The Twelfth General: Brother Jerome of Montefiore

31 His election 32 His governance 33 The Capuchin Friars in Spain

(31) The eleventh General was the Venerable Father Jerome of Montefiore, a learned and holy man from the Province of Rome. He was elected in the Chapter assembled in Rome for the feast of Pentecost on 17th May 1575.

(32) This good Father was very learned, a very spiritual man adorned with every virtue and good custom. He visited the Congregation with great zeal about the observance of the rule. He was very austere in his life and tried as much as he could to lead the Congregation everywhere back to the perfect observance of the Rule. He suffered a lot of opposition. Nonetheless God always helped him and he succeeded honourably.

He governed the Congregation for eight years since he was Commissary for two years after the death of the previous General. When the first triennium was finished he assembled the General Chapter in Rome and he was confirmed again. In the second triennium he had more difficulties than ever while visiting. Nonetheless he bore himself valiantly and with great zeal.

(33) During the time of this good Father, in the Chapter gathered in Rome, it was decided on the authority of His Holiness to send Friars to Spain. The first house was established n Barcelona in the Province of Catalonia.

When his term was completed he went back to the Marches and then within a short time he passed away to his Creator.