In a world characterized by conflicting interpretations and of shifting loyalties at the time. The large family of Franciscans had their share of animosities, divisions, and alliances. Among the various groups there were counted in the ranks a number of prominent ideological and political figures in diverse aides of these conflicts yet also possessed a number of false and true prophets and reformers. During this Age of Reform in the Church, there were figures who hankered for the good old days of St. Francis and his early followers and disciples.

There was Fra Matteo da Bascio residing in one of the friaries of the Friars Minor of the Observance or Friars Minor Observants in the Marches of Ancona. These Friars Minor of the Observance belonged to a reformed branch of the large Franciscan family that split into the simply so-called Friars Minor and the Friars Minor Conventuals. It should be pointed out at the outset that in English grammar the particular always follows the generic designation.

In 1525, without taking leave from the Guardian of the convent. Matteo set out on his own to Rome to speak about his concerns to the Pope himself. Now, at this time it was still possible to see the Pope since there was not much bureaucratic protocols. Matteo personally expressed his simple desire to live a stricter observance of the Rule of St. Francis. He also wanted to wear his “modified habit” which he felt was more closely like the habit worn by St. Francis himself. But since he did not have the permission of his Guardian and, therefore, carried with him an official obedience, he was technically, in accordance with Canon Law, a fugitive.

This did not seem like a good beginning! But, fortunately, Matteo’s request was verbally granted by the Pope. Clement VII gave him permission to wear his strange-looking habit and to “go about the world preaching the commandments of God and, by word and example, exhort men to walk in the way of God and in good works.” This permission carried one simple condition: that each year during the Chapter, he was to present himself to the Minister Provincial of the Observants of his Province as a taken of obedience.”

Alas, the Minister Provincial did not exactly look positively at this turn of events. So, he had Matteo imprisoned and imposed fasting as a punishment. That may help bring Matteo to his senses and teach him the error of his ways.

This may seem to be the end of the story. But God works in mysterious ways, indeed. From this seeming inauspicious beginning, that tiny insignificant spark ignited a mighty movement that blazed a trail across the centuries, confirmed by the testimonies of the holiness of saints and holy men and woman of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin that fulfilled those words of the Vicar of Christ: “go about the world preaching the commandments of God by word and example, exhort all men to walk in the way of God and in good works.”

-Br. Joseph Nacua, OFMCap. D.D.