before the altar of the Virgin, and sent it by the hand of the Brethren unto the sick man, as an electuary[1], saying: 

3. “Carry this medicament unto our brother Morico, by the which the power of Christ shall not only restore him unto full health, but shall also render him a hardy warrior, who shall cleave with constancy unto our ranks.” 

4. As soon as the sick man tasted of that remedy made by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he immediately rose up healed[2].

5. He gained from God such strength of mind and body that shortly thereafter he entered the religious Order of the holy man. For clothing he had but a single tunic, beneath which he wore for a long space of time a leather corselet[3].

6. Satisfied with but uncooked fare – namely herbs, vegetables and fruit – he thus for many years tasted neither bread nor wine and yet remained strong and sound[4].

Footnotes

[1] electuary: from Lat. electuarium and Greek λείχω (meaning to lick up) : medicine meant to dissolve in mouth.

[2] Cf. the man sick of palsy healed by Christ: “And immediately rising up before them, he took up the bed on which he lay; and he went away to his own house, glorifying God.” Luke v. 25; and the man ill of palsy healed by St Peter: “And Peter said to him: Eneas, the Lord Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed. And immediately he arose.” Acts ix, 34.

[3] Cf. St John the Baptist who wore “a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.” Matt. iii. 4 and Mark i, 6.

[4] Cf. “You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink: that you might know that I am the Lord your God”: Deut. xxix, 6; of St John the Baptist: “shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost”: Luke i, 15.

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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 : 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

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“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

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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.

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“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.