A Small, Insignificant Man

Little Poor Friar V.V. of Jesus and Mary

Before Francis appeared before him, the Pope had had a vision that the church of Saint John Lateran was only saved from falling by being upheld on the shoulder of a small, insignificant man. He had awakened depressed and surprised, and, being wise and discreet, he had pondered long on the meaning of the vision. A few days later blessed Francis and the brothers came to him...Then when the Pope looked at Francis he compared his vision of the Lateran and began to say: "This is surely the holy and religious man by whom the church of God will be supported and upheld."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
Chapter XII

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