RUFFINO of Assisi, Blessed. — One of the first companions of St. Francis, related to St. Clare of Assisi.
He distinguished himself as a man of high contemplation. A close friend of St. Francis, he was often privy to his revelations and secrets: he was among the few who witnessed his stigmata, especially that of the side, while Francis was still alive. His name is linked to the *Legenda trium sociorum* (q.V. QUESTIONE FRANCESCANA), which he, together with Brother Leo and Brother Angelo, wrote about the life of St. Francis, signing the prologue-letter from Greccio on 12 August 1246. He died in 1270. He was soon venerated, but the cult was never officially recognized.
BIBL.: Besides the various references found in the biographical sources of St. Francis (cf. *Anal. Franc.*, X, indices), a life dating from the early 14th century is found in the *Chronica XXIV Generalium*, in *Anal. Franc.*, III, Quaracchi 1897, pp. 66-54; P. Sabatier, *Actus b. Francisci*, Paris 1902, pp. 107-20; Wadding, *Annales*, IV, pp. 351-55.