Rule Of Saint Francis

It is not good to say the rule of Saint Francis of Assisi , but the rules of St. Francis of Assisi because there were several, some of which are permanently lost. However, one can actually have the title of canonical rule. There is also a supplement to the Rule for monasteries and a licorice extract for St. Clare and her sisters.

propositum (1209)

Writing very short and simple, this rule was probably written around 1209 and was approved by Pope Innocent III. The texts were never found. St. Francis speaks in his will with these words (cf. Test 14-15): "And after that the Lord gave me brothers, no one showed me what I should do, but the Most High himself to me revealed that I had to live according to the form of the holy gospel. And I had him write briefly and simply, and the pope confirmed it for me. ".

First Rule (1221)

The text traditionally called the "First Rule" is not because it is neither the first and this is not a rule in the sense that not having received papal approval, it can not be called canonically Rule.

The text written in 1221 looks more like a directory of spiritual law. But it is an essential document for those who want to know the true spirit of the founder of the Order of Friars Minor.

This text was probably introduced to all the brothers of the Order (between 3 and 5 thousand brothers) in the Chapter of Pentecost 1221.

Second Rule (1223)

The Second Rule is written in partnership between Saint Francis of Assisi and the protector of the Order of Friars Minor, Cardinal Ugolino (later Pope Gregory IX ). Write to the hermitage of Fonte Colombo , is in 12 chapters that Brother Francis wrote the Rule, under the dictates of Christ, for which he was forced back outside twice in the first edition having been lost (See LP 113).

This text has seen her writing in a context where the law was customary. The magnification of the Orders in number and space and the forced expulsion of the founder writing a unifying text that crosses space and time so that there is the least deviation from the spirit of the founder.

Cardinal Ugolino also participated in the drafting. He confirmed in his Bull Quo elongata in 1230. One finds in this rule, formulations of someone very close to legal forms written by Cardinal guard who was accustomed to these terms.

But some layouts of the papal chancery do not prevent the final approval by Pope Honorius III on November 29 1223 in the bubble Solet annuere. Important lines of previous writings still appear even with some input on the vows of poverty, the brothers' work, the balance between contemplation and action as well as missions to the pagans and other infidels.

This rule, written in 1223 still governs the Order of Friars Minor. It is this rule that the friars profess to observe.

Rule for monasteries

The time of writing this brief writing may not be fixed with certainty. It probably existed before 1218. This shows that the attractiveness of loneliness experienced by the brothers Francis before he was given was felt from the very beginnings of the order and that Francis approved of it.

The form and substance of this note we show the writing skills of Saint Francis without the assistance or the brother Caesarius of Speyer , nor the Cardinal Ugolino. ^{Chapter One}

The rule and life of the Friars Minor is this, namely: to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience, without its own and in chastity. Brother Francis promises obedience and reverence to the Lord Pope Honorius and his canonically elected successors, and the Roman Church. And the other brothers are bound to obey Friar Francis and his successors.

Chapter Two

Those who want to embrace this life, and how they are received.

If that's who want to embrace this life and come to our brothers, that they send them to their provincial minister, who only, and not to others, be granted the power to receive Brothers. But the Minister consider carefully about the Catholic Faith and the sacraments of the Church. If they believe all these things, if they want to confess faithfully and observe them firmly to the end and if they are not married, or, if they are, and that their wives are already entered a monastery, or, by permission of the diocesan Bishop, they have given them permission, after earlier vow of abstinence, and that these women are of a certain age they can cause suspicion: then tell them that ministers the word of the Holy Gospel A'ils go and sell all their property and take care to distribute to the poor. What if they can do their good will suffice. And that the brothers and their ministers are careful to have concern for their temporal goods, so they make themselves freely what the Lord inspires them. However, if a board is required that Ministers have the power to send men fearing God, and by the council thereof, that their assets are distributed to the poor. Then they give them the habit of probation: two tunics without a hood, a rope and shorts1, and Caperon up the rope if it is sometimes the same Ministers advise differently according to God. The year of probation was over, they are received to obedience, promising always to observe this life and Rule. And according to the commandment of the Lord the Pope, nor will they be allowed in any way out of this religion, because from the holy Gospel: Whoever puts his hand to the plow and looking back, is not suitable the kingdom of God. Let those who have already promised obedience have one tunic with a hood, and if they want another without a hood. And let those who are forced by necessity, can wear shoes.

All the brothers are dressed in poor clothes, and they can patch up the bags and other pieces, with the blessing of God. I admonish and exhort them not to despise nor judge men they will gently dressed, wearing colored clothes, and use of sensitive foods and beverages, but rather that each one judge and despise himself.

Chapter Three

Of the Divine Office, fasting, and how the brothers have to go around the world.

Clerics do that according to the divine order of the Holy Roman Church, except the Psalter, therefore they may have breviaries. That the lay brothers say twenty-four Our Fathers for Matins, Lauds for five, for Prime, Tierce, Sext and None, for each of these hours, seven; for Vespers, and twelve for Compline, seven, and they pray for the dead.

Fast that the brothers from the feast of All Sains up the Nativity of the Lord. As the holy Lent, which begins at Epiphany to continue for forty consecutive days, and was consecrated by the holy fasting of the Lord, that those who voluntarily comply are blessed by the Lord, and that those who do not want, does There are not compelled, but for the other Lent until the Resurrection of the Lord, they are fasting. At other times, let them not be required to fast, if not Friday. However, in time of manifest necessity, the Brothers are not kept fasting body.

I advise, I warn and exhort my brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ, when they go around the world, they avoid arguing, debating and lyrics by judging others, but they are soft, peaceful, modest, full of meekness and humility, and they speak honestly at all, as appropriate. And they should not ride on horseback, unless they are forced by a manifest necessity or infirmity. In whatever house they enter, they first say, Peace be to this house. And according to the Holy Gospel, that they be allowed to eat all food presented to them.

Chapter Four

That the Brothers do not receive well funded.

I firmly precept to all the brothers, not in any way receive coins or money through themselves or through intermediaries. However, the needs of those with disability and to clothe the other brothers, that only the Ministers and Custodes, with spiritual friends, have great care in the places, times and cold regions, as well as if they deem necessary: this always excepted, as has been said, they receive neither money nor well funded.

Chapter Five

How to work.

That the brothers to whom the Lord has given grace to work, work faithfully and devotedly, so that by banishing idleness, the enemy of the soul, they do not extinguish the spirit of holy prayer and devotion , to which all other temporal things should serve. But the price of their work, they receive for themselves and their brethren, the necessary things to the body, except coins or money, and it humbly, as befits the servants of God and disciples of the Blessed Poverty.

Chapter vi

That the Brothers do not take ownership, they ask for alms and Brothers in disability

That the Brothers do not take ownership, neither house nor place, nor anything, but as pilgrims and strangers in this century, serving the Lord in poverty and humility, with confidence that they go begging. And do not they ashamed: because the Lord made himself poor for us in this world. This is where excellence in high poverty, which has established you, my dear brothers, heirs and kings of the kingdom of heaven has made you poor in goods, but you had high virtues. So whether your sharing, it leads to the land of the living. Buckle up there so completely, beloved brothers and, for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, please do not have anything under the sky.

And Brothers, wherever they are, or meet, show servants to each other, and with insurance, they'll show each other their necessity, because if a mother nourishes and loves her son in the flesh with how much affection he needs everyone to love and nourish his brother in the spirit. And if anyone of them falls in infirmit5, other brothers must serve, as they would like to serve themselves.

Chapter vii

Of penance to be imposed on Friars fell into sin.

Although some Brothers, at the instigation of the enemy, committing mortal sins of those for whom the brothers have decided that we only resort to the provincial ministers, that the guilty are required to use them, the sooner they may, without delay. But the Ministers themselves, if they are priests, impose penance with mercy, and if they are not priests, that they do impose other priests of the Order, as they appear more expedient, according to God. And they must avoid being irritated and be troubled for sin of any Brother: Because anger and prevent disorder in themselves and in others, charity.

Chapter Eight

The election of the Minister General of the Fraternity and the Chapter of Pentecost.

All the brothers are obliged to always have one of the Brothers of Religion, Minister for General and servant of the whole fraternity, and they are bound firmly to obey him. Which dying, that the election of a successor is made by the Provincial Ministers and Custodes, the Chapter of Pentecost, which the Provincial Ministers are still required to assemble in any place will have been determined by the Minister General and this once every three years or longer dan a term or shorter term as it has been determined by that Minister. And if in some time, the universality of Provincial Ministers and Custodes thought that the Minister General is insufficient to service and common utility of the Brethren, that the Ministers and Custodes, to whom belongs the election, be required, in the name of the Lord, for them to elect another custode6. After the Chapter of Pentecost, and the same year, the Ministers and Custodes may each in particular in their custodies7 if they want and if they deem it advisable, convene once their brothers in the Chapter.

Chapter ix

Preachers.

That the Brothers do not preach in the diocese of any bishop, when the latter oppose it. And that no one dares Brothers in any way, preaching to people, if the Minister General of the Brotherhood did reviewed and approved, and has granted him the office of preaching. I warn and exhort the same as brothers, to ensure that in the sermons they do, their words are examined and chaste for the utility and edification of the people, announcing the vices and virtues, punishment and glory with brevity of speech, because the Lord had shortened the word on earth.

Chapter x

Of admonition and correction of Brothers.

The Brothers who are ministers and servants of other brothers, visit and warn their brethren, and correct them with humility and charity, not commanding them anything which cutter soul and our Rule. But the Friars, who are subject, remember that to God they have renounced their own will. Therefore, I firmly command them to obey their ministers in all things they have promised the Lord to observe and which are not contrary to their soul and our Rule. And in any place are the brothers, they know and recognize they can not observe the rule spiritually, they should and can use their Ministers. And if that Ministers familiarity towards them, these brothers can speak and act with them as masters with their servants as well be, as ministers are the servants of all the brothers.

However, I warn the Brothers, I urge in the Lord Jesus Christ, to preserve all pride, vainglory, envy, avarice, care and solicitude of this century, detraction and murmuring. And those who do not know the letters do not care to learn them, but they believe that, above all things, they must desire to possess the spirit of the Lord and His holy operation, to pray always with God pure heart to have humility and patience in persecution and in infirmity, and love those who persecute us, we pick up and blame us: because the Lord said: Love your enemies and pray pure ones you persecute and slander. Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. But he who endures to the end, he shall be saved.

Chapter eleventh

That the Brothers do not enter the monasteries of nuns.

I firmly precept to all the Brothers for not reporting suspicious or advice with women. And they do not enter the monasteries of nuns, except those who received special permission from the Apostolic See. And they do not make accomplices of men or women, lest, by this time, the scandal is born among the Brothers about the Brothers.

Chapter twelfth

Of those who go among the Saracens and other infidels.

Those of the Brothers, who by divine inspiration, would go among the Saracens and other infidels, ask for permission from their provincial ministers. But that Ministers grant anyone permission to go, except to those able to recognize that they will be sent. In addition, I order through obedience to Ministers to request the Lord the Pope, one of the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, as governor, protector and corrector of this fraternity, so that always subject and subject to the feet of this same Holy Roman Church, stable in the Catholic faith, we observe poverty and humility, and the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which we have firmly promised.

End of the Rule of the Friars Minor

Then the confirmation of the said Rule.

It is therefore absolutely no men allowed, to violate this act of our confirmation, or oppose a reckless attempt. But if someone dares to undertake it, he knows he will incur the wrath of Almighty God and the blessed Peter and Paul, Apostles.

Given at the Lateran, the twenty-ninth day of November, the eighth year of our Pontificate. (Ie 1226 AD)

References

Franciscan
Religious	Francis of Assisi Thomas of Celano Bonaventure Anthony of Padua St. Clair Bernardine of Siena Franciscan martyrs in Morocco Dun Scotus Roger Bacon From Santigie Jacopone da Todi Rose of Viterbo Pascal Baylon Thomas Illyricus Nicolas Tavelic Colette of Corbie John of Capistrano Jacques de la Marche Martyrs of Gorcum Francis Meyronnes Raymond Lull John Weaver Diego de Landa Crispin of Viterbo Basil Gemona Ambrose Lombez Ange de Joyeuse Margaret of Cortona Martyrs of Japan Helene de Neuville Chappotin Padre Pio Maximilian Kolbe Franciscan iroki Brijeg Marianne Cope Schervier Abb Pierre Pre Marie-Benot Leopold Mandic Charles Andrew Fisher Brother Juniper Franz Stock
Secular Franciscans	Elizabeth of Hungary Yves Saint Thomas More St. Louis St. John Vianney Frederic Ozanam Alexander Masseron Joseph Moscati
Arts	Giotto Frescoes of the Life of St. Francis in Assisi St. Francis of Assisi (Messiaen) Les Onze Fioretti Francis of Assisi The Mystic Marriage of St. Francis of Assisi ; Madonna with the swallow ; Franz Liszt Francis Jammes
Franciscan Family	Rule of St. Francis Franciscan Bronx Capuchin Franciscan Conventual Franciscans Russian Order of Poor Ladies Friars Minor Capuchin History of the Franciscan Orders Fraticelli Franciscan Conventual Poor Clares Clara Urban Orantes of Mary Mediatrix Companions of St. Francis Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sisters of the Annunciation Recollets
Franciscan Universe	Cross of San Damiano Prayer of St. Francis called Tau Stigma Nativity ;
Franciscan Place	Assisi (Italy) Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels of Assisi Portiuncula Greccio Rieti Poggio Bustone Gubbio Val di Spoleto Basilica of St. Anthony (Padua) Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land Milk Grotto Dominus Flevit Church of St Nicolas (Brussels)
Franciscan convent	Convent Ursberg Convent Ebernach Convent San Lucchese Convent Schwarzenberg Franciscan Convent of Wrzburg Gweinstein Convent of San Francesco del Deserto Convent of Dubrovnik Couvent des Cordeliers de Reims Couvent des Cordeliers Convent of St. Francis Paris Couvent des Cordeliers Angers The Cordeliers (Lyon) Couvent des Cordeliers Dinan Couvent des Cordeliers Forcalquier Church of St. Francis, Franciscan (Nancy) Convent of the Capuchins Bitche Our Lady of Mdoux Our Lady of the Angels (Anjou) Couvent des Cordeliers Embrun List of Franciscan monasteries of nuns in France List of Franciscan monasteries of nuns Convent of St. Agnes Monastery Cimiez

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