Page "Fraticelli" Paragraph 19

The " Poor Hermits " of Monte della Majella, near Sulmona, were also Fraticelli and adherents of Angelo da Clareno, and at one time afforded protection to the famous tribune of the people, Cola di Rienzi ( 1349 ).

Fanatical as they were on the subject of poverty, they were, in accordance with ancient custom, sheltered by the Celestine monks in the near-by abbey of Santo Spirito.

The origin of the orthodox Clareni, approved as true Franciscans by Sixtus IV in 1474, is unknown ; nor is it clear whether they were followers of Angelo who kept aloof from heresy or, after falling into his error, retracted.