About the many illustrious persons who have been like fathers and mothers to the poor Congregation

431 The Duke and Dutchess of Camerino 432 Victoria Colonna, Marchioness of Pescara 433 Also some others

(431) The Lord God did not fail to provide some very illustrious persons for the poor Congregation. In its needs they would have put their substance, their lives and everything they possessed in the world. John May Varano, the Duke of Camerino, was like a father to the poor Congregation in the beginning. For a long time he kept the Fathers in his own palace. His consort, the Duchess Caterina Cibo, was the same. Just as our Lord had Mary Magdalen and Martha deigned often to stay in their house and she had this beautiful name, ‘Martha, host of the Saviour,’ so this venerable woman can be said to be the host of the Congregation of Capuchins. The congregation never had a more loving mother. Going from clear experience she carried the Capuchins in her heart as if she had given birth to them all.

(432) The same for Her Ladyship Victoria Colonna, the marchioness of Pescara. She loved the whole Congregation so tenderly that she directed all her substance, support and her own life for the good of the poor Congregation. I will not go into details because it would take too long to speak of the worthy works that Her Ladyship did for our Congregation. From her own means she clothed the Friars often. She led a miraculous life, continuously practising fasts and holy prayers. She was enlightened in knowledge and in spirit like no one else in Italy in her day. She composed wonderful verses that spoke s highly of the passion of Christ that few others have been able to equal.

After her, her brother, the Lord Ascanio Colonna was always very close and affectionate towards the Congregation. The entire House of Colonna was always very affectionate towards the Congregation.

(433) The Lord Camillo Orsini was the same. Together with all that illustrious Household they were always very affectionate. They were always a great benefit to the poor Congregation during those difficulties.

I will leave off speaking about Cosmo di Medici, the Grand Duke of Turin; the Duke of Urbino; of John of Turin, colonel of the king of France. These were always very affectionate.

At Court Cardinal Farnese and the old Cardinal of Santo Severino were like two columns to our Congregation. For a very long time the entire Congregation of Capuchins were obliged to these persons and their households to remember them always in our prayers as our principal benefactors.

To the praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.