The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi - + Saints' Works

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Chapter XI 336 THE WRITINGS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI That the friars are not to enter the monasteries of nuns. I firmly precept 337 all the friars not to have suspicious partnerships 338 or consultations with women, · and not to enter the monasteries of nuns, except those (friars) to whom special permission has been conceded by the Apostolic See; · nor are they to become godfathers of men or women nor is scandal 339 to arise on this account among the friars or concerning the friars. Chapter XII On those going among the Saracens 340 and other infidels. 341 Let whoever of the friars who, by divine inspiration, wants to go among the Saracens and other infidels, seek permission for that reason from their Ministers provincial. · Indeed let the ministers grant permission to go to none, except those whom they see to be fit 342 to be sent. · For which I enjoin the ministers through obedience, 343 to ask from the lord Pope one of the cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, to be the governor, protector, and corrector of this fraternity, · so that always subject and prostrate at the feet of the same Holy Church, stable in the Catholic Faith 344 (cf. Col 1:23) we may observe, what we have firmly promised: the poverty and humility and the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. [Therefore let it be licit to entirely no man to infringe upon this page 345 of our confirmation or by temarious 346 daring to contravene the same. However, if anyone has presumed to attempt this, let him know that he shall incurr the indignation of the Omnipotent God and of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul. Given at the Lateran on the third day before the Calends of December, in the 336 St. Francis reiterates the common ecclesiastical laws on this matter, cf. Second Council of Nicea (787 A.D.), canon XX. 337 see fn. 7. Also, the word translated "all" at this point means more exactly "each and every." 338 lit consortia, the partnerships and mutual sharing of things among brothers and sisters in a family. 339 St. Francis had a very great horror and hatred for scandal, and he stringently corrected those friars who caused it through imprudent and indiscreet behavior. 340 lit. saraceni, from the Arabic word for "easterner;" Saracen was a common term in the Middle Ages for a follower of Islam. 341 i.e. any non-believer; a non-Catholic. 342 lit. idoneos, that is not just "fit" in the sense of health, but "suitable" to the tasks and challenges of the missions. 343 i.e. in virtue of their vow of obedience to St. Francis and the Rule. Here "which" refers to the matters mentioned in the first half of this paragraph. 344 i.e. firm and steady in that faith which has been believed throughout all times and places. 345 The papal bull containing St. Francis' Rule was written on a single large page, as was the custom of the time. 346 i.e. rash. Page - 82
eighth year of Our Pontificate. 347 ] The Regula non-Bullata [RegNB] THE WRITINGS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI As St. Francis' many illnesses increased in severity, Pope Honorius III (1216-1227 A.D.) urged him to codify the Rule of his Order and submit it for formal approval. The Regula non-Bullata was St. Francis' first attempt. Parts of this Rule date before 1216 A.D., when Pope Innocent III, who is mentioned in its first chapter, passed to his reward. It is certain that Friar Caesar of Speyer assisted St. Francis in ornamenting it with numerous scriptural citations. This former Rule was finalized in its present form by the time of the Pentecost Chapter of 1221 A.D.. 348 Though it was not approved on account of its rambling format, the Regula non-Bullata is a treasure-trove of texts regarding St. Francis' spirituality and thought. In part this writing reflects the manner in which the Rule was observed in the early years of the Order (1210-1221 A.D.); in part it represents also an accommodated observance (since in many places the Regula Bullata is much stricter: e.g. regarding the non-reception money). Indeed a comparison of the two Rules shows how much greater light and grace and simplicity shines forth in the Rule that was eventually approved in 1223 A.D.. Prologue In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit! · This is the life of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which Friar Francis asked to be conceded and confirmed for him by the lord Pope. And he conceded and confirmed it for him and for his friars, (those he) had and (those) to come. Friar Francis and whoever will be head of this religion 349 promises obedience and reverence to the lord Pope Innocent 350 and to his successors. And all the other friars are bound to obey Friar Francis and his successors. 351 Chapter I That the friars ought to live without (anything of) one's own and in chastity and obedience The Rule and life of these friars is this, namely, to live in obedience, in chastity and without (anything of) one's own, and to follow the doctrine 352 and footsteps of Our Lord Jesus 347 i.e. November 29, 1223 A.D., the first day of the Novena in honor of the Immaculate Conception. 348 cf. K. Esser, p. 531. 349 see fn. 156. 350 Pope Innocent III had died in 1216 A.D., and thus this passage was composed prior to 1216 A.D..; see also fn. 254. 351 in the office of Minister general. For an explanation of the offices in the Order see the introduction to "The First Letter to the Custodes" [EpCust I]. 352 Hence loyalty to the Magisterium of Christ, perduring in the Roman Pontiff, is essential to the Franciscan charism. For an explanation of the vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity see fns. Page - 83
Page 1 and 2:
The Writings of St. Francis of Assi
Page 3 and 4:
THE WRITINGS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSI
Page 5 and 6:
Page 7 and 8:
Page 9 and 10:
Page 11 and 12:
Page 13 and 14:
Page 15 and 16:
Translator's Forward THE WRITINGS O
Page 17 and 18:
Page 19 and 20:
Page 21 and 22:
Page 23 and 24:
Page 25 and 26:
22:21). Chapter XII. On recognizing
Page 27 and 28:
Page 29 and 30:
The Canticle of Brother Son or The
Page 31 and 32: THE WRITINGS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSI
Page 33 and 34: A Letter to Clerics [EpCler I] Firs
Page 35 and 36: A Letter to Clerics [EpCler II] Lat
Page 73 and 74: A Prayer before the Crucifix [OrCru
Page 81: Chapter X On the admonition and cor
Page 93 and 94: Chapter XV That the friars are not
Page 101 and 102: things throughout the ages. Amen. C
Page 111 and 112: Fragments of other rules [Frag] THE
Page 115 and 116: II. From the writings of Hugo of Di
show all

The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi - + Saints' Works

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?