Here begins a simple and devout history of the Congregation of Capuchin Friars, that is, when and how it began and who began it. Composed by me, Bernardino da Colpetrazzo.

4 The Vicar General orders the composition of the history of the Order 5 The task is entrusted to Bernardine 6 The division of the work into three books

(4) Although the Congregation had already grown considerably by the grace of God, it pleased our Lord God that many prelates of Holy Church, as well as secular Lords, nobility and people, firmly believed that Bernardino Ochino of Siena began the Congregation. This label and opinion deeply saddened our Protector, the most Illustrious Monsignor, the Cardinal of Santa Severina. To rid the Congregation of this reputation, he spoke with the Very Rev. Padre Girolamo da Monte Fiore, our General at the time. The Cardinal convinced him of the value of a written work that would bring to light the origins of our Congregation. Such a work would be useful everywhere. It would also make known the more remarkable things that our Lord God did in the Congregation so that the Friars might have the opportunity to imitate the example of the first Fathers. The Reverend Father General and our other Fathers liked the idea very much. The General wrote at once to the older friars throughout the Provinces to have them put to paper all the more important things they remembered that took place in our Congregation.

(5) At the time I was at Borgo Sansepolcro, at the friary of Montecasale. On behalf of His Lordship, whom I would want to please, His Reverence had me – because of my age – put to paper what I could easily remember, especially since I had known most of the early Fathers very well. Keeping in mind how I should follow the commands of my superiors, I immediately set myself to write. I quickly had a basic draft of everything I remembered. The Very Rev. Padre Mario da Mercato Saraceno, of happy memory, received the same commission prior to me. I believed that his Reverence would make up for my omissions and take what ever he needed from my work in order to complete his task.

Through His Lordship and our General Minister and Definitors atf the General Chapter, the Lord was pleased again to decide that I, with the help of some other Fathers, write this above mentioned work more fully and clearly. However, the other Fathers were busy elsewhere and could not help, so I entrusted myself to Our Lord Jesus Christ and holy obedience. And that is how this undertaking began. As I do not have the ability to follow the lofty style of Rev. Padre Mario, I have written and arranged the whole work according to my simplicity, thinking that the Father General and other Fathers would have to make up for everything I have overlooked. I have tried carefully to tell the simple truth in these writings and words. With all humility I submit them to the correction of the Prelates of Holy Church.

(6) I divide the work into three books. The first deals with how and when the shape of the habit fell into disuse. This was the shape the early Fathers of our Order used to use. The book then deals with how the Capuchins took up that shape again. It also includes all the noteworthy things that have happened in our Congregation until today. In the second book are the lives and miracles of holy men. Book three describes the way of life of the early Fathers of our Congregation. That book also describes all the Generals who wore the pointed cowl from the time of Saint Francis down to Michael of Cesena, as well as the more significant things that happened during their terms of office. All the Generals of our Congregation are also listed.

To the praise and glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and of His fairest Mother, and of our Father Saint Francis. Amen. On 15 October 1585, in our friary at Spoleto. Fra Bernardino as above.