Regula Bullata
S. Franciscus de Assisio (1223) — Kajetan Esser, Opuscula sancti patris Francisci Assisiensis (Grottaferrata, 1978)
The Later Rule (Regula Bullata) is the definitive Rule of the Order of Friars Minor, solemnly confirmed by Pope Honorius III with the bull Solet annuere on 29 November 1223. In twelve short chapters it fixes the friars' form of life, setting out each aspect in detail.
Francis specifies every aspect with care: from how to receive and clothe the brothers, to how to recite the divine office and keep the fast, down to the manner of working and of going through the world without money. He then dwells on the correction and governance of the brothers, on obedience to superiors, and on the mission of preaching entrusted to the order and directed to believers and unbelievers alike.
Chapters
- I. In nomine Domini! Incipit vita Minorum Fratrum
- II. De his qui volunt vitam istam accipere, et qualiter recipi debeant.
- III. De divino officio et ieiunio, et quomodo fratres debeant ire per mundum.
- IV. Quod fratres non recipiant pecuniam.
- V. De modo laborandi.
- VI. Quod nihil approprient sibi fratres, et de eleemosyna petenda et de fratribus infirmis.
- VII. De poenitentia fratribus peccantibus imponenda.
- VIII. De electione generalis ministri huius fraternitatis et de capitulo Pentecostes.
- IX. De praedicatoribus.
- X. De admonitione et correctione fratrum.
- XI. Quod fratres non ingrediantur monasteria monacharum.
- XII. De euntibus inter saracenos et alios infideles.
