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

- 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.