The Little Flowers and the Life of St. Francis, with the...

Chapter LXXXIV Of the prerogatives that the Lord wrought in the place of S. Mary of the Angels

Holy of Holies is this Place of Places Meetly held worthy of surpassing honor! Happy thereof the surname, “Of the Angels”, Happier yet the same, “The Blessed Mary”.

Now, a true omen, the third name conferreth “The Little Portion” on the Little Brethren, Here, where by night oft a presence of Angels Singing sweet hymns illumineth the watches.

Fallen it lay when Francis did upraise it, Of the three churches his own band rebuilt Choosing this one wherein to don the sack-cloth, Binding the flesh in fetters of the spirit.

Here in this holy precinct was begotten Erstwhile our Order of the Brethren Minor; Here shall be found that throng of saints forever Whilst they still take example of their father.

First to be shorn as vowed to Christ her Lover, Clara did here forsake the world to find Him, Mother of noble brethren and of sisters Bringing back Christ to men through their endeavor.

Here was the old world’s broad highway made narrow, Here the way broader for the Chosen People; Here grew the Rule; here Poverty, our Lady, Smiting down pride, called back the Cross amongst us.

Francis sore troubled, weary of his burden, Here findeth peace; his sorrows here have healing; Here is the truth made clear whereof he doubted, Here all the father prayeth for is granted.