Feast of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (April 16)

Saint Benedict Joseph Labre was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis who took the itinerant life.

St. Francis exhorted the Friars to take up the itinerant life in the end times. It’s also one reason why Matthew of Bascio, first Capuchin, took this life.

Rule of St. Francis of Assisi, Chap. 6: “The Brothers should have nothing of their own, no house, no place, nor any other possession, but should see themselves as travelers and strangers in this world. Let them serve the Lord in poverty and humility, and go forth with confidence to beg for alms.”

Bernardino da Colpetrazzo, O.F.M.Cap: “He [Matthew of Bascio, first Capuchin] relied very much on a prophecy of Father Saint Francis written in the Book of Conformities. He says that in the last times the Order will lapse from the true observance of the Rule. He strongly exhorts the Friars to be zealous observers of the Rule when that time comes and to take up the itinerant life under obedience to His Holiness.”

Bernardino da Colpetrazzo, O.F.M.Cap: “He [Matthew of Bascio, first Capuchin] knew clearly that God called him to that life of itinerant preaching, observing holy poverty completely by being entirely detached from all human favour.”

Bernardino da Colpetrazzo, O.F.M.Cap: “For in the beginning Father Saint Francis did not intend to set up houses as is usually done. His intention was to begin an Order where they would conform totally with the Holy Apostles in everything by leading an itinerant life.”