St. Francis was a master in humility

“Suppose a messenger comes and tells me that all the Masters in the University of Paris have come to join the order: that is not true happiness. Suppose that all the prelates beyond the Alps, all the archbishops and bishops have come to join the order, suppose that the kings of France and of England have come too: that is not true happiness. Suppose that my brethren have gone to the unbelievers and converted them all to the faith; suppose that I have such grace from God that I heal the sick and work many miracles: I tell you that in all of these true happiness does not reside.

So what is true happiness? I am on my way back from Perugia and I arrive here late at night, and it is the muddy time of winter and so cold that there are icicles hanging from the bottom of my tunic, which keep striking my legs so that they are wounded and bleeding. All muddy and cold and covered in ice, I arrive at the door and when I have knocked at the door and shouted for a long time, at last the brother comes and asks, ‘Who is it?’ I reply, It’s brother Francis.’ He says, ‘Go away, this is no time for travelling. You can’t come in.’ I plead with him, but he repeats, ‘Go away; you’re an ignorant simpleton. You are certainly not going to come in here with us; we have quite enough people here and they are quite good enough, we do not need you.’ Once more I stand at the door, saying ‘For the love of God, take me in just for this night.’ But he says, I won’t. Go to the Crutched Friars and ask there.’ I tell you, if I have patience and am not upset, this is where true happiness lies and true virtue and the salvation of my soul.” (From: Kajetan Esse: Die Opuscula des Hl. Franziskus von Assisi: Neuetextkritische Edition. Gtottsferrata: Collegii S. Bonaventura ad Claras Aquas, 1976. pp. 459 – 461)