Francis and Dominic and the Mendicant Orders (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III St. Franc1s--continued The negotiations between Francis and Ugolini resulted in 1220 in the publication of a bull, which may be taken as the official recognition of the Brotherhood. It contained the significant words: "In nearly all religious Orders it has been wisely ordained that those who present themselves with the purpose of observing the regular life shall make trial of it for a certain time, during which they shall be tested, in order to leave neither place nor pretext for inconsiderate steps. For these reasons we command you by these presents to admit no one to make profession until after one year of novitiate; we forbid that after profession any Brother shall leave the Order, and that anyone shall take back again him who has gone out from it. We also forbid that those wearing your habit shall circulate here and there without obedience, lest the purity of your poverty be corrupted. If any friars have had this audacity, you will inflict upon them ecclesiastical censures until repentance." Four years before the date of this bull the Dominican Order had been founded, and from the first was placed under papal direction. Why should not Francis act as a dutiful son, and be guided by the wisdom of the highest in the Church? The bull was certainly inspired by the desire to conform the Franciscans to the fashion of existing Orders. A chapter was held at which the papal communication was read, and the details of the new Rule were discussed. The incident of chief importance, however, was the retiral of Francis from the leadership, or rather his refusal to become the head of the newly recognised Order. Pietro di Catana, a doctor of laws and a man of noble birth, was chosen minister-general, but he lived little more than a year to bear the burden o...