ST.FRANCIS OF ASSISI : DWELLING PLACE OF GOD
Though St.Francis believed that the grace of God was given to the elect of God in every place, he had however experienced that the place of the Church of St.Mary of the Pontiuncula was endowed with more fruitful graces and visited by heavenly spirits. Therefore, he often said to his brothers “See to it, my sons, that you never abandon this place. If you are driven out from one side, go back in the other. For this place is truly holy and is the dwelling place of God. Here, though we were but a few, the Most High God gave us increase. Here, he enlightened the hearts of the poor ones by the light of his wisdom. Here, he set our wills alive with the fire of his love. Here, he who prays with a devout heart will obtain what he prays for and he who offends will be punished more severely. Wherefore, my sons, consider this dwelling place of God to be worthy of all honour and with all your heart, with the voice of joy and peace give glory to God in this place.