The Friars Are Chosen And Sent By God For The Salvation Of All

When he arrived in Florence, blessed Francis found there the Lord Ugolino, Bishop of Ostia, who later became Pope Gregory. The Cardinal asked Francis, "Why have you sent your friars to such distant places to die of hunger and undergo hardships?" Moved by the spirit of prophesy, blessed Francis replied with deep fervor, "My Lord, do you imagine that God has raised up the friars solely for the benefit of these Provinces? I solemly assure you that God has chosen and sent the friars for the benefit and salvation of the souls of all men in this world. They will be welcomed not only in countries of the faithful, but in those of unbelievers as well, and they will win many souls."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 65