Works of St Francis of Assisi

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WORKS THE SERAPHIC FATHER ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

TRANSLATED BY A RELIGIOUS OF THE ORDER.

INTRODUCTION.

The following translation has been made from the edition of the ’Works of St. Francis ‘ published at Cologne in the year 1848. As the work is intended to be a practical and devotional one, no critical notes have been introduced, nor references to the authors from whom Wadding made his collection.

In these pages there will be found neither deep learning nor sublime eloquence, but only the expression of the exquisite simplicity, humility, and charity which filled the heart of the Seraphic Patriarch; and above all, his ardent love for that Poverty which he looked upon as the queen of virtues, because in the perfect renunciation of self, and detachment from the things of this world, he saw the surest means for the soul to attain to the possession of the Supreme Good and the eternal riches of the heavenly wedlock.

And yet under these simple words are concealed treasures of profound wisdom; for although, as St. Bonaventure says, ‘St. Francis possessed not the knowledge acquired by study, nevertheless, being illuminated by the rays of the Divine light, he pennetrated with marvelous clearness the hidden mysteries of Holy Scripture;’ for ‘where the learning of the doctor stands without, the affection of the loving soul finds entrance.’ And being thus illuminated and transformed into the image of his Divine Master, the Saint taught to others, both by word and example, the knowledge and love of Christ Crucified, which is indeed foolishness to the world, but ever has been, and ever will be to those who believe and love, ‘the power of God and the wisdom, of God.’

CONTENTS.

PART I.

LETTERS OF ST. FRANCIS.

LETTERS PAGE

I To all the Faithful of Christ

II To all the Faithful of Christ

III To St. Antony of Padua

IV To the Blessed Virgin Clare, and her Sisters at St. Damian’s

V. To the same

VI. To Brother Elias, Vicar-General of the whole Order

VII. To the same

VIII. To the Minister- General of the Friars Minor

IX. To the Provincial Ministers of the Order of Friars Minor

X. To the Second General Chapter

XI. To the General Chapter

XII. To the Priests of the whole Order

XIII. To all Clerics

XIV. To all the Custodes of the Friars Minor

XV. To the Rulers of the People

XVI. To Brother Leo

XVII. To the Lady Jacoba of Settisoli

PART II.

THE FIRST RULE WHICH THE SERAPHIC PATRIARCH WROTE FOR THE FRIARS MINOR

CHAPTER

I. That the Brethren ought to live in Obedience, without Property, and in Chastity

II. Of the Reception and Clothing of the Brethren

III. Of the Divine Office, and of the Fast

IV. Of the Order of the Ministers, and other Brethren

V. Of the Correction of thee Brethren who offend

VI. Of the Recourse the Brethren should have to their Ministers, and that no Brother may be called Prior

VII. Of the Manner of Serving and Working

VIII. That the Brethren may not receive Money

IX. Of the Manner of Asking Alms

X. Of the Sick Brethren

XI. That the Brethren ought not to be Calumniators nor Detractors, but ought to love one another

XII. That the Brethren must avoid the Sight and Company of Women

XIII. Of the Punishment of Fornication

XIV. In what Manner the Brethren are to go through the World

XV. That the Brethren may not keep Horses nor ride

XVI: Of the Brethren who may go among the Saracens and other Infidels

XVII: Of the Preachers

XVIII: How the Ministers are to Meet together

XIX: That all the Brethren must be true Catholics

XX: Of the Confession of the Brethren and of the Reception of the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

XXI: Of Praising God, and of the Exhortation which all the Brethren may make

XXII: Of the Admonition of the Brethren

XXIII: Prayer and Thanksgiving to God

THE SECOND RULE, WHICH THE BLESSED FATHER ST. FRANCIS INSTITUTED FOR THE FRIARS MINOR*

* On the return of the Brethren from the missions on which they had been sent after the General Chapter of 12 19, the holy Patriarch, desiring above all things to provide for the stability of his Order by having it more solemnly approved by the Holy See, and understanding it to be the Will of God that the Rule should be abridged, retired to Mount Columbo, near Rieti, where, observing a rigorous fast for forty days, he received by express revelation from Our Lord Himself the following Rule, which was confirmed by Pope Honorius III, and has ever since been observed by the Friars Minor.

Rule I

Rule II

Rule III: Of the Divine Office and of Fasting

Rule IV: That the Brethren may not receive Money

Rule V: Of the Manner of Working

Rule VI: That the Brethren shall appropriate nothing to themselves

Rule VII: Of Penance to be imposed on the Brethren

Rule VIII: Of the Election of the Minister General of this Fraternity

Rule IX: Of the Preachers

Rule X: Of the Admonition and Correction of the Brethren

Rule XI: That the Brethren may not enter the Convents of Nuns

Rule XII: Of those who go among the Saracens, and other Infidels