The Life of the First Brethren

When men saw that the brethren exulted in their tribulations, continued diligently and devoutly in prayer, neither carried money with them nor accepted it, and had the greatest love for one another, whereby they were known to be truly disciples of the Lord, many were pricked in the heart, and came to them asking forgiveness for the offences they had committed against them. The brethren forgave them from their hearts, saying, 'The Lord spare you,' and gave them wholesome admonition concerning their salvation. [At the appointed time the brethren, with others whom they had admitted to their company], returned to Santa Maria de Portiuncula. When they saw one another once more they were filled with as much gladness and joy as if they remembered nothing of what they had suffered at the hands of the wicked. They were diligent in praying daily and working with their hands, so that they might wholly banish from themselves all idleness, which is the enemy of the soul.

- 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