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

in every place the grace of God might be given unto His elect, yet nevertheless, did he know by experience that the place of the Blessed Mary of the Little Portion was fulfilled of more abundant grace and was haunted by the visitation of heavenly spirits from on high.

For this reason would he often say unto the brethren: “See, O my sons, that never do ye forsake this place. If that ye be thrust forth on the one side, enter ye by the other, for this place is holy and the dwelling place of Christ and of the Virgin His Mother. Here when we were few did the Most High give us increase; here by the light of His wisdom did He enlumine the souls of His poor; here by the fire of His love did He kindle our wills. Here, whosoever shall pray with a devout heart, shall obtain that which he doth desire, and he that doth offend shall the more grievously be punished. Wherefore, O my sons, hold ye this place most worthy of all reverence and honor, as in very truth the dwelling place of God, specially beloved of Him and of His Mother; and therein with all your heart, with the voice of exultation and of confession, confess ye to God the Father and to His Son our Lord Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit!”