Review of Franciscan Culture
The year 2021 will mark the 8th centenary since the approval of the Regula non bullataof the friars Minor (1221). So called because it never received papal confirmation through an official bulla, it is an important document for its rich scriptural and spiritual contents and because it constitutes an immediate preparation for the Regula bullata of the friars Minor, confirmed by Pope Honorius III on 29 November 1223 with the bulla “Solet annuere”. This issue of S+L will examine the historical circumstances leading to the formation of this Rule. Other papers include a short presentation of the Franciscan Spirituality of some ancient works of art in the church of Santa Marija ta’ Ġesù in Rabat, Malta. These artefacts include the marble statue of Antonello Gagini of Messina, which is currently under restoration, and two panels of the original altarpiece of the original church, the work of Antonello de Saliba of Messina. All artefacts date from the early years of the 16th century. They were also described in an 18th century chronicle by a Maltese Franciscan, dealing with the first two friaries of the Franciscan friars Minor in Malta, both dedicated to “Santa Marija ta’ Ġesù” (Ta’ Ġieżu), a popular title with Franciscans of the Regular Observance in Sicily during the 15th and 16th centuries.
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Franciscan Studies 