Chapter II - THE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 October 2010
Summary
“Quis magis meretur vadens ad sanctum Jacobum vel ad sanctum Jacobum ostendens viam?”
–Ægidius.The first year of Giles' life as a Friar was spent in close association with St. Francis. It is difficult to know whether to accept the account given by the compiler of the Long Life and based upon the “Legend of the Three Companions,” how immediately after the reception of Giles, Francis and his new follower set off on a tour in the March of Ancona. The critical aspects of the matter are discussed later. It seems probable that there were tours during the time following the reception of Giles and while the number of Friars was still but four; not exactly for public preaching, but for private hand-to-hand work with individuals. One of these may well have been the occasion when Francis and Giles went on foot to the March of Ancona. But wherever the incident is placed in that first year, it is one of the most beautiful and characteristic episodes of early Franciscan days. Francis, who, as the “Mirror of Perfection” tells us, used the French tongue when carried away with the exuberance of his feelings, went along singing aloud in French and praising God. Turning to his wondering companion he said: “Our Order will be like a fisherman, who casts his nets into the waters, catching a great multitude of fishes: the big ones he choses out, but the small he leaves in the water.”
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- Blessed Giles of Assisi , pp. 7 - 13Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2010First published in: 1918