WITH THE SEVENTH CENTENARY already passed, after which the beginnings of the Franciscan Order were happily founded, rightly indeed do, as many as acknowledge Francis as their author and parent, celebrate together this glad event, and with the display of a grateful piety do very many, most holy men commemorate his memory and immortal benefactions in common. But although there is a certain, chief reason, why the Minorites keep this day solemn more than any other; it is, however, fitting that all, who enter Franciscan Institutes for the sake of merit, come to share in this solemnity and gladness, and most of all it is fitting that this Apostolic See (do so); since with Her always singular favor and grace, and in great esteem and judgment, have these very same Institutes flourished. Innumberable and brilliant momuments to this stand forth among the acts of Our Predecessors. At the beginning Gregory IX, who both studiously cultivated the friendship of the Seraphic Patriarch, and as a cardinal, acted as the first legitimate patron of the Franciscans: « The holy planting, he said, of the Order of Friars Minor began under blessed Francis of good memory, and it did wonderfully progress, through the grace of Jesus Christ, proferring its flowers and scents of holy comportment far and wide ». ¹ And he, after he was pressed with the heavy weight of solicitudes and cares, writing in this manner to the disciples of Francis gathered in general chapter, delcared how thoroughly he trusted in the patronage of their blessed Father and in the prayers of his very sons: « Among unnumbered pressures and infinite anguishes, which we can bear more than relate, resuming the matter for consolation and joy, we return thanks and praise, as we can, to the Redeemer who with remarkable gifts of grace was going before blessed Francis, Our father and yours, but perhaps more Ours, than yours, while he yet lived in the flesh, now does make him shine with Himself with such glory, . . . that We, enkindled in a greater and greater pious love for the same Saint, delight with all Our affections in his praises; hoping, that he may embrace now more clearly both Us and those, whom he, while living in the world outside of the world, did love with his whole mind, as much as he more closely gazes upon Him, who is true charity, not ceasing to intercede on Our behald; and that We, with profound charity of heart, may aspire ardently to advance your Order, you whom, the same, regenerating in Christ unto an abundance of riches, did leave as heirs of most high poverty, with the hope offered to Us, that by the suffrages of your prayers, the bearing of our sufferings will result in our salvation. »:. ²