Chapter XII. Of S. Maria de Portiuncula

18. God's servant Francis, small in person, humble in mind, a "Minor" by profession, chose, while living in the world, for himself and his brethren a "little portion" {portiuncula) of the world, since otherwise, without having anything of the world, he could not serve Christ. Now it was not without the foreknowledge of a Divine oracle that from ancient days the place which was to fall to the lot of them who desired to have nothing at all of the world had been called Portiuncula. There also had been built a church of the Virgin Mother who by her unexampled humility was found worthy to be the head of all the Saints next after her Son. There the Order of Friars Minor began, and there as on a firm foundation the noble fabric of them in manifold number arose. This place the Saint loved above all others, this he bade his brethren respect with special reverence, this he willed ever to be kept as the mirror of the Religion in the utmost humility and poverty, reserving the property therein to others and retaining but the use of it for himself and his brethren. 19. The strictest discipline was observed there in all things, as well in respect of silence and work as of the other ordinances of the Rule. No one might be admitted there except specially appointed brethren gathered from all quarters whom the Saint would have to be truly devoted to God and perfect in every respect. So also access to it was entirely forbidden to all persons of the world. He would not have the brethren who dwelt there (who were limited to a certain number) itching to hear news of the world; lest their contemplation of heavenly things should be interrupted and they be dragged down by tattlers to lower intercourse. No one there might utter idle words or repeat them if uttered by others: and if at any time any one happened to do so, punishment taught him to be careful in future not to do it again. Those who abode there were occupied incessantly day and night in praising God, and, fragrant with a wondrous perfume, led a life of angels. And rightly so: for, as old inhabitants reported, the place used to be otherwise called S. Mary of the Angels.

The happy father used to say that it had been revealed to him by God that among all other churches in the world built in her honour the Blessed Virgin loved this one with special affection; and therefore the Saint loved it more than all the rest.