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

Chapter VI
THE WRITINGS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
On the friars' recourse to their ministers and that no friar is to be called Prior 388
Let the friars, in whatever places they are, if they cannot observe our life, have recourse,
as soon as they are able, to their minister, pointing this out to him. · Indeed let the minister strive
to provide for them in such a wise, just as he would want to be done for himself, if he was in an
exactly similar situation. · And let no one be called Prior, but let all be called in general 'Friars
Minor.' 389 · And let "one" wash "the feet of the other" (cf. Jn 13:14).
Chapter VII
On the manner of serving and working
Let all the friars, in whatever places they have stayed among others to serve or work, not
be chamberlains nor chancellors nor preside in the houses in which they serve; nor let them
receive any office, which generates scandal or "is detrimental to their soul" (cf. Mk 8:36); · but
let them be lesser and subject to all, who are in the same house.
And let the friars, who know how to work, work and exercise the same art, which they
know, if it has not been contrary to the salvation of (their) soul 390 and one will be able to work at
it honestly · For the prophet said: "Laborers, you shall eat of your own fruits ; blessed are you
and well it shall be for you (Ps 127:2 — Rom. Psalter): · and the Apostle: "Let him who does not
want to work," not "eat" (cf. 2 Th 3:10); · and: "Let each one remain continually" in that art and
office, "in which he was called" (cf. 1 Cor 7:24). · And for (their) work let them be able to
receive every necessary thing besides money. · And when the necessity has arisen, 391 let them go
about for alms as the other poor (do). · And let it be licit for them to have iron tools and
instruments suitable for their art.
Let all the friars 'strive to sweat 392 at good works,' because it is written: · Always 'do
something' good, 'so that the devil may find you occupied.' · And again: Idleness is the enemy of
the soul. · For this reason the servants of God ought to always pursue prayer or some good work.
Let the friars beware of themselves, wherever they have been, in hermitages or in other
places, that they appropriate no place for themselves nor defend it against another. · And
whoever has come to them, friend or adversary, thief or brigand, let him be kindly received. ·
And wherever the friars are and in whatever place they have come upon one another, they ought
to spiritually and diligently look upon themselves and honor "each other without murmuring" (1
Pet 4,9). · And let them beware of themselves, that they not show themselves to be sad outwardly
388 lit. "first." A "prior" was one of the offices in a monastic community immediately under an
abbot. St. Francis wanted this title excluded from his Order so as to promote a spirit of humility
among the friars.
389 For the meaning of this name see fn. 255.
390 i.e. so long as the work has not been the occasion of their moral degradation, cf. XVI
constitution of the Fourth Lateran Council, (1215 A.D.).
391 lit. cum necesse fuerit, "when it has been necessary." Here "necessity" refers to "alms."
392 i. e. work up a sweat; "strive earnestly and generously." This quote is taken from Pope St.
Gregory the Great, Hom. XIII in Ev., PL 76,1123; the next saying is taken from St. Jerome,
Epistola 125,11; and the third is from the Rule of St. Benedict, XLVIII,1.
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