Chapter LXXVIII How he would the Religion should always be under the protection and correction of the Roman Church TheBlessed Francis said: “I will go and commend the Religion of the
Complete three-work composite: CCEL Fioretti; Salter 1904 Life and Miracles; Evans 1899 / Goretti 2025 Mirror
Chapter LXXVIII How he would the Religion should always be under the protection and correction of the Roman Church TheBlessed Francis said: “I will go and commend the Religion of the
brethren Minor to the Holy Roman Church, by the rod of whose
power they that wish it evil may be terrified and chastised, and the sons of God may everywhere rejoice in full liberty to the increase of everlasting salvation. May her sons thereby learn to be grateful for the sweet blessings of their Mother, and evermore follow her reverend footsteps with devoutness of spirit!
“For under her protection shall no evil befall the Order, nor shall the son of Belial go through the vineyard of the Lord unpunished. The Holy Mother herself shall emulate the glory of our poverty, and will not in any wise allow the renown of our humility and the triumph of our obedience to be darkened by the clouds of pride. The chains of charity and peace wherewith we are bound will she preserve unbroken, smiting them that disagree with her as with her smartest censure, and the sacred observance of Gospel purity shall flourish daily in her sight, nor will she suffer the sweet smell of our good report and of our holy conversation to be given forth in vain.”