
THE RULE OF ST FRANCES, 1223

The original Rule of St Francis consisted of a few precepts
from the Gospels.

The rapid growth of the Order, needed more detailed regulations.

This Rule was approved by Pope Honorius III in 1223.

1) This is the Rule of the Brothers Minor, who shall live
   in obedience, poverty and chastity.

   Brother Francis promised obedience to the Pope, his successors
   and to the Roman Church and this is what all brothers will
   be bound by.

2) If any one wishes to join the order, he shall be sent to
   their provincial minister. The minister will examine them
   on their beliefs and on their desire to join us.

   If the minister is satisfied about their desire to join,
   he will tell them to give all their worldly goods to
   the poor.

   They will be given the following clothes : two gowns
   without cowls and a belt, a hose and a cape down
   to the belt.

   They will join us for a 1 year probationary period.

   If they pass this year, they will be given a gown with a
   cowl, and another, if they wish it, without a cowl.
   And those who really need them may wear shoes.

   All brothers should wear humble garments and repair them
   as often as they need to. They should shun rich colours
   and rich food.

3) The clerical bothers shall perform the Divine Service of
   the holy Roman Church.

   The lay brothers shall say 24 Paternosters at matins, 5 at
   lauds, 7 each at Prime, Terce, Sext and None, 12 at
   Vespers, 7 at Completorium; and they shall pray for
   the dead.

   All brothers should fast on a Friday.

   When brothers go out into the world they should not
   quarrel; they should be gentle and peaceable,; they ought not
   to ride, but rather walk; whatever house they go into they
   should say 'Peace be to this house'.

4) Brothers should never receive coin or money.

5) Those brothers with ability, should work, but they cannot
   receive wages. They should be given 'corporal necessities',
   rather than coin or money.

6) The brothers shall possess nothing, neither a house, nor
   a place, nor anything. They should beg for alms.

7) Those committing mortal sins shall be sent to the local
   provincial ministers, who shall, with mercy, give them
   penance.

8) All brothers will have a minister general, whom they
   should obey. New minister generals will be elected by
   the provincial ministers.

9) Brothers shall not preach in places where the local bishop
   forbids it.  

   Only brothers who have the permission of the provincial minister
   can preach.

   When preaching, brothers should be brief and use the language
   to its greatest effect.

11) I strictly forbid all brothers to speak to women, in case rumours may
    spread.

    Nor should brothers enter a nunnery, nor should they be
    fellow god-parents with men and women.

12) If any brother wishes to go among the Saracens and other infidels,
    he should get permission from the provincial minister.
                                                              
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This is not an exact copies of the words that appear in the
Rule - it expresses the sentiments and meaning.



