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The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi
Traditional Franciscan collection · Translated by T. W. Arnold · Note by Guido Biagi · London, 1908
About this book
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi / Traditional Franciscan Collection
Translated from the Italian by T. W. Arnold · Note by Guido Biagi
The Fioretti, or Little Flowers, is not a formal biography. It is a fourteenth-century gathering of episodes — “the fairest and choicest flowers” of the life of S. Francis and his companions. Here are perfect joy on the road with Brother Leo, the sermon to the birds, the wolf of Agobio, S. Clare at S. Mary of the Angels, and the reflections on the stigmata received on Mount Alvernia.
This Web Book follows the public-domain 1908 Chatto and Windus English edition, translated by T. W. Arnold, with Biagi’s Florence preface. Arnold’s language is not modernized. Identifiable Scripture allusions are linked to the UECF.NET NKJV Bible.
Original Source. The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi — Internet Archive item littleflowersof00fran. Public domain in the United States. UECF.NET did not create the original book.
- 53 Little Flower chapters
- 5 Stigmata reflections
- Juniper · Giles · sayings
- English · 1908
- About this edition
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Table of Contents
Begin with Guido Biagi’s 1908 note, then read the fifty-three Little Flowers. Use Previous and Next on each page to read straight through the stigmata reflections and the lives of Brothers Juniper and Giles.
Front matter
•Title Page
Title page of the 1908 Chatto and Windus edition · ≈ 1 min PPreface
A note by Guido Biagi, Florence, March 1908 · ≈ 14 min
Title page of the 1908 Chatto and Windus edition · ≈ 1 min PPreface
A note by Guido Biagi, Florence, March 1908 · ≈ 14 min
The Little Flowers — 53 chapters
IIn the name of our Lord Jesu Christ
In the name of our Lord Jesu Christ the Crucified, and of His Virgin Mother Mary. In this book are found certa… · ≈ 2 min IIBrother Bernard of Quintavalle
Of Brother Bernard of Quintavalle, first companion of S. Francis · ≈ 7 min IIIAn evil thought against Brother Bernard
How for an evil thought that S. Francis had against Brother Bernard, he bade the said Brother Bernard tread th… · ≈ 4 min IVThe angel and Brother Elias
How the angel of God proposed a question unto Brother Elias, guardian of a House in the valley of Spoleto, and… · ≈ 8 min VBrother Bernard sent to Bologna
How the holy Brother Bernard of Assisi was sent by S. Francis to Bologna and there founded a House · ≈ 4 min VIS. Francis blesses Brother Bernard
How S. Francis blessed the holy Brother Bernard and left him as his vicar, when he came to pass away from this… · ≈ 4 min VIIThe Lent on the Lake of Perugia
How S. Francis passed a Lent in an island in the Lake of Perugia, where he fasted forty days and forty nights,… · ≈ 3 min VIIIWhat things were perfect joy
How, as S. Francis and Brother Leo were going by the way, he set forth unto him what things were perfect joy · ≈ 4 min IXBrother Leo taught to answer
How S. Francis taught Brother Leo how to answer him; and how he could never say aught save the contrary of wha… · ≈ 3 min XAll the world came after him
How Brother Masseo, as though mocking, said unto S. Francis that all the world came after him: and he replied … · ≈ 2 min XIBrother Masseo turns round and round
How S. Francis made Brother Masseo turn round and round several times, and then went to Siena · ≈ 4 min XIIThe offices laid on Brother Masseo
How S. Francis laid on Brother Masseo the office of the door, of alms-giving, and of the kitchen: then at the … · ≈ 2 min XIIIBread upon a stone, and holy poverty
How S. Francis and Brother Masseo set the bread that they had begged upon a stone hard by a fountain, and how … · ≈ 6 min XIVGod appears in the midst of them
How, as S. Francis and his brothers were discoursing of God, He appeared in the midst of them · ≈ 1 min XVS. Clare eats with S. Francis
How S. Clare ate with S. Francis and the brothers, his companions, in S. Mary of the Angels · ≈ 4 min XVIThe counsel to preach, and the birds
How S. Francis received the counsel of S. Clare and of the holy Brother Silvester, that it behoved him by prea… · ≈ 7 min XVIIA boy-brother sees Christ by night
How a little boy-brother, while S. Francis was praying in the night, saw Christ and the Virgin Mary and many o… · ≈ 2 min XVIIIThe Chapter of more than five thousand
Of the marvellous Chapter that S. Francis held at S. Mary of the Angels, whereat were more than five thousand … · ≈ 7 min XIXThe vineyard of the priest of Rieti
How the vineyard of the priest of Rieti, in whose house S. Francis prayed, was robbed and despoiled of its gra… · ≈ 5 min XXThe young brother who hated the cowl
Of a vision wondrous fair, seen by a young brother, the which did hold the cowl in such hate that he minded to… · ≈ 3 min XXIThe wolf of Agobio
Of the most holy miracle that S. Francis wrought when he converted the fierce wolf of Agobio · ≈ 6 min XXIIThe wild turtle-doves
How S. Francis tamed the wild turtle-doves · ≈ 1 min XXIIIThe brother that was in sin with the devil
How S. Francis delivered the brother that was in sin with the devil · ≈ 1 min XXIVThe Soldan of Babylon
How S. Francis won over to the faith the Soldan of Babylon · ≈ 4 min XXVThe leper healed in soul and body
How S. Francis miraculously healed one that was a leper both in soul and body; and what the soul said to him, … · ≈ 5 min XXVIThree robbers converted
How S. Francis converted three robbers that were murderers and made brothers of them; and of the most noble vi… · ≈ 14 min XXVIITwo scholars converted at Bologna
How S. Francis converted in Bologna two scholars, who became brothers; and how thereafter he delivered one of … · ≈ 5 min XXVIIIThe ecstasy of Brother Bernard
Of an ecstasy that came to Brother Bernard; whereby he abode from morning until Nones, so that of himself he w… · ≈ 2 min XXIXThe devil appears to Brother Ruffino
How the devil appeared many times unto Brother Ruffino in the form of the Crucified · ≈ 6 min XXXThe sermon in Assisi
Of the beautiful sermon preached in Assisi by S. Francis and Brother Ruffino · ≈ 3 min XXXIThe secrets of the brothers’ consciences
How S. Francis knew the secrets of the consciences of all his brothers in order · ≈ 2 min XXXIIBrother Masseo’s humility
How Brother Masseo obtained of Christ the virtue of his humility · ≈ 3 min XXXIIIS. Clare blesses the bread
How S. Clare, at the bidding of the Pope, blessed the bread that was on the table: so that on every loaf appea… · ≈ 2 min XXXIVS. Louis visits Brother Giles
How S. Louis, King of France, went in person, in the guise of a pilgrim, to Perugia, for to visit the holy Bro… · ≈ 3 min XXXVS. Clare carried to church on Christmas Eve
How S. Clare, being sick, was miraculously carried, on the night of Christmas Eve, to the church of S. Francis… · ≈ 2 min XXXVIA fair dream told to Brother Leo
How S. Francis set forth unto Brother Leo a fair dream that he had seen · ≈ 2 min XXXVIIA rich knight is converted
How Jesu Christ, the blessed One, at the prayer of S. Francis, let convert a rich and gentle knight and become… · ≈ 4 min XXXVIIIBrother Elias and the prayer of S. Francis
How S. Francis knew in spirit that Brother Elias was damned, and would die outside the Order; wherefore at the… · ≈ 5 min XXXIXS. Antony preaches in the Consistory
Of the marvellous sermon that the Brother Minor, S. Antony of Padua, preached in the Consistory · ≈ 1 min XLS. Antony preaches to the fishes
Of the miracle which God wrought when S. Antony, being at Rimini, preached to the fishes of the sea · ≈ 4 min XLIBrother Simon delivers a tempted brother
How the venerable Brother Simon delivered from a grievous temptation a brother, that wished on this account to… · ≈ 5 min XLIIBentivoglia, Peter, and Conrad
Of the fair miracles that God wrought by the hands of the holy brothers, Brother Bentivoglia, Brother Peter of… · ≈ 5 min XLIIIBrother Conrad converts a young brother
How Brother Conrad of Offida converted a young brother, that was troubling the other brethren · ≈ 3 min XLIVWhich had the greater grief for the Passion
How there appeared unto Brother Conrad the Mother of Christ, S. John the Evangelist and S. Francis; and told h… · ≈ 2 min XLVBrother John of La Penna
Of the conversion and life and miracles and death of the holy Brother John of La Penna · ≈ 8 min XLVIBrother Peaceful sees Brother Humble
How Brother Peaceful being at prayer saw the soul of Brother Humble, his brother, going up to heaven · ≈ 2 min XLVIIThree boxes of electuary
Of the holy brother unto whom appeared the Mother of Christ, what time he was sick, bringing him three boxes o… · ≈ 4 min XLVIIIThe tree of the Brothers Minor
How Brother Jacques of La Massa saw in a dream all the Brothers Minor in the world, in the likeness of a tree · ≈ 7 min XLIXChrist appears to Brother John of Alvernia
How Jesu Christ appeared unto Brother John of Alvernia · ≈ 9 min LAll Souls’ Day at Mass
How Brother John of Alvernia, as he said Mass on All Souls’ Day, saw many souls delivered from Purgatory · ≈ 1 min LIBrother Jacques of Fallerone
Of the holy Brother Jacques of Fallerone; and how after his death, he appeared unto Brother John of Alvernia · ≈ 4 min LIIThe order of the Holy Trinity
Of the vision of Brother John of Alvernia, whereby he understood all the order of the Holy Trinity · ≈ 2 min LIIIBrother John falls as one dead
How Brother John of Alvernia, as he was saying Mass, fell down as one dead · ≈ 6 min
In the name of our Lord Jesu Christ the Crucified, and of His Virgin Mother Mary. In this book are found certa… · ≈ 2 min IIBrother Bernard of Quintavalle
Of Brother Bernard of Quintavalle, first companion of S. Francis · ≈ 7 min IIIAn evil thought against Brother Bernard
How for an evil thought that S. Francis had against Brother Bernard, he bade the said Brother Bernard tread th… · ≈ 4 min IVThe angel and Brother Elias
How the angel of God proposed a question unto Brother Elias, guardian of a House in the valley of Spoleto, and… · ≈ 8 min VBrother Bernard sent to Bologna
How the holy Brother Bernard of Assisi was sent by S. Francis to Bologna and there founded a House · ≈ 4 min VIS. Francis blesses Brother Bernard
How S. Francis blessed the holy Brother Bernard and left him as his vicar, when he came to pass away from this… · ≈ 4 min VIIThe Lent on the Lake of Perugia
How S. Francis passed a Lent in an island in the Lake of Perugia, where he fasted forty days and forty nights,… · ≈ 3 min VIIIWhat things were perfect joy
How, as S. Francis and Brother Leo were going by the way, he set forth unto him what things were perfect joy · ≈ 4 min IXBrother Leo taught to answer
How S. Francis taught Brother Leo how to answer him; and how he could never say aught save the contrary of wha… · ≈ 3 min XAll the world came after him
How Brother Masseo, as though mocking, said unto S. Francis that all the world came after him: and he replied … · ≈ 2 min XIBrother Masseo turns round and round
How S. Francis made Brother Masseo turn round and round several times, and then went to Siena · ≈ 4 min XIIThe offices laid on Brother Masseo
How S. Francis laid on Brother Masseo the office of the door, of alms-giving, and of the kitchen: then at the … · ≈ 2 min XIIIBread upon a stone, and holy poverty
How S. Francis and Brother Masseo set the bread that they had begged upon a stone hard by a fountain, and how … · ≈ 6 min XIVGod appears in the midst of them
How, as S. Francis and his brothers were discoursing of God, He appeared in the midst of them · ≈ 1 min XVS. Clare eats with S. Francis
How S. Clare ate with S. Francis and the brothers, his companions, in S. Mary of the Angels · ≈ 4 min XVIThe counsel to preach, and the birds
How S. Francis received the counsel of S. Clare and of the holy Brother Silvester, that it behoved him by prea… · ≈ 7 min XVIIA boy-brother sees Christ by night
How a little boy-brother, while S. Francis was praying in the night, saw Christ and the Virgin Mary and many o… · ≈ 2 min XVIIIThe Chapter of more than five thousand
Of the marvellous Chapter that S. Francis held at S. Mary of the Angels, whereat were more than five thousand … · ≈ 7 min XIXThe vineyard of the priest of Rieti
How the vineyard of the priest of Rieti, in whose house S. Francis prayed, was robbed and despoiled of its gra… · ≈ 5 min XXThe young brother who hated the cowl
Of a vision wondrous fair, seen by a young brother, the which did hold the cowl in such hate that he minded to… · ≈ 3 min XXIThe wolf of Agobio
Of the most holy miracle that S. Francis wrought when he converted the fierce wolf of Agobio · ≈ 6 min XXIIThe wild turtle-doves
How S. Francis tamed the wild turtle-doves · ≈ 1 min XXIIIThe brother that was in sin with the devil
How S. Francis delivered the brother that was in sin with the devil · ≈ 1 min XXIVThe Soldan of Babylon
How S. Francis won over to the faith the Soldan of Babylon · ≈ 4 min XXVThe leper healed in soul and body
How S. Francis miraculously healed one that was a leper both in soul and body; and what the soul said to him, … · ≈ 5 min XXVIThree robbers converted
How S. Francis converted three robbers that were murderers and made brothers of them; and of the most noble vi… · ≈ 14 min XXVIITwo scholars converted at Bologna
How S. Francis converted in Bologna two scholars, who became brothers; and how thereafter he delivered one of … · ≈ 5 min XXVIIIThe ecstasy of Brother Bernard
Of an ecstasy that came to Brother Bernard; whereby he abode from morning until Nones, so that of himself he w… · ≈ 2 min XXIXThe devil appears to Brother Ruffino
How the devil appeared many times unto Brother Ruffino in the form of the Crucified · ≈ 6 min XXXThe sermon in Assisi
Of the beautiful sermon preached in Assisi by S. Francis and Brother Ruffino · ≈ 3 min XXXIThe secrets of the brothers’ consciences
How S. Francis knew the secrets of the consciences of all his brothers in order · ≈ 2 min XXXIIBrother Masseo’s humility
How Brother Masseo obtained of Christ the virtue of his humility · ≈ 3 min XXXIIIS. Clare blesses the bread
How S. Clare, at the bidding of the Pope, blessed the bread that was on the table: so that on every loaf appea… · ≈ 2 min XXXIVS. Louis visits Brother Giles
How S. Louis, King of France, went in person, in the guise of a pilgrim, to Perugia, for to visit the holy Bro… · ≈ 3 min XXXVS. Clare carried to church on Christmas Eve
How S. Clare, being sick, was miraculously carried, on the night of Christmas Eve, to the church of S. Francis… · ≈ 2 min XXXVIA fair dream told to Brother Leo
How S. Francis set forth unto Brother Leo a fair dream that he had seen · ≈ 2 min XXXVIIA rich knight is converted
How Jesu Christ, the blessed One, at the prayer of S. Francis, let convert a rich and gentle knight and become… · ≈ 4 min XXXVIIIBrother Elias and the prayer of S. Francis
How S. Francis knew in spirit that Brother Elias was damned, and would die outside the Order; wherefore at the… · ≈ 5 min XXXIXS. Antony preaches in the Consistory
Of the marvellous sermon that the Brother Minor, S. Antony of Padua, preached in the Consistory · ≈ 1 min XLS. Antony preaches to the fishes
Of the miracle which God wrought when S. Antony, being at Rimini, preached to the fishes of the sea · ≈ 4 min XLIBrother Simon delivers a tempted brother
How the venerable Brother Simon delivered from a grievous temptation a brother, that wished on this account to… · ≈ 5 min XLIIBentivoglia, Peter, and Conrad
Of the fair miracles that God wrought by the hands of the holy brothers, Brother Bentivoglia, Brother Peter of… · ≈ 5 min XLIIIBrother Conrad converts a young brother
How Brother Conrad of Offida converted a young brother, that was troubling the other brethren · ≈ 3 min XLIVWhich had the greater grief for the Passion
How there appeared unto Brother Conrad the Mother of Christ, S. John the Evangelist and S. Francis; and told h… · ≈ 2 min XLVBrother John of La Penna
Of the conversion and life and miracles and death of the holy Brother John of La Penna · ≈ 8 min XLVIBrother Peaceful sees Brother Humble
How Brother Peaceful being at prayer saw the soul of Brother Humble, his brother, going up to heaven · ≈ 2 min XLVIIThree boxes of electuary
Of the holy brother unto whom appeared the Mother of Christ, what time he was sick, bringing him three boxes o… · ≈ 4 min XLVIIIThe tree of the Brothers Minor
How Brother Jacques of La Massa saw in a dream all the Brothers Minor in the world, in the likeness of a tree · ≈ 7 min XLIXChrist appears to Brother John of Alvernia
How Jesu Christ appeared unto Brother John of Alvernia · ≈ 9 min LAll Souls’ Day at Mass
How Brother John of Alvernia, as he said Mass on All Souls’ Day, saw many souls delivered from Purgatory · ≈ 1 min LIBrother Jacques of Fallerone
Of the holy Brother Jacques of Fallerone; and how after his death, he appeared unto Brother John of Alvernia · ≈ 4 min LIIThe order of the Holy Trinity
Of the vision of Brother John of Alvernia, whereby he understood all the order of the Holy Trinity · ≈ 2 min LIIIBrother John falls as one dead
How Brother John of Alvernia, as he was saying Mass, fell down as one dead · ≈ 6 min
Of the most holy Stigmata
•Of the most holy Stigmata
Of the most holy Stigmata of S. Francis and reflections thereon · ≈ 1 min 1First reflection
Of the first reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 13 min 2Second reflection
Of the second reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 16 min 3Third reflection
Of the third reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 16 min 4Fourth reflection
Of the fourth reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 24 min 5Fifth reflection
Of the fifth reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 22 min
Of the most holy Stigmata of S. Francis and reflections thereon · ≈ 1 min 1First reflection
Of the first reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 13 min 2Second reflection
Of the second reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 16 min 3Third reflection
Of the third reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 16 min 4Fourth reflection
Of the fourth reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 24 min 5Fifth reflection
Of the fifth reflection on the most holy Stigmata · ≈ 22 min
Companions, sayings, and added chapters
JThe Life of Brother Juniper
Here beginneth the Life of Brother Juniper · ≈ 33 min GThe Life of Brother Giles
The Life of the blessed Brother Giles, the companion of S. Francis · ≈ 19 min SGoodly Sayings of Brother Giles
Sundry goodly sayings and the teaching of Brother Giles · ≈ 63 min AAdditional chapters from manuscripts
From the manuscript in the Bibliotheca Angelica, and from a manuscript in Florence · ≈ 14 min FThe Farewell at Alvernia
The Farewell of S. Francis at his parting from the Mount of Alvernia · ≈ 3 min ℹAbout This Web Edition
Sources, translator, and public-domain status · ≈ 2 min
Here beginneth the Life of Brother Juniper · ≈ 33 min GThe Life of Brother Giles
The Life of the blessed Brother Giles, the companion of S. Francis · ≈ 19 min SGoodly Sayings of Brother Giles
Sundry goodly sayings and the teaching of Brother Giles · ≈ 63 min AAdditional chapters from manuscripts
From the manuscript in the Bibliotheca Angelica, and from a manuscript in Florence · ≈ 14 min FThe Farewell at Alvernia
The Farewell of S. Francis at his parting from the Mount of Alvernia · ≈ 3 min ℹAbout This Web Edition
Sources, translator, and public-domain status · ≈ 2 min
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