Original Tunic worn by St. Francis at the time of his death
On display in Assisi, Italy
At Celle, in the lordship of Perugia, blessed Francis met a poor man whom he had formerly known in the world, and asked him, 'Brother, how are things with you?' But the man began to utter angry curses on his master, saying, 'Thanks to my master - God curse him! - I have had nothing but misfortune, for he has stripped me of all I possess.'
Seeing him persist in mortal hatred, blessed Francis was filled with pity for his soul, and said, 'Brother, pardon your master for the love of God, and free your own soul; it is possible that he will restore to you whatever he has taken away. Otherwise, you have lost your goods and will lose your soul as well.' And the man said, 'I cannot fully forgive him unless he first restores to me what he has taken away.' Then blessed Francis said to him, 'Look, I will give you this cloak; I beg you to forgive your master for the love of God.' And at once his heart was melted and touched by this act of kindness, and he forgave his master his wrongs.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 32
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