The Preaching of the 'Penitents of Assisi'

All those who beheld [the first brethren going about] wondered greatly, because in dress and in life they were unlike all, and they seemed like wild men. Into what place soever they entered, whether city, fortress, village, or house, they proclaimed peace, and encouraged all to love the Creator of heaven and earth, and keep His commandments. Some heard them gladly; others, on the contrary, mocked them. Many asked them whence they were, and of what Order. To such, though it was toilsome to answer so many questions, they confessed with simplicity that they were penitents, natives of Assisi; for their Order was not [as yet] called a Religion. Many judged them to be knaves or fools, and would not receive them into their houses, lest like thieves they should remove their property by stealth. Wherefore in many places, after the wrongs put upon them, they sheltered in the porches of churches or houses.

- 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