The Reform of the Conventual Fathers

51 Promotors of this Reform 52 Serious difficulties at the time of Leo X 53 Francesco da Montepulciano

(51) At the same time a desire to do some Reform appeared among many venerable Fathers within the body of the Order. Padre Frate Egidio d’Amelia was General of the entire Order and had been elected in the Chapter assembled at Terni in 1500. This General entered the presence of His Holiness, Julius II, and made an offer. If his Holiness would remove the authority granted the Zoccolanti Fathers in their rerform and unite the entire Order together, the General promised to reform the whole Order. When he heard this His Holiness thought it would be much better for the whole Order to reform and for all the Friars observe the Rule in a united way, according to the intention of Father Saint Francis. Therefore he granted full authority to the General to visit the all the Order to reform it, and then assemble an all-inclusive general Chapter in Rome. Beginning in Italy, this Reverend Father gathered together some learned and spiritual masters, remarkable men, and gave them full authority to begin to reform Italy. These venerable Masters were: 1˚ the most fervent and learned servant of God, Master Francesco da Montepulciano; 2˚ Frate Giuliano da Salò; 3˚ Frate Modesto da Piacenza; 4˚, Frate Salvatore da Val di Bona; 5˚, Frate Tomaso Schiamone; 6˚, Frate Domenico da Udine; 7˚, Frate Ubertino da Casale. United together they began that Reform. They adopted strict habits which were lowly and rough and had the pointed cowl. That Reform grew quickly in Italy and there were many holy men. However God particularly adorned these seven Masters with miracles. They persevered in the perfect observance of the Rule until death.

(52) When the General Chapter was convened and the General, Frate Egidio, had not reformed the Order as he had promised, His Holiness confirmed the Fathers of the Observance in their original authority. At the time of Leo X they received from him the seals of the Order. Because of this, the Conventual Reform diminished. Some friaries still remain which have kept the name ‘Reformed Conventuals’ and wear the rounded cowl.

(53) When he saw that Reform blocked, the Very Rev. Padre Frate Francesco da Montepulciano withdrew to a secret place in Puglia. Under obedience to the General he lived there for five years in great austerity. During this time he dedicated himself to holy contemplation. Then when he emerged he began to preach with such spirit that he astonished everyone. And God revealed the Capuchin Reform to him. Passing through Assisi he preached in the square. Going around he said often, “My people, in a short time you will see Saint Francis rise up. I am not speaking about the body of Saint Francis but about his way of life and habit.” Turning to some boys he said to them, “You boys will see him.” One day an old man came to our friary of the Carcarelle in Assisi. He told me that he was one of those boys who heard these words with his own ears. Then turning toward us he said, “Now I see him.”

Then the holy man went to Florence where he preached with such acceptance that he stunned the whole city. He so frightened the city that many abandoned the markets and shops of the world because of their terrible fear concerning the tribulations which had to come. Because of this, the Lords of that Republic – who are called “the Eight”- sent to speak with him. They asked if he would be so kind as to tell them if he knew these things by revelation or if he only said these things to frighten everyone. He asked that they give him three days to reply to them. When the third day came though he had died. The holy man was buried in Holy Cross and I have seen his tomb.