Saint Francis Sweeps Churches

When Saint Francis was dwelling at Santa Maria de Portiuncula, and the brethren were as yet few, he used to go round the villages and churches in the neighbourhood of Assisi announcing and preaching to men that they should repent; and he used to carry a broom to sweep the churches that were dirty, for he was much grieved whenever he saw a church that was not as clean as he wished. Always, therefore, when he had finished preaching, he gathered together all the priests who were present into some secluded spot, so that he might not be heard by lay-people, and preached to them concerning the salvation of souls, and especially did he urge them to be careful to keep clean the churches, and the altars and all things which pertain to the celebration of the Divine mysteries.

- 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