The marvels which are found in the Life of St. Francis are perfectly
well attested. That Life was first written by Thomas de Celano, one
of his companions, who was directed by Pope Gregory IX. to compile it,
and who afterwards added a second part on additional memoirs. John or
Thomas de Ceperano, Apostolic Notary, who was a staunch friend of the
Saint, published at the same time what he knew of his actions.
Crescentius de Jesi, General of the Order of the Friars Minors, gave
directions, by circular letters, to collect and transmit to him whatever
had been seen or learnt, relative to the sanctity and miracles of the
blessed Father. He addressed himself particularly to three of his
twelve first companions: Leo, his secretary and his confessor; Angelus
and Rufinus: all three joined in compiling what is called "The Legend
of the Three Companions." The others noted separately what they had
themselves seen, and the things which they had learnt from others.
Saint Bonaventure, being at the head of the Order, was urgently
entreated, by the general chapter, to write the life of their holy
Patriarch. With the intention of learning, with certainty, the truth
of the facts, he went expressly to Assisi, "There," he says, in the
preface to his work, "I had frequent and serious conferences with those
who had been in the confidence of the great man, and who were still
living; and principally with those who were most intimately consociated
with him, and who have become the most faithful imitators of his holy
life, to whose testimony we must undoubtedly give credit, because their
acknowledged sanctity assures us that they have spoken truth." Now,
what can the most exact and severe criticism wish more, in order to
give warranty to the marvels in the Life of St. Francis, than
contemporaries, ocular witnesses, holy persons, his own companions,
who lived with him and enjoyed his confidence?