PART TWO
HISTORY AND CHRONICLE
SECTION ONE
DOCUMENTS AND TESTIMONIES FROM OUTSIDE THE ORDER
(1526-1632)
OVERVIEW
TEXTS AND NOTES
by
CONSTANZO CARGNONI
I FRATI CAPPUCCINI. Documenti e Testimonianze del Primo Secolo. A cura di COSTANZO CARGNONI. Roma 1982, II, 23-26.
(Original text in I Frati cappuccini here)
OVERVIEW
In this documentary section, of immeasurable historical significance for comprehending the Capuchin reform, we have organised a series of testimonies in a logical and chronological sequence. These testimonies provide an objective perspective on the early life and development of the Capuchins, as observed and judged by outsiders rather than the Capuchin protagonists themselves. This perspective offers a unique glimpse into the first Capuchin century.
On the one hand, they guarantee an objective presentation of the “Capuchin” phenomenon. On the other hand, if they adopt a polemical or apologetic tone, they serve to confirm the interpretation of one of the most contentious polemics that emerged within the Franciscan Order, following the Spirituals and the Observants, which were always fertile grounds for “seraphic” conflicts.
Given the historical context, wherein the first to experience the emergence of the new Franciscan reform were the members of the Order, particularly the Observants from whom the Capuchins derived and subsequently separated, we present a collection of texts, predominantly of Observant origin, characterised by their fervent polemical contrasts. These texts range from the most extreme opposition to the most cunning downsizing and demythologizing of the phenomenon, to a decidedly sympathetic stance, even admiring and extolling the newfound grace of Franciscan life that manifested in the 16th century. (I. Franciscan testimonies from outside the Order: documents 1-13).
Amidst this controversy between the Observants and the Capuchins, the “virile” intervention of a 16th-century noblewoman, the Marchioness of Pescara, renowned as the greatest Italian poetess of that era, Vittoria Colonna (1490-1546), emerges victorious. We present, for the first time, a comprehensive collection of the “Capuchin” epistolary of Vittoria Colonna, which encompasses the letters written or received by the Marchioness in support of the Capuchins, comprising a total of 25 letters. The epistolary serves a twofold purpose: defending the Capuchin reform and expressing admiration for the life and evangelical preaching of Bernardino Ochino. Ochino, as a pivotal figure in the Capuchin reform during those years, significantly influences the epistolary of Vittoria Colonna, as evidenced by the testimonies from outside the Order. Consequently, we append a small section of letters related to the figure of Ochino, encompassing both the “magical” moment of his preaching and the tragic culmination of his flight. (II. “Capuchin” epistolary of Vittoria Colonna: documents 14-34).
In addition to the twofold series of sources, largely shaped by polemics, a third category of historical testimonies can be identified. These testimonies are provided by contemporaries outside the Order and so free from any internal conflicts, yet they are favourable to the Capuchins. This approval can be attributed to their support for the pre-Tridentine Catholic reform or to the opportunity to utilise the zeal of the newly reformed religious to implement the renewal decrees of the Tridentine Council. This latter event, with its official approval of the Capuchin reform, serves as a pivotal moment in the history of the Order’s origins. It marks the transition between the initial significant documents of the Order’s history, such as the interventions of Father Giustiniani and Caterina Cybo, and others that provide a more positive perspective on the early Capuchin expansion, particularly in Italy. This geographical expansion is most significantly exemplified in St. Felix of Cantalice, who embodies the spiritual dimension and ideal justification for the Capuchins (III. Various testimonies on the origins and early development of the Order: documents 35-52).
To ensure the homogeneity of the documentation, a fourth section of documents has been added. These documents are a collection of interventions from the extensive epistolary of St. Charles Borromeo. These interventions support the expansion and preaching of the Capuchins, contributing to the establishment of several of their friaries. This collection also includes letters written to the saint (IV. From the epistolary of St. Charles Borromeo: documents 53-68).
A distinct type of documentation originating from external sources, such as town chronicles and diaries, can also be found in the form of autobiographies, recollections, or records of news and historical memories. The external observer in these accounts comes from diverse backgrounds, including nuns writing the memoirs of their monasteries, notaries and city chroniclers from family tradition, religious scholars, clerics, and cardinals. This variety of social backgrounds contributes to presenting the presence, activities, and spiritual life of the Capuchins in various cities with exceptionally detailed and vivid accounts, often capturing the essence of contemporary events in a concise manner (V. Chronicles and Diaries: Documents 69-91).
A complementary component to these town chronicles are the so-called “revisions” of the various municipalities, to which a dedicated section of this documentary collection is devoted (cf. Part II, Section II: Testimonies of Public Authorities, edited by C. Urbanelli).
Given that the chronicles frequently, if not always, document the preaching of the Capuchins, which was a common cause for the establishment of their friaries, we sought to collect characteristic testimonies on Capuchin preaching during the latter half of the 16th and early 17th centuries, the most prolific period of Capuchin foundations. This era is exemplified by notable figures such as Alfonso Lupo, Mattia Bellintani da Salò, Cristoforo Facciardi da Verucchio, Giacinto da Casale, and tersely, an anonymous Capuchin. This typical preaching stands out in letters written by outsiders, possibly for literary or political reasons, but it is also critically assessed within the context of Catholic preaching of the time, as evidenced by Cardinal Federico Borromeo (VI. Particular Testimonies on Capuchin Preaching: Documents 92-95).
In conclusion to this section, it appeared to be of significant importance and practical utility to us to compile a comprehensive summary of general information on the Capuchin Order. This information has been analysed and presented in a more structured manner, either as a list or catalogue of reformed religious houses and sacred places in cities, as a chapter in a history of religious orders, or as a specific annotation in a collection of juridical and pontifical documents. Notably, a “poetic” and engaging presentation of Capuchin life is also included in the appendices (VII. General information on the Capuchin reform: docs. 96-105).