Reception of Brother Giles

In the earliest days of the Order, when Saint Francis was staying at Rivo Torto with the only two companions he then had, there came to him from the world one named Giles (who was the third brother), in order to embrace his life. And as Giles was thus staying there for some days, wearing the garments he had brought with him from the world, it chanced that a poor man came to that place seeking alms from Saint Francis. Saint Francis turned to Giles, and said to him: 'Give the poor brother your mantle.' He at once took it off his back with great gladness, and gave it to the poor man. And then it seemed that God had immediately poured new grace into his heart, for that he had joyfully given the mantle to the poor man. And so, having been received by Saint Francis, he ever afterwards went on till he reached the highest perfection.

- another account

When Francis the man of God had been joined by two brethren, having no lodging where he might dwell with them, he removed with them to a poor little abandoned church called Santa Maria de Portiuncula, and there they made a little dwelling, wherein they abode a while together. But after some days a man of Assisi named Giles came to them, and with great reverence and devotion besought the man of God on bended knees to receive him into his company. When the man of God saw that he was very faithful and devoted, and might win much favour from God (as the result afterwards made plain), he received him willingly, and these four, united with unbounded gladness and joy of the Holy Ghost, for the sake of greater profit divided in this wise: Francis took brother Giles with him, and went into the March of Ancona; and the other two betook themselves to a different region.

- text taken from Franciscan Days: being selections for every day in the year from ancient Franciscan writings, translated and arranged by Alan George Ferrers Howell