St. Francis Test 1
Cluniac and Cistercian Monastic Reform
CLUNIAC o 10th - 12th Centuries. Europe's most powerful/influential monastery. o Taught that the secular world was irremediably sinful and that the life of the monk was the only sure way to salvation. o Reformed the monastic lifestyle by observing a stricter Benedictine Rule. o Any monastery that took on Cluniac reform was underneath the mother Cluny house. o Cluny monasteries were under the Holy See and not local Bishops o Cluny set the groundwork for the Gregorian reforms to happen. Sought to eliminate lay control of religious life · CISTERCIAN o A direct reform of a Benedictine Monastery. Began in the 12th century. o Wanted to revive the simplicity and balance of Benedictine life: § Corporate poverty, symbolized by manual labor § Monasteries in remote locations to remove the monks from the outside world. o BERNARD of FONTAINE - brought 30 young men to the first Cistercian community (1112) and helped expand the order to 350 monasteries with 11,000 monks by his death (1153). o First to employ conversi (lay religious brothers from the peasant class hired for manual labor) allowing the Cistercian monks to spend more time in prayer and reading. o First to develop a centralized form of religious life - this structure was the groundwork for Franciscan and Dominican structures...especially the practice of general chapters.
Give an Example of Violence During the 12th and 13th Centuries.
Crusades, Assisi & Perugia, torture devices
Identify Clare. Recount her virtues, ministry, and last days,
Daughter of Favarone and Ortolana di Offreducio, founder of the Order of the Poor Clare's, from Assisi, Italy, very beautiful, modeled herself after the life of St. Francis Wore a cruel hair shirt under her rich clothing, despised money, dearly loved the poor, and deprived herself of the choicest morsels to give to the needy. "Lord God blessed be Thou for having created me!" - Clare's last words
Identify the Cathari and briefly explain the chief characteristics of their belief system.
Doctrine of the ancient gnostics, believed in 2 creative principles - God who created all that is good - evil which encompasses all material objects. They displayed extraordinary zeal (became merchants to frequent the fairs and preach to the people, schoolmasters for the formation of the youth, and doctors in order to assist the sick and dying).
Briefly Recount the 2 Dreams that Francis had as he Set Out to Fight Alongside Gautier de Brienne.
Dream 1 - Father's house turned into a palace decorated with knightly apparel and gear and a beautiful bride awaiting him Dream 2 - Voice speaks to him asking from what can he expect the most, The Master or The Servant? Follow the Master and return home.
Pope Innocent IV issued the bull Solet Annuere on August 9, 1253. What did this grant Clare and her sisters?
Granted Clare and her sisters the "Privilege of most high poverty" (Clare died the next day) Clare wrote her own rule and she eventually convinced Pope Innocent IV after several attempts. The rule copied the rules of Friars Minor "to take nothing as their own" (no property, house, etc.) Helped by Cardinal Rinaldo.
Describe Assisi's Political Situation in the 1190's Including its Relationship with the Papal States and the Holy Roman Empire. What Noteworthy Event Happened in Assisi in 1197?
Great Feudal Lords regained the upper hand from 177 onward and the middle class, stripped of all political rights and burdened with taxes, meditated projects/plots of vengeance. 1197 - succession of Henry VI, Papacy tried to bring Assisi under its authority, but failed as the people desired to govern themselves and threw out the German occupiers.
How did Francis Counteract his Father's Curses?
He had an old beggar named Albert adopt him as his son and make the sign of the cross and bless him whenever his father cursed him, in exchange for sharing his alms with the beggar.
How Does Francis Overcome his Aversion to Lepers? What Happens Inside of him? How Does Francis Discover the Most Joy During his Pilgrimage to Rome?
He hugged a man with leprosy and God gave him so much happiness, as He had promised Francis changes clothes with a beggar and begs alongside them, discovering incredible joy.
Identify the Portiuncula and recount how the friars gained use of it.
Hermitage in the midst of a wood, made up of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, a large thatch-covered cabin which served as the community house, and as many huts as there were religious. Portiuncula was given to him by the Benedictine Abbot of Mount Subasio
Describe a day-in-the-life of the Poor Ladies of Damiano. What did they do all day?
Inspired by the Gospel and the 1st Rule of the Franciscans. 1) Cannonical Hours 2) Worked with hands 3) Cared for sick 4) Penance and Poverty * These tasks are all the same as the friars at the Portiuncula
John XXII
Invited spirituals back to submit to superiors and threatened to suppress them if they did not return. His bull Quorandum Exigit stressed obedience. Led Inquisition against stubborn spirituals, even burning four at the stake as heretics. Another bull suppressed splinter groups, threatening excommunication. Also denied Franciscan doctrine of poverty but was unable to change decisions of popes before him. Reversed Exiit Qui Seminat by setting up commission that included faculty from the University of Paris in order to handle controversy in the Marches. Canonized Aquinas. Sided with the Dominicans. Ad Conditorem claimed that the life of the friars was a sham. Upset with Bergamo, John XXII issued Cum Inter Nonnullos, which attacked the theology of the Franciscan position. Eudes resolved conflict by accepting property.
Robert of Arbrissel
Itinerant preacher, and founder of the abbey of Fontevrault which followed the Rule of St. Benedict. He was educated and live part of his life as a hermit before founding the abbey in Fontevrault
Nicholas IV
Jerome of Ascoli. Served as Minister General from 1274 - 1288 has Bonaventure's successor · Became the first Franciscan Pope. · Published Supra Montem on August 12, 1289.This was a new Rule for the Order of Penitents (replaced Memoriale Propositi) and stayed in effect until 1883. · He believed Orthodoxy was the key to the Franciscan Order being an order for the Church. · He sought to maintain a link between Francis/the Lesser Brothers and the Order of Penitents.
Before his Initial Conversion, What Was Francis' Dream for his Life?
Knighthood, Military Glory, Chivalry
Identify the Nobel Lady that Francis Longs to Give himself to in Marriage
Lady Poverty
-Leo
One of the first friars. Brother Leo was said to be St. Francis' favorite companion- he was his confessor and secretary. His nickname was "God's Little Lamb" because he was so meek and obedient. The only time Leo was disobedient was when God intervened and prevented him from obeying St. Francis. He was the only perfect interpreter of the Franciscan spirit and was the great evangelist of St. Francis. Brother Leo was one of the friars to first see St. Francis' stigmata as he was the one to change his bandages on his wounds. He was the only one Francis wanted to see when they were on Mt. La Verna
Rufino
One of the original followers of St. Francis · One of the Three Companions with Angelo and Leo. · Belonged to the Nobility of Assisi before entering the Order · Terrified of public speaking. Francis made him go preach in his underwear for refusing to go preach.
Compare the Order of Saint Clare and the Poor Clares
Order of Saint Clare: follows Urban IV's rule Poor Clares: follows St. Clare's primitive rule that was approved by Pope Innocent III on her death bed
John Bernadone
Original Birth name of St. Francis, Born while Father was in France on Business. Is said to have his name changed to Francis by his Father to honor France (or because he loved France)
Identify the "Poor Men of Lyons" and Peter Valdes (Waldo). How were they like the Franciscans? How were they different?
Peter Valdes was the founder of the Poor Men of Lyons and was formerly a rich merchant from Lyons. The Poor Men of Lyons lived in poverty, penance, and perfect equality, and from time to time met in chapters. They lashed out against the laxity of the clergy and were excommunicated by the Archbishop of Lyons. They were received back by Pope Alexander III but were told they were unallowed to interpret the scriptures or teach Theology. Disobeyed this rule and were again excommunicated in 1184. They practiced the same vows as the Franciscans but were not allowed to teach scripture or Theology and were eventually excommunicated.
Why did Peter Bernadone Become Enraged at his Son and Imprison him? How Was this Conflict Resolved?
Peter was embarrassed of his son and thought he had gone mad Pica released him from his chains while Peter was away on business in Francis, and Francis gave everything back to him.
Francis of Assisi (Giovanni Bernardone)
SEE ALL THE THINGS, birth name was John, but father changed it when he returned home from France
How was St. Clare's life austere? Give examples. Is such austerity needed in the Church today? Explain why or why not.
She lived like Francis, even requesting by vow to never accept revenues. She slept on boards, ate no cooked food, and perpetually fasted. Yes, it brings us closet to God and heavenly glory by rejecting worldly indulgences, however, we may not need to do it at Clare's extreme level.
Characteristics of feminine piety in the Middle Ages and the options for women pursuing a more devout and/or specifically religious life
Some characteristics were: 1. Personal affective piety, the language was that of a lover and the beloved, a spousal relationship and being drawn to God, 2. Penitential Asceticism, which was combining fasting and works of charity, and 3. Maintaining their personal charism, even if that meant resisting the Church officials' definition. Options for women during this time were, 1.joining a monastery 2. women's form of eremitical life, also known as reclusaeor inclusae. They weren't apart of a community, had more freedom than being in a monastery, and could singly serve God from their homes. 3. Form pious unions, they lived in communities together but did not take permanent vows. This form of life was meant to push the women to join the other two options above.
What is a Medieval Legend, Why are Legends Written?
Stories compiled to inspire readers and to call them to greater faith and zeal for the Kingdom of God. Should no disturb modern readers who have a greater interest in precise fact than the mid evil chronicler did.
List 3 places where Francis either traveled or attempted to travel between late 1212 and 1214.
Syria - 1212 (landed on the Dalmatian Coast Morocco - Francis fell ill Umbria - New friars came out of this mission
-The Third Order Regular's development from within the Secular Franciscan Order
TORs grew organically from the Third Order members who didn't want to become Friars or Clarrisses, but instead followed the Supra Montem Rule of Nicholas IV. Some became hermits, and others formed loose communities devoted to charity, prayer, and asceticism. The communal dimension of the Third Order is what truly gave rise to the Third Order Regular.
-Elizabeth of Hungary
The Daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary she wed Count Ludwig of Thuringia when she was 14 and had 3 children. She spent all of her time loving and helping the poor by feeding, nurturing, and especially healing the people who came to her. She was gifted with God's touch and there are numerous accounts of her healing those with blindness, deafness, and disease. When she was 20 years old Ludwig died on crusade due to the plague and this drove Elizabeth into a very depressed state, unaided by her spiritual director who was mean spirited she died four years later.. (1207-1231)
-Catherine of Cybo
The Duchess of Camerino and the cousin of the pope. Took Ludovico and Raffaele of Fossombrone under her care and got them a bull from the pope so they could establish the Friars minor of the Eremitical life.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis
The Little Flowers of St. Francis - Written 100 years after the death of St. Francis that reflect the oral tradition that extends back to Francis' earliest followers.
-Observant Reform: what is it, who is important in its history, and why it ultimately succeeds
The two most influential were Bernadine of Sienna and John of Capistrano. It was very popular among the laity because spanish and italian reformers went out of their hermitages to practice itinerant preaching, that often characterizes the early years of the Franciscans. much of the success is said to have come from Paolo Vagnozzi, a.k.a. Paoluccio.
Joachim of Fiore
Theologian who advocated some ideas condemned at the Fourth Lateran Council that were clearly heretical. Inspired Gerard of Borgo San Donnino to write the Introduction to the Eternal Gospel in 1254.
What ministries were the early friars involved in? How did they obtain food and lodging during this time period? The friars eventually moved towards ministry within the existing structures of the institutional Church. Why?
They all devoted themselves to some sort of manual labor, they cared for the lepers, worked in the hospitals, lived the Gospel, and continually prayed and fasted. They begged for food and shelter - "God will provide." They were kicked out of Rivo Torto by a rude farmer making room for his donkey in the hut and Francis took this as a sign from God that they needed to pray and teach men the way of salvation.
What did Poverty Accomplish for the 1st Brothers? How was it Difficult?
They received more insults than alms, but also many followers. People insulted them and failed to understand their reasoning ( healthy young men should work for their $ not beg) and so gave little alms
Thomas of Celano
Thomas of Celano - Francis' first biographer, received into the Franciscan order by Francis himself, chosen by Pope Gregory IX to write about Francis' life immediately after his death in 1226. Wrote 3 works on St Francis.
Minores
Villeins & Serfs (lower); Serfs attached to land like livestock or property, had no independence. Villeins were Free men with the right to own property and move freely.
Jacoba di Settesoli
Wealthy widow who became a penitent because of Francis's inspiration. Known as Brother Jacopa.
Identify the Event that Marked the Solemn Consecration of Francis as a Knight in Christ's Service. Why do You Think That Both Biographers and Artists Portray this Event as Francis' Marriage to Lady Poverty?
When Francis stripped naked and gave back all his things to his father so that " I can advance naked before the Lord, saying in truth no longer: my father, Peter Bernadonde, but: our Father who art in Heaven, giving everything to God.
Why could the time period at Rivo Torto be considered a honeymoon with Lady Poverty? Give your opinion. Was the friar's way of life at Rive Torto sustainable?
While the brothers lived at Rivo Torto conditions were bad to say the least, there was barely enough food, the living space could barely hold the current amount of brothers, and the winters were miserably cold due to the conditions of the abandoned hut. No it was not especially if they wished to grow as an order, they needed more space and food to provide for the growing number of brothers.
What was a Troubador? How is Francis one?
Wondering Singers of tales of chivalry and battle. Endlessly Rhyming the legendary history of Charlemagne, the Knights of the Round Table, and the doughty warriors who emulated them. Francis derived most of his learning from the says of the troubadors & up until his 25th Birthday spent many of his evenings participating in the songs himself.
How do we think the Earliest Franciscan Rule treated the topics of work and poverty, preaching, and relationship with the Church?
Work and poverty - If possible shall follow their former trade. In exchange for labor they shall be content with food and clothing, beg alms if necessary. Forbidden to have animals for hire or anything except their tools and shall not even appropriate hermitages to themselves. Preaching - "Peace be this house" Relationship with the Church - Under pain of being expelled from the fraternity must always conduct themselves as good Catholics following the customs and usages of Rome. Defer to the teachings of the secular and regular clergy in everything that is not contrary to their rule.
-Memoriale propositi of Cardinal Hugolino and its vision for a penitential way of life
Written in 1221, this document addressed the penitents who were living in their own homes. It is filled with Franciscan ideals, the form of life is similar to the rules of St. Francis and St. Clare. It demands vocation and dedication; brother and sister penitents must embrace: 1. Separation from the world, through dress, avoidance of worldly entertainment, and by not taking any oaths, and 2. A life of charity, asceticism, and prayer.
Norbert of Xanten
a canon in Germany who became a hermit and itinerant preacher and later the founder of the Praemonstratensians, also known as the Norbertines; he became a preacher of penance; protector of the poor, accepted cistercian way of life.
Bonaventure of Bagnoregio
born between 1217 and 1221. Was the foremost Franciscan scholar of his day and taught at University of Paris. Was the minister general of the Franciscan General Chapter of 1257. Appointed cardinal in 1273. He was commissioned to write a biography about Francis based on all previous biographies. Meant to be the best book yet -- all other biographies were supposed to be destroyed after this. He helped write the Rule of LIfe for the Poor Clare's with Urban IV. He was a Moderate (vs. relaxed) → "Hold onto the Rule and try to live poverty."
Capuchin reform: the basics
founded by Matteo of Bascio; left friary and went to Rome wearing primitive habit with long hood; worked with sick and got permission from Pope Clement VII to do itinerant preaching; joined by Ludovico and Rafaele Fossombrone who left Observants. Catherine of Cybo protected them, became an established religious order and were called the Capuchins because they had hoods without cowls.
Paolo Vagnozzi (Paoluccio)
founder of the Observant Reform.
Pachomius
hermit and founder; retreated into the desert and eventually founded a monastery there
Boniface VIII
pope from 1294 - 1303. Immediately after elected pope, he suppressed the Poor Hermits (spirituals) and told them to return to their convents. Contradiction to what the former Pope Celestine V was doing for the poor hermits. Later on.... due to complaints in 1300, the friar's almost absolute privileges to minister in the Church were pulled back by Boniface VIII. Pope Boniface wrote the bull Super cathedram which regulated the conflict between the friars and diocesan clergy. It said that the friars could preach or pray mass anytime they wanted to in their own churches, but they needed permission of the local bishop or pastor to preach in diocesan parishes.
Write What God Spoke to Francis in San Damiano in 1206. What did Francis do in Response, Although not Immediately?
"Francis go repair my house, which is falling in ruins." Francis begged for $$ and built San Damiano with his own hands
Francis is Known by Many Biographers as Miles Christi, Why is This Significant in Light of Francis' Dreams for his Own Life?
"The brother in arms","the champion", "the "Vassal of Christ". The herald of the Great King and the Standard hearer of Christ. Chivalrous in thought, dead, and troth. (He was a knight for Christ)
Identify Rivo Torto and situate this time period chronologically within Franciscan history.
"The crooked stream"; the brief and wonderful springtime in which the fairest Franciscan virtues flourished. It was a small abandoned hut along the stream just big enough for the brothers to cram into and live out of. 1st true community was developed while here, 1st primitive rule was approved while here, Francis began his life of preaching here.
Anthony of Padua
(1195-1231) Born in Lisbon, saw Franciscan martyrs brought from Morocco, joined Franciscans in 1221. Great preacher and Doctor of the Church. Died at 36.
Anthony of Egypt
(3rd and 4th cen.) Founder of Christian Monasticism, first to codify monastic life.
according to Englebert, Francis Received the True Revelation of his Vocation on St Matthias Day in 1208. What Happened that Day? What's the Core Message that Francis Believed he Received from God? What was the Bible Passage that Served as Francis' Inspiration?
- Francis found that on this day truly revealed his plans for him to him, he took off his tunic, shoes, and staff and embraced Lady Poverty. ( By means of the Gospel) - Preach repentance everywhere, to take nothing with you, and to trust God alone to supply all your needs (Vita Apostolica) - Matthew 10:7
Give 2 Examples of how Revelation from God gave Francis and his Brothers Confidence in their Message/Ministry.
-God revealed to him in a vision that the order was to spread all over the world. -Francis was praying to God for mercy on him and he felt an immense sweetness fill his soul and he swooned with happiness
Francis's life (with chronology):
1182 - Francis Born 1202 - Francis taken prisoner during war with Perugia 1203 - Francis returns to Assisi 1204 - Francis becomes ill for extended period 1205 - Francis experiences conversion, vision at the Crucifix of San Damiano, meets first leper 1206 - Appears before bishop and his father and repairs 3 churches 1208 - Francis changes his habit and makes his mission to live the Gospel. Joined by Bernard, Peter Catanii, and Giles, embark on 3 missions 1209 - now 12 followers, go to room, receive approval for order, live at RivoTorto and are gifted the Portiuncula 1211 - Francis tries to go to Syria 1212 - Francis gives form of life to St. Clare 1213 - Mount La Verna gifted by Count Orlando di Chiusi 1214 - Francis goes to Spain but becomes ill and returns to Port, Brother Celano joins order 1215 - Francis goes to 4th Lateran Council and meets Dominic 1216 - Innocent III grants the Franciscans the Privilege of Poverty 1219 - Francis meets the Sultan, asks to have Cardinal Protector be Hugolino 1221 - Peter Catanii dies, Memoriale Propositi approved of the Order of Penitents, Chapter of Mats 1223 - Christmas in Greccio, live Nativity 1224 - Francis receives stigmata 1226 - Francis dies in Portiuncula and is buried in St. Giorgio 1228 - Francis is Canonized 1230 - Francis relics are moved to the lower Basilica
Lady Clare and the Poor Ladies of San Damiano: characteristics of their early rule; growth of the Order chronologically, the privilege of poverty:
1212 - 1215: St. Clare's early rule was defined by Francis in a few short gospel passages. They defined Poverty, Fasting, and Care/Solicitude of Francis and the other Brothers as their primary observances in this form of life. This form 1215 - 1219: Institutionalization begins in the order. The order begins expanding. 5 houses ( Foligno, Florence, Perugia, Siena, Lucca). Relations with church hierarchy increases( especially in regards to canon law). Ask Where do you belong??? 1215-1216 Francis pressures Clare to become leader of the order. This same year the Privilege of Poverty is received from Pope Innocent III. (Could not be forced to accept endowments) Hugolino feared that this would be taken by the next pope and since the friars in 1217 were under provisional status, they couldn't be taken under their care. In 1218 Hugolino sent friar Ambrose to inspect and report on the sisters situation. Told them to give up Privilege of Poverty or accept Hugolino's rule. 1219: Cardinal Hug publishes PauperesDominaeReclusae (The form of the manner of life of cardinal hugolino) [basically benedicts rule + strict cloister + liturgy of hours] 1227: Friars assigned as chaplains for sisters 1241: Card. Hug dies and Innocent IV takes over, gives them new rule "Form of life of Innocent IV" same as C. Hug, but replaces benedictine part with franciscan rule. Clare writes her own rule based on the primitive rule it gets denied until 1253: Clare's rule is approved :D 1259: Isabel of France wants in and writes her own rule allowing property and perpetual revenues 1263: Isabel's rule is confirmed by Urban IV
Why did Ortolana Offreducio name her 1st daugher Clare?
A mysterious vision assured her that her child would be a light for many souls.
Identify Agnes and Recount the amazing story of when her family tried to prevent her from following Clare.
Agnes is Clare's sister who joined the week after Easter at age 15, Uncle Monaldo sent 12 horsemen to storm the monastery. Yelled at Agnes and dragged her out by her hair. She became like lead and when Uncle Monaldo tried to hit her he was crippled with pain. Clare comes and saves her and they leave peacefully.
Identify and describe the character of Brother Angelo, Masseo, Leo, Bernard, Rufino, Giles, and Juniper.
Angelo - Courteous, former knight Masseo - Good manners and common sense, handsome and very pleasing personality. Leo - Purity and innocence, the great evangelist of St. Francis. Bernard - Love of poverty, 1st follower of Francis. Rufino - Love of prayer, St. Clare's cousin. Giles - Lost in God, purest example of primitive Franciscan. Juniper - Patient, the perfect imitator of Christ crucified, very wise
Identify the 3 Companions & Describe Brother Angelo
Angelo, Rufino, Leo Former Knight and had well refined courtesy
Why do You Think that Francis' Greeting "The Lord Give You Peace" and his Simple Preaching Bear such Fruit? Derive a Principle Ministry from this Example.
Because he was so full of joy from his voluntary poverty. Be joyful and spread the love of Christ by exemplifying this joy
Describe How Francis Lived Poverty. What Would "a Lived" Franciscan Poverty Look Like Today? Could his Ideals for Poverty be Adopted in the Exact Way that he and the Early Brothers Lived Them? Why or Why Not?
Becoming poor with the poor, refusing to enjoy yourself while they are suffering, embrace the state of the poor and needy. Francis loved poverty itself. Francis' Poverty was radical, as most visionaries examples are needed to be. It could be done, however there are more moderate ways that this can be embraced today (there are still Franny Friars).
Identify Francis' 3 First Followers. What Did the Friars do as Soon as there were 4 of them? Give Your Opinion, Were the Brothers Successful or Not? Why/Why Not?
Bernard of Quintavalle, Pete Catonii, Giles They went on mission in groups of 2 They were unsuccessful, except for Francis whose hope and joy attracted many. Would have been more successful if the went together.
How could the Pontificate of Innocent III be viewed as both the best of times and the worst of times for the Roman Catholic Church?
Best of times - "Theory of the 2 swords" - Church received power in Heaven and on earth at the same time, God gave also jurisdiction over all earthly sovereigns and authority to depose them if they so deserved. Glory of pontifical policy and power - overthrowing emperors and installing new ones Worst of times - Clergy and priests practiced simony, did not study, had concubines, did not preach, and lived loosely and lazily. Princes warred against the pope.
Luchesio and Buenadonna
Blessed Luchesio was the first tertiary. He and his wife, Buena Donna, had a major conversion when they fled to Florence and heard Francis' exhortations. They started distributing goods to the poor, put on a penitential habit, shared their home to the poor and sick. When their funds ran out, Luchesio would go begging door to door. They both fell sick together and ended up dying one right after the other.
Angela of Foligno
Blessed mystic and spiritual instructor to the Lesser Brothers.
Majores
Boni Homines; the great or the Nobility; Knights, Lords, Permanent Police Force, born into rank
Clare of Assisi (Chiara di Offreducio
Born in 1194 somewhere between Bizoche and the reclusae and most likely met Francis around 1211. She lived her life as a penitent (conversi -> reclusae) and quickly accepted Francis'( who had an active interest to recruit her) way of life. She joined on Palm Sunday of 1212 and was given San Damiano soon after by the bishop of Assissi. She and the early sisters lived a primitive form of life given by Francis, which was essentially poverty, fasting, and the care/solicitude of the brothers. She fought till her death of the privilege of poverty to be kept/put in her rule(august 19th, 1253). Sister to Agnes.
Collette of Corbie
Bornin Corbie France on January 13th, 1381. Died March 6th, 1447. French abess who founded the Colettine Poor Clares, a reform of the Poor Clares. She joined the Beguines, but was not challenged enough. Later she received a habit form the 3rd order Franciscans (1402), and became a (tertiary) hermit under the Abbot of Corbie. She had several visions/dreams living this ascetic lifestyle and believed that she was called to reform the second order to turn the order back to poverty and austerity. She did this by reaching out to the then antipope (whom was recognized by france at that time) benedict XIII, He granted her the Poor Clares habit and she went on to reform the order and founded 17 convents.
Indentify the Battle of Ponte San Giovanni (Callestrado) and What Happens to Francis as a Result.
November 1202, battle between Perugia and Assisi, war lasted for a decade. Francis fought bravely but was captured and taken prisoner for about a year.
Describe Francis' Personality & Character as a Youth (till conversion)
Nurtured in vanity among the vain sons of men; not sanctified from the cradle and character training may have been iffy/sketchy; loved by all, big spender, life of the party, always giving to the needy.
-Giles
O.F.M. (1190-1262) Brother Giles was one of the original companions of St. Francis of Assisi and holds the foremost place among the companions of Francis. St. Francis called him "The Knight of our Round Table." He was the purest example of primitive Franciscan; loved to travel; put a quiet fearlessness into observing the Rule, working with his hands, heedless of worldly events, and constantly absorbed in God. He was a master of the interior life, and he said that if Francis was in good health, not even the whole world taken together could keep pace with him.
Haymo of Faversham
O.F.M. Minister General (1240-1244) Haymo's ambition was that the friars should promote a union between the simple life of poverty and the study of theology, believing that by such a union a weapon would be forged which the Church could use in its battle against ignorance, superstition, and heresy. Himself, a preacher, he wanted the friars to be fully equipped for the ministry of the Word and for the direction of souls which must inevitably go with it. That meant that in future the majority of friars must be in priest's orders.
Gerard of Borgo San Donnino
O.F.M. Wrote a book called Introduction to the Eternal Gospel (1254). Gerard taught in a Provincial school, but had studied at the University of Paris. He embraced the theology of Joachim of Fiore who advocated some ideas condemned at the Fourth Lateran Council that were clearly heretical. Four dubious points that he included in his book were (1) Endorsement of Joachim's "Age of the Holy Spirit", which was coming soon, precisely in 1260. (2) He said that Joachim's writings in the new age would constitute a Third Testament, surpassing the New Testament as the New Testament had surpassed the Old Testament. (3) He taught that institutional Church would disappear, and that the Church would cease to exist as we know it with its hierarchy, laws, and structure. (4) Lastly, it would be the Franciscans who would usher in the new age by their preaching and example. A council under Pope Alexander IV ordered the destruction of the book and in 1263 Gerardo was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. He died in 1276.
Cresentius of Iesi (Jesi
OFM died in 1263, of the Grizi family. He was an italian and became the minister general of the OFM in 1244. he opposed the OFM Spirituals, who insisted on an exact following of poverty according to the example of Francis. He was deposed in 1247 in favour of John of Parma. He initiated a search for documentary materials on the life of St. Francis, and commissioned the Vita secunda (2nd Bio) of Francis by T. Celano.
Choose one of the following virtues - courtesy, humility, obedience, persistence - and briefly recount a story from this chapter showing how the early friars embodied this virtue.
Obedience - Never preached without permission of a priest/bishop. Persistence - Bishop of Imola said no to Francis but came back an hour later and then said yes.
How did Francis respond when Brother Masseo asked him why the "whole world" desired to listen to him, and follow him? Do you think Francis' answer is accurate and realistic? Why or why not? If his answer is not realistic then does that mean that Francis is "nuts" or "deluded"? Why or why not?
Francis was incredibly joyful and then he became very thankful, praised God and kissed the ground. Francis then said that God takes the weakest and vilest of his creations and shines his beauty through them so that the glory is given to God rather than the creation. Yes, he is being humble. No it's humility.
Peter & Pica Bernadone
Francis' Father: one of the richest cloth merchants in Assisi, frequented France. Francis' Mother: 2 other children, believed Francis would be a man of God.
Elias of Cortona
Educated layman, teacher and notary who joined the Franciscan order during the early years of the Franciscans and returned from Syria with Francis in 1217. Francis appointed him Minister General in 1221 after Peter Catanii died. Presided the Chapter of Mats in 1221 and furthered mission of Franciscans into Germany. Cared for Francis during his illness ("mother") and was ("father") to the friars as Minister General. Pope Gregory IX appointed him to build the Franciscan Basilica. Served his 2nd term in 1232 after John Parenti and in this term the power got to his head and was deposed in 1239 after the brothers were distressed by his abuse of authority and visitators. Was excommunicated after his deposement as Minister General (during his time with Emperor Frederick II) but before he died he was reconciled and absolved - still managed to stay friends with both Saint Clare and Pope Gregory IX (who excommunicated him)
Four types of religious life- Eremiticism, Cenobitic Monasticism, Apostolic Life, Order of Penitents
Eremiticism: 11th century new hermits embraced this type of life as a protest to the existing monastic communities. Carthusians, Cistercians, Robert of Ambrissel, Norbert of Xanten. This way of life was meant to bring the brothers closer to God by being more isolated and in silence and solace with God. Strove to get away from the noise of large and loud community life. Cenobitic Monasticism: monastic community life. The pursuit of a solitary life with others seeking to be alone. St. Antony of Egypt is founder of Christian Monasticism. St Pachomius of Egypt is founder of Christian Cenobitic Monasticism. Apostolic Life: Canons regular are canons living under the Rule of St. Augustine. A canon was a list of priests and religious who followed a common rule and prayed the office in choir. The basic requirements for Canons were they had to: Eat from a common table Sleep in a common dormitory, no concubines Pray in common Hold income in common The houses decided how to implement these rules, individual to each house. All canons were priests, however, the communities did contain lay brothers, and the canons were attached to churches so it was exclusively apostolic. Contributed more to society than the monks. Order of Penitents: Conversi. Beginning in the 2nd and 3rd Centuries the requirement for canonical penance was established, this penance was both official and public. Required 3 stages: Liturgical rite of entrance and banning from communion Expiation involving prayer, fasting almsgiving could last several years. Usually on bread, water and salt, and abstinence from sex. 3 forty day periods within a year After satisfaction was made, reconciliation was received with God and the Church.
Angelo Tancredi
Former knight, one of the first 12 companions, composed Legend of the Three Companions with Leo and Rufino, known for courtesy, at the deathbed of St. Clare
Matteo of Bascio
Founded the Capuchins because he was dissatisfied with his comfortable life at the friary in Montefalcone. · Went to Rome in 1525 to ask permission from Pope Clement VII to be an itinerant preacher and live closer to the lifestyle of St. Francis. · Wore a tunic with a pointed hood. Worked in a hospital. Ministered to the sick when the plague hit in 1527. · Catherine of Cybo (the Duchess of Camerino/cousin of Pope Clement VII) took Matteo in during persecution from leaving friary. She received permission from the Holy See for Matteo and company to become a diocesan community in Camerino. · 1528 - Catherine obtained a Bull (Religionis Zelus) from the Pope to become an official religious community.
Angelo Clareno (Peter of Fossombrone)
Founder of the Fratacelli. Influenced by Joachim of Fiore
How did the 8 Brothers come Back Together after their First Time of Mission as a Group? Explain why Francis & his brothers would be an attractive religious order even today.
Francis prayed to bring everyone back together and after no signal having been given they all soon returned to the Portiuncula. They were humble, joyful, served the poor, and lived the Gospel
Describe Francis' relationship with the Poor Ladies of San Damiano.
Francis promised to always have "diligent care and special solitude" from the friars, he would minister to them and share alms with them and would always preach to them. Called them his spiritual plants and was great friends with Agnes and Clare.
Provide 2 reasons why Pope Innocent III verbally approved the Earlier Rule.
Francis recounted his dream about the poor woman and her sons living in the wilderness whom she sends to their father the king who receives them in his palace (king is God, woman is Francis, sons are the Franciscans, and wilderness is the world we live in) Pope Innocent III had a dream about the Lateran basilica near toppling but a little religious came and gave a little push and raised it and straightened it (little religious being Francis)
Legend of the 3 Companions
Legend of the 3 Companions - Written by Brother Leo, Rufino, Angelo ( Francis' closest associates) to preserve the anecdotes & personal details about the saint.
