THE TESTAMENT OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

This is how God called me. He plunged me with lepers that ordinarily nauseated me. I took pity on them and their company became my spiritual and physical consolation. After this, nothing in the world attracted me.

I began enjoying praying in churches; and placed great trust in holy priests. But I will always revere all priests, being blind to their defects since they alone can administer the Body and Blood of Christ.

I want the Holy Eucharist honored and reserved in richly ornamented places. Revere also the Word of God and those who explain it to us.

As friars joined me, God showed me His way of life: we must give everything to the poor, be satisfied with one habit which is patched inside and outside. Have a chord and a trouser and refuse to have anything else.

The friar clerics must recite the Office but the lay friars, the Our Fathers. We must be content to take shelter in abandoned churches.

We make no claim to learning; and are submissive to everyone. We must work with our hands: those who do no know must learn to avoid idleness.

We must not accept churches or buildings unless they are in harmony with poverty; and must occupy them as strangers and pilgrims.

I forbid any friar from writing the Roman Curia. If you have problems just go somewhere else and, with God's blessing, repent quietly.

Think not that this is another rule. This rule is my reminder, exhortation and testament to you that you may observe a more Catholic way of life as we have promised to God. Everyone is bound neither to add or subtract from this rule.

You are all forbidden to interpret the rule differently. I wrote this rule plainly and simply; understand them plainly and simply.

And may all who observe this rule be filled with heavenly blessings; from the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit and all the powers of heaven and all the saints. And I humbly add my own. Amen.

(12-09-02)