What Saint Francis Did Upon Hearing a Brother Denigrate Another’s Reputation

One day, upon hearing a brother denigrate another’s reputation, he said to his vicar:

Go quickly, and examine this matter carefully. If the accused brother is innocent, correct his accuser so severely that it leaves a strong impression on the other brothers.

Grave dangers threaten the religious life if those who denigrate others are not firmly opposed; the sweet fragrance of many will soon turn into the stench of death if we do not shut the poisoned mouths.

I demand that you take the utmost care to ensure that this pestilent disease does not spread further. The brother who has robbed his fellow of the glory of his good name must be stripped of his habit and shall not lift his eyes to God until he has restored what he has stolen.