May 21, 2025 Written by 

Franciscan Life in the Spirit

Francis and Clare of Assisi had a special devotion to the Spirit of the Lord and his holy operation.

There are countless passages in the Sources that attest to this.

In the Early Life of Celano, concerning the fraternal life led by the brothers, we read:

"Because they walked with simplicity before God and with courage before men, at that time the holy brothers merited the grace of a supernatural revelation.

Animated by the fire of the Holy Spirit, they prayed singing the 'Pater noster' to a religious tune, not only at the prescribed times, but at every hour, because they were not preoccupied with material cares" (FF 404).

Francis himself, captivated by the Spirit, went to Rome to make a request to Pope Honorius. These, together with his Cardinals, welcomed him with great devotion.

"[...] he preached before the Pope and the Cardinals with a frank mind and full of ardour, drawing from the fullness of his heart, as the Spirit suggested to him.

At his Word those high ones were moved and, drawing deep sighs from within, they washed their inner man with tears.

Having finished his speech and after a few moments of cordial conversation with the Pope, he finally expressed his request thus:

"It is not easy, Lord, as you know, for poor and humble people to have access to such great majesty.

You have the world in your hands, and very important commitments do not allow you to devote yourself to minutiae.

For this reason, Lord,' he continued, 'I ask the tender affection of your Holiness to grant us as pope the Lord of Ostia, who is present here; thus, the dignity of your pre-eminence remaining always intact, the friars will be able to turn to him in time of need, and be, with advantage, defended and governed'.

The Pope was pleased with such a holy request, and he immediately appointed to the Order, according to the request of the man of God, sir Ugolino, then Bishop of Ostia.

The holy cardinal accepted with love the flock, which had been entrusted to him, he tended it thoughtfully, and was its shepherd and pupil at the same time until the blessed end' (FF 612).

Clare too, bride of the Holy Spirit in the footsteps of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, thus addressed Agnes of Prague, her faithful disciple:

"And do not believe, and do not let yourself be seduced by anyone who would try to divert you from this purpose or put obstacles in your way, to prevent you from bringing back to the Most High your promises with that perfection to which the Spirit of the Lord invited you" (FF 2876).

The Spirit of God had fertilised the lives of Francis and Clare and that of their respective fraternities, making their actions an eloquent witness to the Gospel.

 

«When the Paraclete comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify of me. But you also shall bear witness, because from the beginning you have been with me»  (Jn 15:26-27)

 

 

Monday of the 6th wk. in Easter  (Jn 15:26-16:4a)

183 Last modified on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 05:00
Teresa Girolami

Teresa Girolami è laureata in Materie letterarie e Teologia. Ha pubblicato vari testi, fra cui: "Pellegrinaggio del cuore" (Ed. Piemme); "I Fiammiferi di Maria - La Madre di Dio in prosa e poesia"; "Tenerezza Scalza - Natura di donna"; co-autrice di "Dialogo e Solstizio".

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