The documentary evidence that was examined by Tommaso da Celano, first biographer of Saint Francis, in order to produce his various legendae and accounts of miracles, was arranged by him in such a way as to provide as complete a picture as possible of the truthfulness of the events he narrated. But above all, it was meant to be an effort to portray the figure of Francis of Assisi in the light of the paschal mystery of Christ. This is highly evident in the transitus accounts of Francis’ death and glorification. That is why the use of these paragraphs from Celano’s Vita beati Francisci, Legenda ad usum chori, Vita beati patris nostri Francisci and Memoriale in desiderio animae is highly recommendable during the celebration of the transitus of Saint Francis, of which this year we are commemorating the 800th anniversary.
by Noel Muscat, ofm
Franciscan Studies 