Chapter XXXIX And first how he did resign the office of superior, and appointed brother Peter of Catana Minister General Thathe might observe the virtue of holy humility, some few years
Complete three-work composite: CCEL Fioretti; Salter 1904 Life and Miracles; Evans 1899 / Goretti 2025 Mirror
Part IV The Fourth Part, of Holy Humility and Obedience in Himself and in the Brethren Chapter XXXIX And first how he did resign the office of superior, and appointed brother Peter of Catana Minister General Thathe might observe the virtue of holy humility, some few years
after his conversion, in a certain Chapter before the brethren, he
did resign the office of superior, saying: “Henceforward I am dead unto you, but see here brother Peter of Catana, unto whom I and you all will be obedient.” And prostrating himself upon the ground, he did promise obedience and reverence unto him.
All the brethren wept thereat, and exceeding great sorrow did wring forth full sore lamentation, to wit, when they saw themselves in a manner made orphans to so great a father. But the blessed father, lifting up his eyes toward heaven and joining his hands, said: “Lord, unto Thee do I commend the family that hitherto Thou hast committed unto me. And now, O Lord most sweet, on account of those infirmities whereof Thou knowest, being unable to have the care thereof, I do commend the same unto the ministers, the which in the day of judgment shall be held answerable before Thee, O Lord, in case any brother shall perish through their negligence or evil example or too harsh correction.”
He therefore thenceforward did remain subject even unto death, more humbly bearing him in all things than any of the others.