Chronicles

Chronicle of Erfurt (c. 1275)

This chronicle, written by a Lesser Brother, probably in Erfurt, was one of the Order's first attempts to compose a universal history in the pattern of traditional monastic works of this genre.^a The author is quite derivative, in that his work is essentially a collection of excerpts from several easily available historical and legal sources, but he has arranged his material around the succession of Popes, beginning with Peter, down to his own day. Although it does treat of secular history, it focuses on the deeds and legislation of the Popes. Because of this distinctly Papalist perspective on history, it was often referred to as the "Roman Chronicle." It proved to be very popular with students and other writers who needed a handy outline of church history.^b

The author does not show much interest in the details of specifically Franciscan history; he views the Franciscan movement as a divinely inspired development, which was providentially recognized by the Papacy to the benefit of both.

During the tenth year of the pontificate of Pope Innocent III, the 1206th from the Incarnation of the Lord,^c Francis, as a wise architect, began to do penance, and, through the mercy of God, laid the foundations of the Order of Lesser Brothers. The same Pope, even though he had scarcely seen and heard Saint Francis, was inspired by God to approve the Order and to confer on him and his brothers the office of preaching the Word of God^d. . .

This Pope, Honorius III, confirmed the way of life and Rule of Saint Francis, inserting it in the list of approved rules.^e

In the year 1227, Pope Gregory IX was elected as the one hundred and eighty-eighth successor of Saint Peter This Pope, in the second year of his pontificate, solemnly canonized the blessed Francis in the city of Assisi. Afterwards, this same Pope canonized three other saints, namely: blessed Dominic of the Order of Preaching

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