Chapter XXVI. How at Citta di Castello also he cast out a devil

70. At Citta di Castello also there was a woman possessed by a devil; and when the most blessed father Francis was there she was brought to the house in which he was staying. But she remained outside and began to gnash with her teeth, to make faces and to utter lamentable roarings,¹ after the manner of unclean spirits; and many of the people in that city of both sexes came up and besought S. Francis for the woman; for that evil spirit had long vexed her by his torments and had troubled them by his roarings. Then the holy father sent to her a brother who was with him, with the intention of finding out whether it really was a devil, or only a woman's deception. When the woman saw the brother she began to mock him, knowing that he was not S. Francis. The holy father was praying within, and when he had finished his prayer he came out; and then the woman began to tremble and to roll on the ground, unable to stand his power. S. Francis called her to him and said, "In virtue of obedience I bid thee go out of her, thou unclean spirit," and he straightway left her, doing her no hurt, and departed very full of wrath.

Thanks be to God Almighty, who worketh all in all! However, since we have determined to set forth not miracles (which do not make holiness but show it), but rather the excellence of S. Francis' life and the flawless pattern of his conversation, we will omit the miracles for their abundance and return to works of eternal salvation.