The name given to a classic collection of popular legends about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and his early companions. Probably the translation of a Latin original, "Floretum," it cannot be traced to one author, being rather an embodiment of traditions. The second half has been attributed to Fra Ugolino Brunforte, provincial of the Friars Minor (died 1348). The four appendices were added by later compilers. The earliest known manuscript, preserved at Berlin, is dated 1390; first printed at Vicenza, 1476, it enjoyed a wide circulation in Italy, the vernacular version being reckoned among the masterpieces of Italian literature. There are several well-known English versions.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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