The Early Portiuncula Skete

The early Portiuncula Skete in Assisi

Francis went to a place called the Portiuncula, where there stood a church of the Blessed Virgin Mother of God that had been built in ancient times, but was now deserted and cared for by no one. When the holy man of God saw how it was thus in ruins, he was moved with pity, because he burned with devotion toward the mother of all good; and he began to live there in great zeal.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
Chapter IX

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