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

- 9 -

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.

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

- 4 -

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.