Banished men were recalled to the city to take part in these sacred
transactions. It appears that these 'Paci' were on the whole faithfully
observed, even after the mood which prompted them was over; and then
the memory of the monk was blessed from generation to generation. But
there were sometimes terrible crises like those in the families Della
Valle and Croce in Rome (1482) where even the great Roberto da Lecce
raised his voice in vain. Shortly before Holy Week he had preached to
immense crowds in the square before the Minerva. But on the night
before Maundy Thursday a terrible combat took place in front of the
Palazzo della Valle, near the Ghetto. In the morning Pope Sixtus gave
orders for its destruction, and then performed the customary ceremonies
of the day. On Good Friday Roberto preached again with a crucifix in
his hand; but he and his hearers could do nothing but weep.
Violent natures, which had fallen into contradictions with themselves,
often resolved to enter a convent, under the impression made by these
men. Among such were not only brigands and criminals of every sort, but
soldiers without employment. This resolve was stimulated by their
admiration of the holy man, and by the desire to copy at least his
outward position.
The concluding sermon is a general benediction, summed up in the words:
'la pace sia con voi!' Throngs of hearers accompany the preacher to the
next city, and there listen for a second time to the whole course of
sermons.
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