BINET, FRANÇOIS. - Theologian and preacher of the Order of Minims, b. in 1452, d. in 1524, with a reputation for sanctity at the convent of Trinità dei Monti.
He was prior of the Benedictine abbey of Marmoutiers near Tours when he met s. Francesco di Paola, whom Luigi XI had summoned to his side in order to obtain healing. He was so impressed by the austere life of the Calabrian Saint that he became his disciple and embraced the rule of the Minims. He became very dear to the Saint. As his secretary, he assisted him in drafting the Ceremonial of the Order.
Upon the Saint’s death (1507), he was elected in Rome, at the first Chapter, general of the Order. For several three-year terms he alternated the highest office with that of procurator general, working with such zeal for the nascent Order as to deserve the title of “second founder.”
He promoted the glorification of s. Francesco, bringing the cause to completion: six years after the Saint’s death, beatification (1513), and after another six years (1519), canonization. The chronicles of his Order bestow upon him the title of blessed.