Willingly, We Take You As Father And Protector

Bishop R. Daniel Conlon with a Franciscan Sister, T.O.R., of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother

Then blessed Francis gave thanks that God had deigned to inspire Cardinal Ugolino, prior bishop of Ostia, to take the friars under his protection, and he said to the Cardinal: "Willingly, my Lord, I take you as father and protector of our Order; and it is my wish that the brothers should always pray for you." He then requested the Cardinal to be present at the Chapter of the brothers to be held at Pentecost; and in his kindness the Cardinal accepted and was present each year at the friars' gathering.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER XV

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