STATUTA GENERALIA

ORDINIS FRATRUM MINORUM

GENERAL STATUTES
OF THE ORDER OF FRIARS MINOR

Under the care of

The Juridical Commission
and Communications Office
of the General Curia OFM THE GENERAL CURIA
Rome, 2004
Rome 2004
 INDEX CONTENTS

DECRETUM MINISTRI GENERALIS ................................................ 12 DECREE OF PROMULGATION ........................................................ 13

CAPUT I CHAPTER I
«Domini nostri Iesu Christi sanctum evangelium observare» “To observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” .......... 19
(Artt. 1-6) ...................................................................................... 18 (Artt. 1-6)

CAPUT II CHAPTER II
De Spiritu orationis et devotionis (Artt. 7-18) ............................ 24 The Spirit of Prayer and Devotion (Artt. 7-18) .............................. 25

CAPUT III CHAPTER III

«Omnes vos fratres estis» (Artt. 19-28) ...................................... 30 “You are all brothers” (Artt. 19-28) ................................................ 31

CAPUT IV CHAPTER IV
Peregrini et advenae in hoc mundo (Artt. 29-42) ........................ 36 “Pilgrims and strangers in this world” (Artt. 29-42) .................... 37
Titulus I - De modo laborandi et itinerandi (Artt. 29-38) .............. 36 Title I - On the manner of working and travelling (Artt. 29-38) .... 37
Titulus II - De munere Officii generalis Iustitiae, Pacis Title II - On the tasks of the Office of Justice, Peace and
et Integritatis Creati ordinando (Artt. 39-42) ................ 40 Integrity of Creation (JPIC) (Artt. 39-42) .......................... 41

CAPUT V CHAPTER V
In hoc misit vos Deus in universo mundo (Artt. 43-73) .............. 44 “God has sent you into the entire world for this reason” .......... 45
Titulus I - Normae generales de evangelizatione (Artt. 43-50) .... 44 (Artt. 43-73)
Titulus II - De munere evangelizationis ordinando (Artt. 51-58) .... 50 Title I - The General Norms of Evangelisation (Artt. 43-50).......... 45
Titulus III - De evangelizatione missionali ordinanda (Artt. 59-68) 56 Title II - On the task of organising Evangelisation (Artt. 51-58) .... 51
Titulus IV - De Custodia et Commissariatibus Terrae Sanctae Title III - On organising Missionary Evangelisation (Artt. 59-68) .... 57
(Artt. 69-73) ................................................................ 60 Title IV - The Custody and the Commissariats of the Holy Land
(Artt. 69-73) ...................................................................... 61
CAPUT VI
«Desiderare debent habere Spiritum Domini CHAPTER VI
et sanctam eius operationem» (Artt. 74-114) .............................. 66 “They must desire to have the spirit of the Lord
Titulus I - Normae generales de institutione (Artt. 74-80) ............ 66 and His holy manner of working” (Artt. 74-114) .......................... 67
Titulus II - De continua formatione (Artt. 81-82) .......................... 72 Title I - General Norms on Education (Artt. 74-80) ...................... 67
Titulus III - De formatoribus (Artt. 83-84) ...................................... 72 Title II - Ongoing Formation (Artt. 81-82) ...................................... 73
Titulus IV - De cura pastorali vocationum (Art. 85) ........................ 74 Title III - Formators (Artt. 83-84) .................................................... 73
Titulus V - De formatione initiali (Artt. 86-104).............................. 74 Title IV - The Pastoral Care of Vocations (Art. 85) .......................... 75
Title V - Initial Formation (Artt. 86-104) .......................................... 75

4 5
Titulus VI - De formatione ad ministeria et sacros ordines
(Artt. 105-108) ........................................................ 90
Titulus VII - De formatione ad alia servitia et munera (Art. 109) .. 92
Titulus VIII - De studiis promovendis in Ordine (Artt. 110-114) .... 94
CAPUT VII
«Fratres teneantur fratri Francisco et eius successoribus
oboedire» (Artt.115-246) .............................................................. 98
Pars I - De Ordinis constitutione et de regimine in genere
Pars I - (Artt. 115-133) ................................................................ 98
Titulus I - De Ordinis constitutione (Artt. 115-125) .................. 98
Titulus II - De auctoritatibus in Domibus Ordinis
(Art. 126).................................................................. 106
Titulus III - De collatione, exercitio et amissione officiorum
(Artt. 127-133) ........................................................ 106
Pars II - De Ordinis regimine generali (Artt. 134-157) .................... 114
Titulus IV - De Capitulo generali (Artt. 134-137) ........................ 114
Titulus V - De Consilio plenario Ordinis (Artt. 138-140) .............. 116
Titulus VI - De Conventu Praesidum Conferentiarum
cum Ministro et Definitorio generali (Art. 141) .......... 118
Titulus VII - De Vicario generali (Art. 142) .................................... 120
Titulus VIII - De Definitoribus generalibus (Artt. 143-144) ............ 120
Titulus IX - De Officiis Curiae generalis (Artt. 145-154) .............. 122
Titulus X - De Visitatoribus et Delegatis generalibus (Artt. 155-157) 128
Pars III - De Provinciarum regimine (Artt. 158-216) ...................... 130
Titulus XI De Capitulo provinciali (Artt. 158-165) ......................
- 130
Titulus XII De Congressu capitulari (Artt. 166-168)....................
- 136
Titulus XIII De Consilio plenario Provinciae (Artt. 169-172) ........
- 138
Titulus XIV -
De Ministro provinciali et Custode Custodiae
autonomae (Artt. 173-183) ...................................... 138
Titulus XV - De Definitorio provinciali et Consilio Custodiae
(Artt. 184-190) ........................................................ 146
Titulus XVI - De Conferentiis Ministrorum provincialium
et Custodum (Artt. 191-202) .................................... 150
Titulus XVII - De Vicario provinciali et custodiali
Titulus XVII - (Artt. 203-205) .......................................................... 160
6 7
Title VI - Training for Ministries and Sacred Orders .................... 91
(Artt. 105-108)
Title VII - Formation for Other Services and Offices (Art. 109) .... 93
Title VIII - The Promotion of Studies in the Order (Artt. 110-114) 95
CHAPTER VII
“The Brothers are bound to obey Brother Francis
and his Successors” (Artt.115-246) ............................................ 99
Part I - The Structure and Government of the Order in general
Part I - (Artt. 115-133) .................................................................. 99
Title I - The Structure of the Order (Artt. 115-125) .................. 99
Title II - Authorities of the Order in Houses
(Art. 126) .................................................................... 107
Title III - Conferral, Exercise and Loss of Offices
(Artt. 127-133) ............................................................ 107
Part II - General Government of the Order (Artt. 134-157) ............ 115
Title IV - The General Chapter (Artt. 134-137) ............................ 115
Title V - The Plenary Council of the Order (Artt. 138-140) ........ 117
Title VI - The Meeting of Conference Presidents with the Minister
and Definitory General (Art. 141) ................................ 119
Title VII - The Vicar General (Art. 142) ........................................ 121
Title VIII - The General Definitors (Artt. 143-144) ........................ 121
Title IX - Offices of the General Curia (Artt. 145-154) ................ 123
Title X - Visitators and Delegates General (Artt. 155-157).......... 129
Part III - Provincial Government (Artt. 158-216) ............................ 131
Title XI The Provincial Chapter (Artt. 158-165) ........................
- 131
Title XII The Capitular Congressus (Artt. 166-168) ....................
- 137
Title XIII The Plenary Council of the Province (Artt. 169-172) ....
- 139
Title XIV -
The Provincial Minister and Custos of an autonomous
Custody (Artt. 173-183) .............................................. 139
Title XV - The Provincial Definitory and Custodial Council
(Artt. 184-190) ............................................................ 147
Title XVI - The Conferences of Provincial Ministers and Custodes
(Artt. 191-202) ............................................................ 151
Title XVII - The Vicar Provincial and Vicar of the Custody
(Artt. 203-205) ............................................................ 161
Titulus XVIII - De Definitoribus provincialibus et Consiliariis
Custodiae autonomae (Artt. 206-207) .................... 162
Titulus XIX - De Secretario et Oeconomo Provinciae et Custodiae
autonomae necnon de aliis Officiis (Artt. 208-211) .. 162
Titulus XX - De Custodiis a Ministro generali et a Provincia
dependentibus (Artt. 212-216) ................................ 164
Pars IV - De domorum regimine (Artt. 217-240) ............................ 168
Titulus XXI - De Domibus (Artt. 217-224) .................................... 168
Titulus XXII - De Guardianis et Vicariis (Artt. 225-232).................. 174
Titulus XXIII - De Capitulo et Discretorio locali (Artt. 233-236) ...... 176
Titulus XXIV - De commoratione et transitu fratrum in alienam
Provinciam(Artt. 237-240) ...................................... 180
Pars V - De administratione bonorum (Artt. 241-246) .................. 182
CAPUT VIII
Ministri moneant et humiliter et caritative fratres corrigant
(Artt. 247-261) .............................................................................. 186
Titulus I - De correctione et punitione fratrum (Artt. 247-252) 186
Titulus II - De fratrum transitu et egressu ab Ordine
(Artt. 253-257) ........................................................ 190
Titulus III - De fratrum dimissione ab Ordine (Artt. 258-261) .... 194
8 9
Title XVIII - Provincial Definitors and Councillors of an
autonomous Custody (Artt. 206-207) .......................... 163
Title XIX - The Secretary and Bursar of the Province and
autonomous Custody and Other Offices (Artt. 208-211) 163
Title XX - Custodies dependent on the Minister General
and on a Province (Artt. 212-216) .............................. 165
Part IV - The Government of Houses (Artt. 217-240) .................... 169
Title XXI - Houses (Artt. 217-224) .............................................. 169
Title XXII - Guardians and Vicars (Artt. 225-232) .......................... 175
Title XXIII - The Local Chapter and Discretorium (Artt. 233-236) .. 177
Title XXIV - Residence in and transfer to another Province
(Artt. 237-240) ............................................................ 181
Part V - The Administration of Goods (Artt. 241-246).................... 183
CHAPTER VIII
“The Ministers should admonish their brothers and humbly
and charitably correct them” (Artt. 247-261) .............................. 187
Title I - The Correction and Punishment of Friars (Artt. 247-252) 187
Title II - The Transfer of Friars and Departure from the Order
(Artt. 253-257) ............................................................ 191
Title III - Dismissal of Friars from the Order (Artt. 258-261) ...... 195
 DECRETUM
MINISTRI GENERALIS ORDINIS

DECREE
OF THE MINISTER GENERAL
CURIA GENERALIS
ORDINIS FRATRUM MINORUM
DECRETUM
Legislatio Ordinis, quin verbum faciamus de Regula bullata,
quatenus eiusdem fundamentum, actu iam duas collectiones
iuridicas distinctas prae se fert (cf. CIC 587), nempe Constitu-
tiones generales, quae una cum Regula codicem fundamentalem
nostrae legislationis constituunt, et Statuta generalia, quae ce-
teras normas colligunt, uti ipsarum Constitutionum genera-
lium complementum.
Equidem Statuta generalia, a Capitulo generali an. 2003 As-
sisii celebrato, haud paucis emendationibus et addictionibus
introductis, rite approbata fuerunt.
Necessaria revisione peracta, deque consensu Definitorii
generalis, facultatibus nobis ex officio competentibus utentes,
praesentis decreti vigore
STATUTA GENERALIA
promulgamus et promulgata declaramus
Edicimus vero ac iubemus ut praescripta universa, quae in
his Statutis continentur, vim legis pro toto Ordine sortiantur a
die 8 Dec. 2004.
Maria, Mater misericordiae atque pauperum advocata, quae
Portiunculae pro famulo suo atque Patre nostro Francisco im-
petravit “ut ipse spiritum veritatis evangelicae conciperet ac pare-
12
THE GENERAL CURIA
OF THEORDER OF FRIARS MINOR
DECREE
The legislation of the Order, apart from the approved Rule
which is its foundation, is presented in two juridical collec-
tions (cf. CIC 587) at the moment. These are the General
Constitutions, which, with the Rule, constitute the fundamen-
tal code of our legislation, and the General Statutes, which,
redacted and approved by the General Chapter celebrated in
Assisi in 2003, gather together other norms as a complement
to the same General Constitutions.
Having carried out the necessary revision and having the
consent of the General Definitory, we, using the faculties in-
vested in us by our office and in virtue of the present Decree
promulgate and declare promulgated the
GENERAL STATUTES
and prescribe that all contained in these Statutes is obliga-
tory throughout the entire Order on and from the 8th De-
cember 2004.
May Mary, the mother of mercy and advocate of the poor,
who obtained for her servant, our Father Francis, the privilege
to “conceive and give birth to the spirit of gospel truth” (St.
Bonaventure, Major Legend, 111,1), strengthen the renewed
13
ret” (S. Bonav., Legenda Maior, III, 1), renovatam voluntatem
Ordinis fideliter in eodem spiritu perseverandi corroboret,
nosque adiuvet ut in observatione Sancti Evangelii proficia-
mus atque mundo, Ecclesiae ac Regno ministremus.
Datum Romae, ex Aedibus Curiae generalis Ordinis,
die 8 Dec. 2003.
will of the Order to persevere faithfully in the same spirit. May
she help us to make progress in the observance of the Holy
Gospel and to serve the world, the Church and the Kingdom.
Given in Rome, at the General Curia of the Order,
8th December 2003.

FR. IOSEPH RODRÍGUEZ CARBALLO BR. JOSÉ RODRÍGUEZ CARBALLO

Minister generalis Minister General

FR. ALEXANDER OVEREND RIGILLO BR. SANDRO OVEREND RIGILLO

Secretarius generalis Secretary General

Prot. N. 093968 Prot. N. 093968

EDITOR’S NOTE

The General Definitory, following a carefully review of the respective

texts during the Meeting of 5th July 2004, also approved the tranlations
of the General Statutes into the three official languages of the Order:
English, Italian and Spanish, to be used while keeping in mind that the
authentic text is that in Latin.

14 15
 STATUTA GENERALIA

THE GENERAL STATUTES

 CAPUT I
«DOMINI NOSTRI IESU CHRISTI
SANCTUM EVANGELIUM OBSERVARE»
(Rb 1,1)
Art. 1
Ministri et Guardiani curent ut unusquisque frater, exem-
plar Regulae et Testamenti S. Francisci una cum Constitutio-
nibus generalibus et Statutis habeat.
Art. 2
§1 Unaquaque hebdomada, in quantum fieri potest, aliqua
saltem pars Regulae vel Testamenti S. Francisci in fraternitate
legatur. In fine lecturae, Guardianus Seraphici Patris exhorta-
tionem et benedictionem legat.1
§2 Curent Ministri et Guardiani ut pro continua renova-
tione spiritus opportunis temporibus in fraternitate legantur et
explicentur Opuscula S. Francisci, Constitutiones generales et
alia documenta, quae pro meliore interpretatione et accommo-
datione Regulae sive a Capitulo generali sive a Capitulo pro-
vinciali lata sunt.
§3 Quae in paragraphis praecedentibus praescribuntur
magis explicite in Statutis particularibus definiantur.
Art. 3
§1 Ad normam art. 16 et 215 §2 Constitutionum genera-
lium, ad Capitula provincialia et custodialia spectat Statuta
particularia, locorum et personarum adiunctis et necessitati-
bus accommodata, condere. Haec statuta, postquam a Mini-
stro generali, de consensu sui Definitorii, approbata fuerint, a
1 Cf. Test 40-41.
18
CHAPTER I
“TO OBSERVE THE HOLY GOSPEL
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST”
(Rb 1,1)
Art. 1
The Ministers and Guardians are to ensure that each Friar
has a copy of the Rule and Testament of St. Francis, together
with the General Constitutions and Statutes.
Art. 2
§1 Each week, in so far as is possible, at least some portion
of the Rule or Testament of St. Francis is to be read in frater-
nity. At the end of the reading, the Guardian is to read the ex-
hortation and the blessing of the Seraphic Father.1
§2 The Ministers and Guardians, in the interest of a con-
tinuous renewal of the spirit, are to ensure that the writings of
St. Francis, the General Constitutions and other documents
that have emanated from the General or Provincial Chapters
for a better interpretation and updating of the Rule are read
and explained at an appropriate time.
§3 All that has been prescribed in the proceeding paragraphs
is to be more explicitly defined in the Particular Statutes.
Art. 3
§1 It is the responsibility of the Provincial and Custodial
Chapters, in accordance with the norms of articles 16 and 215, §2
of the General Constitutions, to draw up Particular Statutes ap-
propriate to the situations and needs of places and people. These
Statutes are to be promulgated by the Minister Provincial or Cus-
1 Cf. Test 40-41.
19
Ministro provinciali vel Custode Custodiae autonomae pro-
mulgantur.
§2 In Provinciis et Custodiis noviter erectis, ad Definito-
rium Provinciae vel ad Consilium Custodiae spectat Normas
transitorias ad instar Statutorum de quibus in §1 huius articuli
condere, quae a Ministro generali, de consensu sui Definitorii
approbatae, vim habent usque ad primum Capitulum provin-
ciale vel custodiale.
§3 Statuta pro aliis entitatibus Ordinis non autonomis a
competenti auctoritate, servatis de iure servandis, approbentur.
Art. 4
§1 Si opportunum videatur, Definitorium generale Statuta
peculiaria sive pro toto Ordine sive pro singulis regionibus
emanare potest.
§2 Statuta peculiaria de materia, pro qua normae speciales
in Provincia requiruntur, Capitulo provinciali conficere com-
petit. Statuta peculiaria alicuius Conferentiae Ministrorum
provincialium ad eandem Conferentiam, iuxta propria Statuta,
approbare pertinet.
Art. 5
§1 Quae de dispensatione statuuntur in art. 17, §§2-3 Con-
stitutionum generalium, mutatis mutandis, etiam Custodibus
atque Praesidibus Foederationis et Fundationis applicantur.
§2 Auctoritas quae a praescriptis Statutorum particularium
et peculiarium potestate dispensandi gaudet, in eisdem Statu-
tis determinetur.
Art. 6
Si certa de re desit expressum praescriptum in Statutis Or-
dinis et Provinciae, nisi agatur de exercitio potestatis regimi-
nis aut de poenis infligendis, casus dirimendus est attentis le-
gibus et decretis generalibus latis in similibus, si adsint; aliter,
ut habeatur temporaria norma substitutiva, ad Definitorium
20
tos of an autonomous Custody after they have been approved by
the Minister General with the consent of the Definitory.
§2 It is the responsibility of the Provincial or Custodial
Definitory in newly erected Provinces and Custodies to draw
up transitional Norms analogous to the Statutes mentioned in
§1 of this article, which, having been approved by the Minis-
ter General with the consent of the Definitory, remain in force
until the first Provincial or Custodial Chapter.
§3 Statutes for other non-autonomous Entities of the
Order are to be approved by the competent authority, observ-
ing the requirements of law.
Art. 4
§1 The General Definitory, if it thinks it appropriate, may
issue Special Statutes either for the whole Order or for indi-
vidual regions.
§2 It is the duty of the Provincial Chapter to draw up Spe-
cial Statutes for matters about which Special Norms are re-
quired in the Province. It pertains to the Conference itself, in
accordance with its own Statutes, to approve the Special
Statutes of a Conference of Ministers Provincial.
Art. 5
§1 All that is established in art. 17 §§2-3 of the General
Constitutions with regard to dispensations applies, with the
necessary adjustments, also to the Custodes and the Presidents
of Federations and Foundations.
§2 The authority that is competent to dispense from the
provisions of Particular and Special Statutes is to be deter-
mined in the same Statutes.
Art. 6
If on a particular matter there is not an express provision in
the Statutes of the Order or of a Province, provided it does not
concern the exercise of the power of governance or the impo-
sition of penalties, the question is to be resolved by taking into
account laws and general decrees enacted in similar matters, if
21
generale vel provinciale recurrendum est. Eorum decisiones in any exist. Otherwise, in order to have a temporary substitute
vigore manent usque ad proximum Capitulum generale vel norm, recourse is to be made to the General or Provincial
provinciale.2 Definitory. Their decisions remain in force until the next
General or Provincial Chapter.2

2 Cf. CIC 19. 2 Cf. CIC 19.

22 23
 CAPUT II
DE SPIRITU ORATIONIS ET DEVOTIONIS
(Cf. Rb 5,2)
Art. 7
Fratres Eucharistiam, Liturgiam Horarum aliasque celebra-
tiones in communi, et, in quantum fieri potest, cum christifi-
delibus peragant.
Art. 8
Capituli localis est, approbante Ministro provinciali cum
consensu sui Definitorii, determinare tempus ceterasque cir-
cumstantias eucharisticae celebrationis et orationis in com-
muni, sive agatur de Liturgia Horarum et de Verbo Dei, sive
de aliis celebrationibus Ordinis indoli consentaneis, servatis
tamen normis a competenti auctoritate datis.
Art. 9
§1 Annua exercitia spiritualia saltem per quinque dies pro-
trahantur.
§2 Tempus orationis mentalis aliarumque recollectionum
necnon earundem modi in Statutis particularibus determinen-
tur.
Art. 10
Curent Guardiani ut occasione recollectionis vel alio op-
portuno tempore Capitulum renovationis vitae habeatur, in
quo fratres disceptent de iis quae ad vitam religiosam Domus
colendam et fraternam caritatem augendam necessaria et uti-
lia videntur.
Art. 11
§1 Curent Ministri et Guardiani ut lectioni spirituali, prae-
sertim ex S. Scriptura, etiam in communi congruus locus
detur.
24
CHAPTER II
THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER AND DEVOTION
(Cf. Rb 5,2)
Art. 7
The Friars are to celebrate the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the
Hours and other sacred ceremonies in common and, as far as
possible, with the Christian faithful.
Art. 8
It is the duty of the local Chapter, with the approval of the
Minister Provincial with the consent of the Definitory, to es-
tablish the times and other circumstances of the Eucharistic
celebration and of prayer in common, whether it concerns the
Liturgy of the Hours and of the Word of God, or of other ce-
lebrations in harmony with the nature of the Order, observ-
ing, however, the norms given by the competent authority.
Art. 9
§1 The annual retreat is to last at least five days.
§2 The time of mental prayer and other periods of recol-
lection, as well as their modality, are to be determined in the
Particular Statutes.
Art. 10
The Guardians are to ensure that, on the occasion of a pe-
riod of recollection or at another suitable time, a Chapter of
renewal of life is held, in which the Friars are to discuss what
seems necessary and useful for cultivating the religious life of
the House and for increasing fraternal charity.
Art. 11
§1 Ministers and Guardians are to ensure that adequate
time is given to spiritual reading, especially of Holy Scripture,
even in common.
25
 §2 Oratio scriptis et exemplo S. Francisci necnon doctrinae
magistrorum franciscalium innitatur.
Art. 12
Modis in Statutis particularibus determinandis peculiare
momentum habeant:
a. devotiones propriae Ordinis de mysteriis Verbi Incarnati
temporibus congruis ut Adventus, Quadragesima, etc.;
b. praecipuae festivitates B. M. Virginis et devotiones Ma-
riales Ordinis;
c. commemorationes S. Francisci, sive Transitus sive im-
pressionis SS. Stigmatum; et festum Patroni Provinciae;
d. communis celebratio renovationis professionis religiosae.
Art. 13
Loca sacra et solitaria memoriae S. Francisci et Sanctorum
consecrata, auram silentii recollectionis servent, ut maneant
tum ipsis fratribus tum S. Francisci et Ordinis amicis, intimae
orationis refugia. Peregrinorum tamen affluxus in iisdem locis
occasio sit media salutis suppeditandi et testimonium vitae
franciscanae reddendi.3
Art. 14
§1 Ministri studeant ut in territorio propriae Provinciae vel
Conferentiarum Ministrorum provincialium unum saltem
eremitorium vel orationis Domus erigatur.
§2 Fratres ibi commorantes curent ut, sine propriae recol-
lectionis detrimento, libenter coetus christifidelium excipiant,
ad eos in orationem franciscalem initiandos.
3 Cf. CIC 1234 §1.
26
§2 Prayer is to be inspired by the writings and example of
St. Francis as well as by the teaching of the Franciscan Mas-
ters.
Art. 12
In determining the details in the Particular Statutes, the fol-
lowing are to have special importance:
a. devotions to the mystery of the Incarnate Word, proper
to the Order, at appropriate times such as Advent, Lent, etc.;
b. the principal feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Mar-
ian devotions of the Order;
c. the commemorations of St. Francis, both the Transitus and
the feast of the Stigmata; and the patron feast of the Province;
d. the community celebration of the renewal of religious
profession.
Art. 13
The holy places and places of retreat consecrated to the
memory of St. Francis and the Saints are to preserve an at-
mosphere of silence and recollection in order to remain
havens of intimate prayer for both the Friars themselves and
the friends of St. Francis and the Order. The influx of pilgrims
to these same places, however, should be an occasion for mak-
ing the means of salvation available to people and for giving
witness to Franciscan life.3
Art. 14
§1 The Ministers are to strive earnestly to have at least one
hermitage or House of prayer erected in the territory of their
own Province or of the Conference of Ministers Provincial.
§2 The Friars that reside in such places are to try to receive
willingly, without detriment to their own recollection, groups
of the faithful and to initiate them into Franciscan prayer.
3 Cf. CIC 1234 §1.
27
Art. 15
§1 Fratres qui a proprio Ministro facultatem ad confessio-
nes fratrum audiendas habent, possunt ubique confessiones
omnium fratrum Ordinis audire.4
§2 Fratres ubicumque fuerint cuilibet sacerdoti a proprio
Ordinario approbato confiteri valent.
Art. 16
Ad normam art. 34 §§2-3 Constitutionum generalium, for-
mae paenitentiae, temporum et locorum adiunctis accommo-
datae, in Capitulo locali statuantur.
Art. 17
Pro unoquoque fratre defuncto Statuta particularia deter-
minent suffragia communiter peragenda, et a singulis sacerdo-
tibus Provinciae una saltem Missa pro eodem celebretur.
Art. 18
§1 Parentes et benefactores, tam vivi quam defuncti, parti-
cipes sunt precum et suffragiorum quae in Ordinis fraternita-
tibus peraguntur.
§2 Pro defunctis patre et matre fratris et pro benefactoribus
suffragia peragantur iuxta Statuta particularia.
4 Cf. CIC 968 §2, 969 §2.
28
Art. 15
§1 Friars that have received the faculty to hear other Friars’
confessions from their own Minister Provincial can hear the
confessions of all the Friars of the Order everywhere.4
§2 The Friars, no matter where they may be, can confess to
any priest approved by his Ordinary.
Art. 16
The forms of penance, adapted to the circumstances of time
and place, are to be established in the local Chapter in accor-
dance with art. 34, §§2-3 of the General Constitutions.
Art. 17
The Particular Statutes are to establish the suffrages to be
offered in common for each deceased Friar and at least one
Mass is to be celebrated for him by each priest of the Province.
Art. 18
§1 Parents and benefactors, both living and deceased, share
in the prayers and suffrages offered in the fraternities of the
Order.
§2 The suffrages for the deceased father and mother of a
Friar and for benefactors are to be offered in accordance with
the Particular Statutes.
4 Cf. CIC 968 §2, 969 §2.
29
 CAPUT III
«OMNES VOS FRATRES ESTIS»
(Rnb 22,33)
Art. 19
In fraternitatibus Ministri et Guardiani diligenter inquirant
et curent ut singulis fratribus res necessariae provideantur, pro
locorum, temporum et personarum condicionibus, ita ut neque
superflua permittantur neque necessaria denegentur.
Art. 20
§1 Fratres maiores aetate et fratres infirmi gaudeant de
bono vitae communis in fraternitate et de consortio ecclesiali
et sociali, ita ut de sua experientia et fidelitate vitae consecra-
tae testimonium praebeant et servitia quibus idonei sunt prae-
stent.
§2 Omnes et singuli fratres specialem reverentiam et grati
animi sensum fratribus senioribus exhibeant.
§3 Ministri et Guardiani fraternam assistentiam et subsidia
adaequata cuiusvis generis fratribus infirmis procurent.
Art. 21
§1 Intra fines Provinciae relationes mutuae inter fratres
ipsos et Domus foveantur. Relationes interprovinciales insu-
per promovendae sunt iuxta opportunas normas in Statutis
particularibus definitas.
§2 Debita fraternitatis et caritatis officia ab omnibus fratri-
bus, praesertim a Ministris et Guardianis, exhibenda sunt fra-
tribus et Provinciis quae ob adversa rerum adiuncta in gravi
discrimine versantur.
§3 Ministri, servatis servandis, necessitatibus personalibus
et materialibus aliarum Provinciarum pauperiorum subvenire
satagant.
30
CHAPTER III
“YOU ARE ALL BROTHERS”
(Rnb 22,33)
Art. 19
The Ministers and the Guardians are diligently to ascertain
and take care that what is necessary is provided to the Friars
according to the conditions of places, times and people so that
superfluous things are not permitted or necessary things de-
nied.
Art. 20
§1 The old and infirm Friars are to enjoy all the benefits of
common life in fraternity and of ecclesial and social compan-
ionship so that, from their experience and fidelity, they may
offer witness to the consecrated life and give the services of
which they are capable.
§2 Each and every Friar is to show particular reverence and
sense of gratitude to the older Friars.
§3 The Ministers and Guardians are to assure fraternal as-
sistance and suitable help of every kind to the sick Friars.
Art. 21
§1 Within the Province mutual relationships are to be en-
couraged between the Friars themselves and the Houses. In
addition, interprovincial relationships are also to be promoted
in accordance with appropriate norms established in the Par-
ticular Statutes.
§2 Due services of fraternity and charity are to be shown by
all Friars, especially by the Ministers and Guardians, to the
Friars and Provinces that, through adverse circumstances, are
in grave difficulty.
§3 The Ministers, observing the requirements of law, are to
provide for the personal and material needs of other poorer
Provinces.
31
Art. 22
Ministri provinciales cum Definitorio, conscii Ordinem
esse veram fraternitatem, libenter et pro viribus cooperentur
ad subveniendum Ordinis inceptis et operibus necnon Domi-
bus Ministro generali immediate subiectis, suppeditando fra-
tres et media materialia.
Art. 23
§1 Guardiani est cum Capitulo locali vel Discretorio, ap-
probante Ministro provinciali, clausurae limites definire ad
normam Statutorum particularium.
§2 Guardianus potest limites clausurae mutare vel etiam
tollere per modum actus tantum et iusta de causa.
Art. 24
In adiunctis peculiaribus fratribus uti licet aliis vestibus
quam ut in art. 48 §1 Constitutionum generalium, in Statutis
particularibus vel a Definitorio provinciali determinatis.
Art. 25
§1 Si urgens necessitas, christiana caritas vel evidens utilitas
postulent ut Guardianus vel Minister provincialis quandoque
diutius absit, hae causae a respectivo Ministro superiore pro-
bandae sunt. Discessuri vero meminerint ita providendum
esse, ut fratres ex tali absentia nullum damnum vel incommo-
dum patiantur.5
§2 Guardianus vel Minister provincialis discessurus e fini-
bus sui territorii, quamvis ad breve tempus, eum qui eius
vicem de iure agere debet, moneat.
Art. 26
§1 Iuxta normas Statutorum particularium in unaquaque
Domo et Provincia designentur fratres, qui chronicam redi-
5 Cf. CIC 629.
32
Art. 22
The Ministers Provincial with their Definitories, aware that
the Order is a true Fraternity, are to willingly cooperate to the
best of their ability in supporting the initiatives and works of
the Order, as well as the Houses immediately subject to the
Minister General, by supplying Friars and material means.
Art. 23
§1 It is the duty of the Guardian, with the local Chapter or
Discretorium, and with the approval of the Minister Provin-
cial, to fix the limits of the enclosure in accordance with the
Particular Statutes.
§2 The Guardian may alter the limits of the enclosure or
even remove them as an exception only and for a just reason.
Art. 24
The Friars are permitted, in special circumstances, to wear
clothes different from what is determined in article 48 §1 of
the General Constitutions, in the Particular Statutes or by the
Provincial Definitory.
Art. 25
§1 If urgent necessity, Christian charity or evident useful-
ness require the Guardian or Minister Provincial to be absent
for a prolonged period, these reasons must be approved by the
respective superior Minister. Those that will be absent are to
remember to make provision so that the Friars do not suffer
any harm or inconvenience by such absence.5
§2 A Guardian or Minister Provincial who is about to leave
the confines of his territory, even for a short time, is to inform
the person who, by law, must take his place.
Art. 26
§1 Friars are to be appointed in each House and Province,
according to the norms of the Particular Statutes, to compile
5 Cf. CIC 629.
33
gant et archivi curam habeant necnon alia munera necessaria
pro vita fraternitatis expleant.
§2 Magna cura serventur, tueantur et iuxta temporis nostri
necessitates provideantur bibliothecae, praesertim insigniores
ac praestantiores. Eadem quoque valent de archivis, museis et
artis operibus.
Art. 27
Assistentes spirituales Ordinis Franciscani Saecularis nomi-
nentur, pro toto Ordine a Ministro generali; pro nationibus, si
casus ferat, a respectivis Ministris provincialibus; pro Provin-
cia a Ministro provinciali – consulto gubernio respectivae Fra-
ternitatis Ordinis Franciscani Saecularis.
Art. 28
§1 Assistens generalis, animat et coordinat assistentes Ordi-
nis Fratrum Minorum, et assistentiam pastoralem praebet Or-
dini Franciscano Saeculari nostro Ordini colligato.
§2 Assistens generalis auxilium praestat assistentibus gene-
ralibus aliarum oboedientiarum cooperantibus iuxta Statuta
peculiaria.
34
the chronicle, take care of the archives and exercise other of-
fices necessary for the life of the fraternity.
§2 Libraries, especially the more noteworthy and valuable
ones, are to be preserved with great care, protected and cared
for according to the needs of our times. The same is valid for
the archives, museums and works of art.
Art. 27
Spiritual Assistants to the Secular Franciscan Order are to
be appointed for the whole Order by the Minister General; for
the individual countries, if the case requires it, by the respec-
tive Ministers Provincial and for the Province by the Minister
Provincial, having consulted the government of the respective
Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Art. 28
§1 The Assistant General animates and coordinates the As-
sistants of the Order of Friars Minor and offers pastoral assis-
tance to the Secular Franciscan Order linked to our Order.
§2 The Assistant General is to give help to the General As-
sistants of the other obediences, who cooperate in accordance
with the Special Statutes.
35
 CAPUT IV
PEREGRINI ET ADVENAE
IN HOC MUNDO
(Cf. 1Pt 2,11; Rb 6,2)
Titulus I
De modo laborandi et itinerandi
Art. 29
Fratres semper in humilitate et hilaritate cordis viventes, ab
omni superbia et avaritia caveant, labori cotidiano strenue in-
cumbant et servitia sua omnibus hominibus praestare parati
sint.
Art. 30
§1 Guardiani est promovere et moderari omnes labores pro
respectiva Domo. Meminerit tamen suum esse praecipuum of-
ficium fratres ad varios labores destinatos in fraternitate unire
atque custodire.
§2 Capitulo locali competit non tantum quaestiones de pro-
fectu laboris, evangelizationis et curae pastoralis pertractare,
sed etiam relationes uniuscuiusque laboris sollicite exquirere,
ad fraternam communionem constituendam et fovendam.
Art. 31
§1 Fratribus licet eosque decet legibus subsidiorum et pro-
visionum socialium atque pensionum sese subicere ad normas
Statutorum particularium, salvo art. 79 §2 Constitutionum ge-
neralium.
§2 Fratres libenter acceptent servitium assistentiae sanita-
riae a societatibus ad hoc institutis.
36
CHAPTER IV
“PILGRIMS AND STRANGERS
IN THIS WORLD”
(1Pt 2,11; Rb 6,2)
Title I
On the manner of working and travelling
Art. 29
The Friars, always living in humility and cheerfulness of
heart, are to refrain from all pride and avarice, to diligently at-
tend to their daily work and to be ready to give their service to
all people.
Art. 30
§1 It pertains to the Guardian to promote and regulate all
work in his respective House. He is to remember, however,
that his principal responsibility is to unite and protect the Fri-
ars assigned to the various tasks in the fraternity.
§2 It is the responsibility of the local Chapter not only to
deal with the problems regarding the progress of work, evan-
gelisation and pastoral care, but also to seek solicitously re-
ports on the work of each Friar in order to establish and fos-
ter fraternal communion.
Art. 31
§1 It is lawful, and even appropriate, for the Friars to sub-
mit themselves to the laws on assistance, social security and
pensions in accordance with the norms of the Particular
Statutes, without prejudice to art. 79 §2 of the General Con-
stitutions.
§2 The Friars are to willingly accept the service of the
health services from those societies instituted for this purpose.
37
Art. 32
§1 Quando pro sustentatione fraternitatis, fructus laboris et
alia subsidia non sufficiunt, fratres secundum locorum adiuncta
et sub dependentia Ministri provincialis et Guardianorum ad
benefactores recurrere possunt prout res melius suaserit.
§2 Ubi Ministro provinciali adhuc necessarium et opportu-
num atque ad praebendum testimonium aptum visum fuerit,
fratres eleemosynas ostiatim petant,6 intra tamen fines pro-
priae Provinciae.
§3 Licentia itinerandi ad colligendas eleemosynas in terri-
torio alienae Provinciae nonnisi de consensu Ministri istius
Provinciae concedatur.
Art. 33
Fratribus non licet recipere legata perpetua neque perpe-
tuas oblationes neque tales reditus stabiles qui eos a necessitate
laborandi eximerent. Legata autem quae unica praestatione
solvuntur, quaeque reditus perpetui rationem non habent,
licet recipere, iuxta normas Statutorum particularium.
Art. 34
Fratres abstineant a petendis licentiis itinerandi quas Mini-
stri et Guardiani convenienter concedere non possunt. Licen-
tiae itinerandi ne concedantur nisi iter peragatur rationibus
quae cum paupertate componuntur.
Art. 35
Fratres itinerantes ad nostras Domos accedere debent et
semper benigne hospitio recipiantur.
Art. 36
§1 Pro toto Ordine, Minister generalis omnibus fratribus
itinerandi licentiam concedere valet.
6 Cf. Test 22.
38
Art. 32
§1 When the fruits of work and other subsidies are not suf-
ficient for the support of the Fraternity, the Friars, according
to the circumstances of places and in dependence on the Min-
ister Provincial and the Guardians, may have recourse to
benefactors, as the situation will suggest best.
§2 Where it should seem necessary and appropriate to the
Minister Provincial, as well as suitable for giving witness, the
Friars may seek alms from door to door,6 but within the con-
fines of their own Province.
§3 Permission to travel into the territory of another Province
to gather alms is not to be granted except with the consent of
the Minister of that Province.
Art. 33
It is not licit for the Friars to accept perpetual legacies, per-
petual offerings or stable forms of income that would exempt
them from the need to work. Legacies that are satisfied
through a single act and do not have a character of perpetual
income may be accepted, in accordance with the norms of the
Particular Statutes.
Art. 34
The Friars are to refrain from seeking travel permissions
that the Ministers and Guardians cannot reasonably grant.
Permission to travel is not to be granted unless the journey is
undertaken for reasons compatible with poverty.
Art. 35
Friars on a journey must go to our Houses and are to be al-
ways received with courteous hospitality.
Art. 36
§1 The Minister General can grant permission to travel to
all Friars of the entire Order.
6 Cf. Test 22.
39
 §2 Ministri provinciales facultatem habent concedendi fra-
tribus suis licentiam itinerandi iuxta Statuta particularia. Ut
autem licentiam itinerandi extra hos limites concedant, con-
sensu sui Definitorii indigent.
§3 Si commoratio alicuius fratris in aliena Provincia ultra
tres menses protrahatur, Minister provincialis Ministrum illius
Provinciae certiorem reddat. Et si frater in aliqua Domo illius
Provinciae commoretur, ipse Minister praevium beneplacitum
a Ministro competenti obtineat.
§4 Competentia Guardiani quoad itinera in Statutis parti-
cularibus definiatur.
Art. 37
Ministri et Guardiani, quoties licentiam itinerandi in scri-
ptis dant, in ipsis litteris oboedientialibus tempus et loca itine-
ris praefiniant.
Art. 38
Feriae, fratribus opportuno tempore iuxta Statuta particularia
concedendae, ita ordinentur ut provideatur officiis fraternitatis,
et simul respondeant finibus et spiritui nostrae paupertatis.
Titulus II
De munere Officii generalis Iustitiae,
Pacis et Integritatis Creati ordinando
Art. 39
Munus praecipuum Officii generalis IPIC, sub dependentia
Ministri generalis, est:
§1 adlaborando una cum Secretariatu pro Formatione et
Studiis, necnon cum Secretariatu pro Evangelizatione, coope-
rantibus animatoribus et commissionibus IPIC cuiusvis gra-
dus, curam habere ut IPIC pars vitae et servitii Ordinis evadat.
§2 Fratres circa quaestiones IPIC attinentes educare.
40
§2 Ministers Provincial have the faculty to grant permission
to travel to their own Friars in accordance with the Particular
Statutes. In order to grant permission to travel beyond these
limits, however, they need the consent of their Definitory.
§3 If a Friar’s sojourn in another Province goes beyond
three months, his Minister Provincial is to inform the Minis-
ter Provincial of that Province. And if a Friar is to remain in
any House of that Province, his own Minister is to obtain
prior approval of the competent Minister.
§4 The competence of the Guardian with regard to travel
are to be determined by the Particular Statutes.
Art. 37
The Ministers and Guardians, each time they grant travel
permission in writing, are to specify the time and places of the
journey in the letters of obedience.
Art. 38
Vacations, which are to be granted to the Friars at an ap-
propriate time in accordance with the Particular Statutes, are
to be arranged in such a way that the duties of the fraternity
are provided for and, at the same time, that they respond to
the purposes and spirit of our poverty.
Title II
On the tasks of the Office of Justice,
Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Art. 39
The main task of the General Office for Justice, Peace and In-
tegrity of Creation, in dependence on the Minister General, is:
§1 To ensure that JPIC becomes part of the life and service
of the Order by collaborating with the Secretariat for Forma-
tion and Studies as well as with the Secretariat for Evangelisa-
tion, in cooperation with the JPIC Animators and Commis-
sions of all levels.
§2 To educate the Friars on matters regarding JPIC.
41
Art. 40
§1 Officium generale Iustitiae, Pacis et Integritatis Creati
adiuvetur a Consilio Internationali Iustitiae, Pacis et Integri-
tatis Creati constituto iuxta normas Statutorum peculiarium, a
Definitorio Generali approbatorum.
§2 Quaeque Conferentia et Provincia conficiat Statuta, qui-
bus provideatur integrationi IPIC in vita et servitio Ordinis,
tum formatione initiali cum permanenti perdurantibus, et etiam
pro iis qui peculiari modo IPIC addicti sunt.
Art. 41
§1 In unaquaque Conferentia instituatur Commissio pro
IPIC, constituta ex membris uniuscuiusque entitatis Confe-
rentiae. Munus et officium Commissionis, atque normae ele-
ctionis sui Praesidis determinantur aptis cum Statutis, quae
approbatione Conferentiae indigent.
§2 Dictae commissiones, in omnibus quae IPIC respiciunt,
aequam cooperationem praestare tenentur cum Familia fran-
ciscana “Franciscans International”, Commissionibus dioece-
sanis et Institutorum religiosorum, necnon organizationibus
Societatis civilis quae bona existimatione gaudent.
Art. 42
§1 Unaquaeque Provincia et aliae Entitates Ordinis anima-
torem IPIC habeant.
§2 Ubi possibile est nominetur consilium seu commissio
quae Ministro Provinciali et animatori IPIC auxilium praestet
ad promovendam formationem et laborem IPIC intra fines
Provinciae.
§3 Munera animatoris IPIC, qui semper agit sub depen-
dentia Ministri provincialis vel Custodis definiantur in Statu-
tis peculiaribus. Ipse favebit integrationi IPIC, eamque ordi-
nabit intra vitam et officia Provinciae vel Custodiae; in primis
autem incepta IPIC cuiuscumque gradus substinebit.
42
Art. 40
§1 The General Office of JPIC is to be helped by the In-
ternational Council for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Cre-
ation, constituted in accordance with the norms of the Special
Statutes approved by the Definitory General.
§2 Each Conference and Province is to draw up Statutes in
which the integration of JPIC into the life and service of the
Order is provided for during both initial and ongoing forma-
tion as well as for those that are, in a specific way, engaged in
JPIC.
Art. 41
§1 A Commission for JPIC, composed of members from
each Entity of the Conference, is to be instituted in each Con-
ference. The task and function of the Commission, as well as
the norms for the election of its President, are to be estab-
lished by appropriate Statutes, which require the approval of
the Conference.
§2 The said Commissions, in all that regards JPIC, must
cooperate in a suitable way with the Franciscan Family, with
“Franciscans International”, with the Commissions of the
Dioceses and Religious Institutes as well as with the organisa-
tions of civil Society that enjoy a good reputation.
Art. 42
§1 Each Province and the other Entities of the Order are to
have an Animator of JPIC.
§2 Wherever it is possible, a Council or Commission is to
be appointed, which is to help the Minister Provincial and the
JPIC Animator in promoting the formation and work of JPIC
within the confines of the Province.
§3 The tasks of the Animator of JPIC, who always operates
in dependence on the Minister Provincial or Custos, are to be
defined in Special Statutes. He will promote and coordinate
the integration of JPIC into the life and services of the
Province or Custody; and, above all, he will support JPIC un-
dertakings on all levels.
43
 CAPUT V
IN HOC MISIT VOS DEUS
IN UNIVERSO MUNDO
(Cf. EpO 9)
Titulus I
Normae generales de evangelizatione
Art. 43
§1 Congruenter cum art. 84 Constitutionum generalium
fratres sese dedicent muneri evangelizationis, ubicumque in-
veniantur et quodcumque opus exerceant, ita ut adventum
Regni Dei simplici franciscana praesentia, testimonio vitae,
verbis et operibus annuntient.
§2 Capitulis tum generalibus tum provincialibus competit
ministerium evangelizationis fratrum examinare et perpen-
dere, instructiones, idoneas vias et media ad evangelizationem
franciscanam fovendam proponere.7
Art. 44
§1 Ministro generali cum suo Definitorio competit Ordinis
evangelizationem animare, de ea curam gerere et discernere,
evangelizationem missionariam regere et pro ea invigilare.8
§2 In hoc munere exercendo Minister generalis utitur Se-
cretariatu generali pro Evangelizatione.
§3 Ad officium Secretarii generalis pro Evangelizatione
pertinet Ministrum generalem, consilio et opere, adiuvare in
omnibus quae evangelizationem respiciunt.
Art. 45
Officium est Secretariatus generalis pro Evangelizatione,
sub dependentia Ministri generalis:
7 Cf. CCGG 112 §1.
8 Cf. CCGG 119 §1.
44
CHAPTER V
GOD HAS SENT YOU INTO THE ENTIRE
WORLD FOR THIS REASON
(Cf. LtO 9)
Title 1
The General Norms of Evangelisation
Art. 43
§1 The Friars, in accordance with art. 84 of the Constitu-
tions, are to dedicate themselves to the task of evangelisation
wherever they may be and whatever work they may be doing
so that they may announce the coming of the Kingdom of
God through simple Franciscan presence, witness of life,
words and deeds.
§2 It is the duty of the Chapters, both General and Provin-
cial, to examine and evaluate the ministry of evangelisation of
the Friars and to propose instructions and suitable ways and
means for promoting Franciscan evangelisation.7
Art. 44
§1 It is the duty of the Minister General with his Definitory
to animate, take care of and discern the evangelisation of the
Order, to direct missionary evangelisation and to supervise it.8
§2 In exercising this duty, the Minister General uses the
General Secretariat for Evangelisation.
§3 It pertains to the office of the Secretary General for
Evangelisation to help the Minister General, through advice
and action, in all that regards evangelisation.
Art. 45
It is the duty of the General Secretariat for Evangelisation,
in dependence on the Minister General:
7 Cf. GGCC 112 §1.
8 Cf. GGCC 119 §1.
45
 1. testimonium praesentiae franciscanae sustinere et opera
evangelizationis animare;
2. curam habere et aptis mediis et inceptis evangelizationem
in Ordine promovere;
3. opera missionalia Ordinis et Provinciarum coordinare et
sequi;
4. omnia incepta evangelizationis, sub luce charismatis fran-
ciscanae et exigentiarum huius temporis, discernere;
5. cooperationem inter Provincias et inter Conferentias Mi-
nistrorum provincialium magis magisque promovere.
Art. 46
§1 Secretariatus generalis pro Evangelizatione ex duabus
sectionibus constituitur: altera pro evangelizatione et altera
pro Evangelizatione missionali.
§2 Secretariatus generalis pro Evangelizatione regitur Sta-
tutis peculiaribus a Ministro generali de consensu Definitorii
approbatis.
Art. 47
§1 Secretariatui generali pro Evangelizatione auxilium
praestat Consilium Internationale pro Evangelizatione, ex
Delegatis omnium Conferentiarum Ministrorum provincia-
lium et ex aliis fratribus, ad normam Statutorum peculiarium,
compositum.
§2 Quaeque Conferentia Ministrorum provincialium Dele-
gatum eligat iuxta normas propriae Conferentiae et Statuto-
rum peculiarium Consilii Internationalis pro Evangelizatione.
Art. 48
§1 Ad Ministrum provincialem cum suo Definitorio perti-
net actuositatem evangelizationis, ad normam iuris Ordinis, in
Provincia moderari, ratione habita decisionum et instructio-
num Capituli generalis et Capituli provincialis.
§2 Quaeque Provincia suum Secretariatum pro Evangeliza-
tione habeat cui respectivus Secretarius praesidet. Secretaria-
tus componitur Moderatore pro Evangelizatione missionali,
46
1. to support the testimony of Franciscan presence and to
animate activities of evangelisation;
2. to care for and promote, through suitable means and ini-
tiatives, evangelisation in the Order;
3. to coordinate and accompany the missionary activities of
the Order and Provinces;
4. to discern, in the light of the Franciscan charism and of
the demands of our times, all initiatives of evangelisation;
5. to promote an ever-greater collaboration between the
Provinces and between the Conferences of Ministers Provincial.
Art. 46
§1 The General Secretariat for Evangelisation is composed
of two sections: one for evangelisation and the other for mis-
sionary evangelisation.
§2 The General Secretariat for Evangelisation is regulated
by Special Statutes approved by the Minister General with the
consent of his Definitory.
Art. 47
§1 The International Council for Evangelisation, com-
posed of delegates from all the Conferences of Ministers
Provincial and of other Friars, in accordance with the Special
Statutes, helps the General Secretariat for Evangelisation.
§2 Each Conference of Ministers Provincial elects a Dele-
gate in accordance with the norms of the Conference itself
and of the Special Statutes of the International Council for
Evangelisation.
Art. 48
§1 It pertains to the Minister Provincial with his Definitory
to direct the activity of evangelisation within the Province, in
accordance with the legislation of the Order, bearing in mind
the decisions and instructions of the General and Provincial
Chapters.
§2 Each Province is to have its own Secretariat for Evangeli-
sation, over which the respective Secretary presides. The Secre-
47
Coordinatore pro evangelizatione et aliis fratribus, ad nor-
mam Statutorum particularium et peculiarium.
Art. 49
§1 Officium Secretarii provincialis pro Evangelizatione est
promovere et coordinare, sub dependentia Ministri provincia-
lis, universam evangelizationem in Provincia. Munus eius
pressius determinetur in Statutis particularibus et peculiari-
bus.
§2 Officium Moderatoris pro Evangelizatione missionali,
praeter ea quae in Statutis particularibus vel peculiaribus prae-
scribuntur, est: spiritum et incepta actionis missionalis intra
Provinciae fines excitare et promovere, communicationem
Provinciae cum fratribus in missionibus sustinere et eleemosy-
nas colligere, quae, sub dependentia Ministri provincialis, in
bonum operum missionalium expendantur.
§3 Coordinatoris pro Evangelizatione est, ad normam Sta-
tutorum particularium et peculiarium, universam activitatem
quae varios modos evangelizationis respicit, coordinare.
§4 Secretarius provincialis pro Evangelizatione eligitur in
Congressu capitulari; extra Capitulum vero a Definitorio pro-
vinciali. Si necessarium sit, Secretarius provincialis pro Evange-
lizatione eodem tempore assumere potest etiam officium Mo-
deratoris pro evangelizatione missionali, aut officium Coor-
dinatoris pro Evangelizatione.
§5 Moderator pro Evangelizatione missionali et Coordina-
tor pro Evangelizatione eliguntur in Congressu capitulari,
extra Capitulum vero a Definitorio provinciali.
Art. 50
§1 Pro singulis Conferentiae Ministrorum provincialium
instituatur, si fieri potest, Secretariatus interprovincialis pro
evangelizatione. Huius Secretariatus munus praecipuum est
cooperationem, formationem et mutuas experientias in area
evangelizationis excitare et fovere, et relationes inter diversos
48
tariat is composed of the Secretary, the Moderator of Mission-
ary Evangelisation, the Coordinator of Evangelisation and other
Friars, in accordance with the Particular and Special Statutes.
Art. 49
§1 It is the duty of the Provincial Secretary for Evangelisation
to promote and coordinate, in dependence on the Minister
Provincial, all evangelisation in the Province. His task is to be
more precisely determined in the Particular and Special Statutes.
§2 The duty of the Moderator of Missionary Evangelisa-
tion, in addition to what is established in the Particular and
Special Statutes, is to animate and promote the spirit and the
initiatives of missionary activity within the confines of the
Province, to support communications of the Province with the
Friars in the missions and to collect alms that, in dependence
on the Minister Provincial, are to be spent for the benefit of
missionary works.
§3 It pertains to the Coordinator of Evangelisation to coor-
dinate, in accordance with the Particular and Special Statutes,
all activity that belongs to the different forms of evangelisation.
§4 The Provincial Secretary for Evangelisation is elected
during the Capitular Congressus or, outside Chapter, by the
Provincial Definitory. If it is necessary, the Provincial Secre-
tary for Evangelisation can assume the office of Moderator of
Missionary Evangelisation or the office of Coordinator of
Evangelisation at the same time.
§5 The Moderator of Missionary Evangelisation and the
Coordinator of Evangelisation are elected during the Capitu-
lar Congressus or, outside Chapter, by the Provincial Defini-
tory.
Art. 50
§1 An Interprovincial Secretariat for Evangelisation is to be
instituted, if possible, for each Conference of Ministers
Provincial. The main task of this Secretariat is to animate and
promote cooperation, formation and exchange of experiences
in the area of evangelisation and to set up relationships be-
49
Secretariatus provinciales, et inter illos ac Secretariatum gene-
ralem pro evangelizatione constituere.
§2 In singulis Conferentiis Ministrorum provincialium in-
stituatur, si opportunum videtur, etiam Consilium interpro-
vinciale pro evangelizatione missionali, compositum ex De-
legato pro evangelizatione et ex moderatoribus pro evangeli-
zatione missionali, ad promovendum spiritum et actuosita-
tem missionalem intra Conferentiae Ministrorum provincia-
lium fines, participationem in inceptis missionalibus Ordinis;
ad excitandam cooperationem interprovincialem in area
evangelizationis missionalis et, iuxta normas Statutorum pe-
culiarium Secretariatus generalis pro evangelizatione, ad
constituendas relationes cum Secretariatu generali pro Evan-
gelizatione.
§3 Secretariatus interprovincialis pro evangelizatione et
Consilium interprovinciale pro evangelizatione missionali re-
guntur propriis Statutis, iuxta normas Statutorum respectivae
Conferentiae Ministrorum provincialium et Statutorum pecu-
liarium Secretariatus generalis pro evangelizatione.
Titulus II
De munere evangelizationis ordinando
Art. 51
§1 Ad normam art. 112 §1 Constitutionum generalium, et
habita ratione decisionum Capituli generalis, vel Ministri ge-
neralis cum suo Definitorio, propensionis uniuscuiusque fra-
tris, Capitulo provinciali competit decernere de operibus
evangelizationis; in paroeciali ministerio pastorali, in praedi-
catione exsequenda, in scholis, in assistentia sociali, in profes-
sionali labore, et in aliis actuositatibus sive traditione probatis
sive etiam novis exigentiis respondentibus.
§2 In deliberationibus de quibus in §1, ratio habenda est
operum quae Provincia in cooperatione cum Ecclesia particu-
lari et aliis Provinciis melius perficere potest, et quae totius
Ordinis utilitati magis inserviunt.
50
tween the different Provincial Secretariats and between these
and the General Secretariat for Evangelisation.
§2 In each Conference of Ministers Provincial there is to be
instituted, if it seems appropriate, an Interprovincial Council
for Missionary Evangelisation, composed of the Delegate for
Evangelisation and by the Moderators of Missionary Evange-
lisation, to promote the missionary spirit and activity within
the Conference of Ministers Provincial and participation in
the missionary initiatives of the Order; to animate inter-
provincial cooperation in the area of Missionary Evangelisa-
tion and, in accordance with the Special Statutes of the Gen-
eral Secretariat for Evangelisation, to set up relationships with
the General Secretariat for Evangelisation.
§3 The Interprovincial Secretariat for Evangelisation and
the Interprovincial Council for Missionary Evangelisation are
regulated by their own Statutes, in accordance with the norms
of the Statutes of the respective Conference of Ministers
Provincial and of the Special Statutes of the General Secre-
tariat for Evangelisation.
Title II
On the task of organising evangelisation
Art. 51
§1 It is the responsibility of the Provincial Chapter, in ac-
cordance with the norm of art. 112 §1 of the General Consti-
tutions and taking into account the decisions of the General
Chapter or of the Minister General with his Definitory and
the inclination of each Friar, to decide about works of evange-
lisation: in the pastoral ministry of parishes, in carrying out
preaching, in schools, in social assistance, in professional work
and in other activities either approved by tradition or re-
sponding to new demands.
§2 In making decisions, mentioned in §1, account must be
taken of the works that the Province can carry out better in
cooperation with the particular Church and other Provinces
and which serve the greater usefulness of the whole Order.
51
Art. 52
§1 Provinciae itemque Conferentiae Ministrorum provin-
cialium opportunas normas pro actuositate evangelizationis
regenda habeant. Quae autem normae lineamentis Ordinis et
decretis a Conferentiis Episcopalibus latis accommodentur
oportet.
§2 Ministri provinciales, prae oculis habentes etiam exigen-
tias suarum Conferentiarum et totius Ordinis, agnoscant atque
definiant munera et servitia pro quibus peritorum formatio re-
quiritur, et maximam habeant curam ut eorundem formationi
provideatur.
Art. 53
Acceptatio paroeciarum vel aliorum operum, quae ab Epi-
scopo dioecesano Provinciae committuntur,9 competit Mini-
stro provinciali de consensu sui Definitorii. Minister provin-
cialis cum Episcopo hac de re conventionem scriptam inire
debet ad normam can. 681 §2.
Art. 54
§1 In acceptandis paroeciis, de quibus Minister generalis
certior reddatur, Minister provincialis praeferat eas in quibus
testimonium minoritatis et fraternitatis melius eluceat.
§2 Si paroecia erigitur in ecclesia Ordinis, in conventione
accurate definiantur relationes inter fraternitatem et paroe-
ciam, praesertim quoad usum ecclesiae.10
Art. 55
§1 Ministri provincialis est fratres, de quorum idoneitate
sufficienter constet, admittere vel praesentare Episcopo, ad
munera pastoralia exercenda.11
19 Cf. CIC 520 §1.
10 Cf. CIC 520 §2.
11 Cf. CIC 682 §1.
52
Art. 52
§1 The Provinces, as well as the Conferences of Ministers
Provincial, are to have appropriate norms for regulating activ-
ities of evangelisation. These norms, however, must be ac-
commodated to the orientations of the Order and to the de-
crees issued by the Episcopal Conferences.
§2 The Ministers Provincial, keeping in mind also the re-
quirements of their own Conferences and of the entire Order,
are also to identify and define the tasks and services for which
the training of specialists is required and to have the greatest
care in making provision for their training.
Art. 53
The acceptance of parishes, or of other works that are en-
trusted to the Province by the Diocesan Bishop9, pertains to
the Minister Provincial with the consent of his Definitory. The
Minister Provincial must draw up a written agreement about
the matter with the Bishop, in accordance with can. 681 §2.
Art. 54
§1 In accepting parishes, of which the Minister General
must be informed, the Minister Provincial is to have prefer-
ence for those in which witness to minority and fraternity can
better shine forth.
§2 If a parish is erected in a church of the Order, the rela-
tionships between the fraternity and the parish, especially re-
garding the use of the church,10 are to be carefully defined in
the agreement.
Art. 55
§1 It pertains to the Minister Provincial to admit or present
to the Bishop for the exercise of pastoral offices those Friars
whose suitability has been sufficiently established.11
19 Cf. CIC 520 §1.
10 Cf. CIC 520 §2.
11 Cf. CIC 682 §1.
53
 §2 Fratres, qui ratione conventionis quibusdam muneribus
adstringuntur, qua religiosi subiciuntur visitationi et corre-
ctioni Ministri provincialis necnon vigilantiae Guardiani; in
his autem quae ad ipsum servitium pertinent, auctoritati subi-
ciuntur eorum quibus inserviunt.12
§3 Qui in dioecesibus quodcumque ministerium pastorale
exercent, iurisdictioni Ordinariorum locorum subiciuntur,
ad normam iuris, in iis quae ad munus pastorale fideliter
exercendum et ad curam animarum rite ordinandam respi-
ciunt.13
Art. 56
§1 Nitantur Ministri, Guardiani et fratres ministerio pasto-
rali addicti, ut opportune cooperentur cum Institutis dioecesa-
nis et regionalibus in iis quae ad rationem et methodum evan-
gelizationis attinent.
§2 Fraternitates eiusdem dioecesis vel regionis mutuas rela-
tiones et arctiorem cooperationem foveant inter se necnon
cum sodalibus Institutorum vitae consecratae, qui in eodem
territorio commorantur et laborant.
Art. 57
Apostolatus educationis iuventutis, etiam in scholis, oppor-
tune promoveatur, ita ut laici rite efformentur ad servitium
Ecclesiae et societatis humanae, necnon vocationes ecclesiasti-
cae et religiosae foveantur.
Art. 58
Congruenter cum art. 97 Constitutionum generalium in
unaquaque Provincia Minister et fratres sollicitam curam ha-
beant erga nostri temporis a vita sociali exclusos.
12 Cf. CIC 678 §2.
13 Cf. CIC 678 §1.
54
§2 The Friars who, by reason of an agreement, are engaged
in any office, in so far as they are religious, are subject to the
visitation and correction of the Minister Provincial and to the
supervision of the Guardian. In all things relating to their
service, however, they are subject to the authority of those for
whom they give the service.12
§3 Those exercising any pastoral ministry in Dioceses are
subject to the jurisdiction of the local Ordinaries, in accor-
dance with the norm of law, in all that concerns the faithful ex-
ercise of the pastoral office and the proper ordering of the care
of souls.13
Art. 56
§1 The Ministers, Guardians and Friars engaged in pastoral
ministry are to commit themselves so that they may appropri-
ately cooperate with diocesan and regional Institutions in all
that pertains to the organisation and methods of evangelisa-
tion.
§2 Fraternities of the same diocese or region are to encour-
age mutual relationships and closer cooperation between them
as well as with members of Institutes of Consecrated Life who
reside and work in the same territory.
Art. 57
The apostolate of youth education, even in schools, is to be
suitably promoted so that the laity may be properly formed for
the service of the Church and human society and so that ec-
clesiastical and religious vocations may be encouraged.
Art. 58
The Minister and Friars in each Province, in accordance
with article 97 of the General Constitutions, are to have spe-
cial concern for those excluded from social life in our time.
12 Cf. CIC 678 §2.
13 Cf. CIC 678 §1.
55
 Titulus III
De evangelizatione missionali ordinanda
Art. 59
§1 Minister generalis, de consensu sui Definitorii, incepta
missionalia singulis Provinciis vel coetibus Provinciarum assi-
gnare potest, consultis Ministris et Definitoriis provincialibus
quorum interest. Idem Minister eadem incepta nomine totius
Ordinis acceptare potest, ea distribuendo coetibus fratrum ex
variis Provinciis provenientibus, auditis respectivis Ministris
provincialibus.
§2 Evangelizatio missionalis totius Ordinis ordinanda est
per Statuta peculiaria, quae a Ministro generali, cum Defini-
torii consensu, approbantur.
Art. 60
§1 Ad Capitulum provinciale et, si casus urget, extra Capi-
tulum, ad Definitorium Provinciae spectat inceptum missio-
nale in regionibus ubi Provincia Ordinis adhuc non sit consti-
tuta a Ministro generali petere et acceptare aut, expositis gra-
vibus rationibus, dimittere; quae tamen resignatio Ministri ge-
neralis approbatione indiget.
§2 Ministro provinciali competit, praehabito consensu sui
Definitorii, aliquam actuositatem specialem suscipere in re-
gione, ubi Provincia opus missionale habet.
§3 Provinciae est incepta missionalia sibi concredita suffi-
cientibus et idoneis fratribus necnon subsidiis instruere.
Art. 61
§1 Provinciae, quae fratres evangelizationis missionalis causa
incorporatos in aliena Provincia habent, curent ut bonum illius
Provinciae continuo foveatur.
§2 Entitates evangelizationis missionalis, quae sese susten-
tare adaequate adhuc non possunt, omnimode adiuvandae sunt
a Secretariatu generali pro Evangelizatione missionali, de
mandato Ministri generalis cum suo Definitorio, ad normam
Statutorum peculiarium.
56
Title III
On organising Missionary Evangelisation
Art. 59
§1 The Minister General, with the consent of his Definitory,
can assign missionary undertakings to individual Provinces or
groups of Provinces, having consulted the Ministers and
Provincial Definitories concerned. The same Minister can ac-
cept such missionary undertakings in the name of the entire
Order and assign them to groups of Friars coming from vari-
ous Provinces, having consulted the respective Ministers.
§2 The Missionary Evangelisation of the whole Order is
regulated by Special Statutes that are approved by the Minis-
ter General with the consent of his Definitory.
Art. 60
§1 It pertains to the Provincial Chapter and, if the matter is
urgent, to the Provincial Definitory outside Chapter, to re-
quest and accept from the Minister General a missionary un-
dertaking in a territory where a Province of the Order has not
yet been established or, having shown grave reasons, to with-
draw from one; this renunciation, however, requires the ap-
proval of the Minister General.
§2 It is the duty of the Minister Provincial, with the prior
consent of his Definitory, to accept any special activity in a re-
gion where the Province has missionary work.
§3 The Province has the duty to provide sufficient and suit-
able Friars and aid to the missionary undertakings assigned to it.
Art. 61
§1 The Provinces that have their own Friars incorporated
into another Province because of missionary evangelisation are
to ensure that the good of that Province is continually promoted.
§2 Entities of Missionary Evangelisation that still cannot
suitably maintain themselves are to be helped in every way by
the General Secretariat for Missionary Evangelisation, under
the mandate of the Minister General with his Definitory, in
accordance with the Special Statutes.
57
Art. 62
Spiritus missionarius excitetur in tota Provincia omnibu-
sque fraternitatibus, praesertim in Domibus formationis, et
etiam inter sodales totius Familiae franciscanae, necnon inter
alios christifideles.
Art. 63
§1 Spiritus missionalis cooperationis, participationis et com-
munionis per Unionem Missionalem Franciscanam in unaqua-
que Provincia foveatur.
§2 Moderator provincialis pro evangelizatione missionali
est etiam promotor Unionis Missionalis Franciscanae, nisi in
Statutis particularibus aliter provisum fuerit.
Art. 64
§1 Ministri, de consensu Definitorii, ad normam iuris acci-
pere et mittere possunt christifideles laicos, qui libere se prae-
stent operi evangelizationis missionalis.14
§2 Iura et obligationes christifidelium laicorum in opere
evangelizationis missionalis admissorum statuendae sunt con-
tractu etiam in foro civili valido, si possibile est.
Art. 65
Minister provincialis, audito consilio sui Definitorii, beni-
gne accedat postulationi fratris idonei15 qui exprimit deside-
rium laborandi in aliquo Ordinis opere evangelizationis mis-
sionalis.
Art. 66
§1 Si Provincia inceptum missionale proprium non habet,
Minister provincialis, ope Secretariatus generalis pro evange-
14 Cf. CIC 784, 785.
15 Cf. Rb 12, 2.
58
Art. 62
The missionary spirit is to be animated in the whole
Province and in every Fraternity, especially in the Houses of
formation and even among the members of the whole Fran-
ciscan Family as well as among other Christian faithful.
Art. 63
§1 The spirit of missionary cooperation, participation and
communion is to be promoted in each Province through the
Franciscan Missionary Union.
§2 The Provincial Moderator for Missionary Evangelisa-
tion is also the Promoter of the Franciscan Missionary Union,
unless it is otherwise provided for in the Particular Statutes.
Art. 64
§1 The Ministers, with the consent of their Definitories,
can, in accordance with the law, accept and send those lay
faithful who freely offer themselves for the work of missionary
evangelisation.14
§2 The rights and obligations of the lay faithful in the work
of missionary evangelisation work must be defined in a con-
tract that is also valid, if possible, in the civil forum.
Art. 65
The Minister Provincial, having heard the advice of his
Definitory, is to kindly accept the proposal of a suitable Friar15
who manifests the desire to work in any work of missionary
evangelisation of the Order.
Art. 66
§1 If the Province does not have its own missionary under-
taking, the Minister Provincial, through the General Secre-
14 Cf. CIC 784, 785.
15 Cf. Rb 12, 2.
59
lizatione, procuret fratribus possibilitatem sese includendi in
inceptis missionalibus Ordinis vel alienae Provinciae.
§2 In hoc casu Ministro provinciali competit conventionem
inire, in qua tempus operis praestandi, iura et obligationes fra-
tris, de quo agitur, designentur.
Art. 67
Ministri provinciales oboedientiam Ministri generalis pe-
tant per Secretariatum generalem pro evangelizatione pro fra-
tribus suis qui ad missiones extra suam Provinciam ire velint,
eundemque Secretariatum certiorem faciant de eorum defini-
tivo reditu in Provinciam.
Art. 68
§1 Eleemosynae intra fines Provinciae vel Conferentiae
Ministrorum provincialium in bonum operum missionalium
collectae, pro inceptis missionalibus expendantur sub depen-
dentia respectivorum Ministrorum provincialium, iuxta nor-
mas Statutorum particularium et peculiarium, salva obliga-
tione transmittendi Secretariatui generali pro Evangelizatione
summam a Capitulo generali determinatam.
§2 Eleemosynae collectae in Provincia, quae non habet in-
cepta missionalia propria, in subsidium actionis missionalis ad
Secretariatum generalem pro evangelizatione missionali tran-
smittantur.
Titulus IV
De Custodia et Commissariatibus
Terrae Sanctae
Art. 69
Unaquaeque Provincia aliquem idoneum fratrem in Terrae
Sanctae Custodia semper habere studeat, ad servitium per
quattuor saltem annos praestandum, salvo iure Ministri gene-
60
tariat for Evangelisation, is to procure for the Friars the pos-
sibility of joining the missionary undertakings of the Order or
of another Province.
§2 In this case, it is the responsibility of the Minister Provin-
cial to draw up an agreement in which the length of time for
giving the service and rights and obligations of the Friar con-
cerned are to be outlined.
Art. 67
The Ministers Provincial are to ask the Minister General,
through the General Secretariat for Evangelisation, for an
obedience for the Friars who wish to go on the missions out-
side their own Province and they are to inform the same Sec-
retariat of their definitive re-entry into the Province.
Art. 68
§1 The alms collected within a Province or Conference of
Ministers Provincial for the benefit of missionary work are to
be spent, in dependence on the respective Ministers Provin-
cial, on missionary undertakings, in accordance with the Par-
ticular and Special Statutes, except for the obligation to for-
ward the amount established by the General Chapter to the
General Secretariat for Evangelisation.
§2 Alms collected within a Province that does not have its
own missionary undertaking are to be sent to the General Sec-
retariat for Missionary Evangelisation for the assistance of its
missionary activity.
Title IV
The Custody and the Commissariats
of the Holy Land
Art. 69
Each Province is to try to have a suitable Friar always in the
Custody of the Holy Land to give his services for at least four
years, without prejudice to the right of the Minister General
61
ralis eo mittendi fratres cuiuslibet Provinciae, auditis tamen
Ministro provinciali et Custode Terrae Sanctae.
Art. 70
§1 In unaquaque Provincia vel saltem in unaquaque regione
aut natione, attentis particularibus rerum adiunctis, Minister
generalis, de consilio sui Definitorii, auditis Terrae Sanctae
Custode et Ministris provincialibus quorum interest, Com-
missariatum Terrae Sanctae erigendum curet, cui Commissa-
rius praeficiatur.
§2 Commissariorum Terrae Sanctae est in sua dicione loco-
rum sanctorum cognitionem, studium et devotionem pro-
vehere, necnon peregrinationes ad ea instituere. Ipsorum quo-
que est subsidia in sua dicione ad normam iuris particularis
sollicitare ad fovendam actuositatem apostolicam pro operibus
Terrae Sanctae promovendis.
§3 Munus Commissariorum Terrae Sanctae, necnon regi-
men Commissariatuum, ad normam Constitutionum genera-
lium et Statutorum ordinantur.
Art. 71
Commissariatus Terrae Sanctae sunt duplicis speciei, prout
erecti sunt:
1. In Domo directe a Custodia Terrae Sanctae dependente
vel ab eadem in territorio alicuius Provinciae erecta.
2. In parte Domus alicuius Provinciae: in hoc casu Com-
missariatus subiciuntur visitationi Ministri provincialis Domus
in qua sedem habent, et Capitulo provinciali relationem trien-
nalem praesentare debent.
Art. 72
Terrae Sanctae Commissarii, et, si utilitas suggerat, etiam
Vice-Commissarii, ad triennium eliguntur in Congressu capi-
tulari Custodiae si agitur de Commissariatibus primae speciei,
62
to send Friars from any Province, having consulted, however,
the Minister Provincial and the Custos of the Holy Land.
Art. 70
§1 The Minister General, with the advice of his Definitory
and having consulted the Custos of the Holy Land and the
Ministers Provincial concerned, is to ensure the establishment
of a Commissariat of the Holy Land, presided over by a Com-
missary, in each Province or at least in each region or nation,
having taken the particular circumstances into consideration.
§2 It pertains to the Commissaries of the Holy Land to pro-
mote, within their territory, the knowledge of, interest in and
devotion to the Holy Places and also to organise pilgrimages
to them. It also pertains to them to solicit financial assistance
in their own territory, in accordance with particular law, to en-
courage apostolic activity for the promotion of the works of
the Holy Land.
§3 The office of Commissaries of the Holy Land and the
management of the Commissariats are regulated in accor-
dance with the General Constitutions and Statutes.
Art. 71
The Commissariats of the Holy Land are of two kinds, in
accordance with how they were erected:
1. In a House directly dependent on the Custody of the
Holy Land or erected by it in the territory of another Prov-
ince.
2. In a part of a House belonging to another Province: In
this case the Commissariats are subject to the visitation of the
Minister Provincial of the House in which they have their
headquarters and they must present a three-year report to the
Provincial Chapter.
Art. 72
The Commissaries of the Holy Land and, if it seems useful,
also the Vice-Commissaries, are elected for three years during
the Capitular Congressus of the Custody if it is a question of
63
in Congressu capitulari vero Provinciae si agitur de Commis-
sariatibus alterius speciei.
Art. 73
Commissarii et fratres Commissariatui addicti actuositatem
ne exerceant extra fines regionis sibi adsignatae, nonnisi de li-
centia competentium Ministrorum ad normam Statutorum.
64
Commissaries of the first kind and in the Capitular Congres-
sus of the Province if it is a question of Commissaries of the
second kind.
Art. 73
The Commissaries and the Friars assigned to a Commis-
sariat are not to function outside the confines of the region as-
signed to them, except with the permission of the competent
Ministers in accordance with the Statutes.
65
 CAPUT VI
«DESIDERARE DEBENT HABERE
SPIRITUM DOMINI
ET SANCTAM EIUS OPERATIONEM»
(Rb 10,8)
Titulus I
Normae generales de institutione
Art. 74
§1 Ad normam art. 134 Constitutionum generalium, com-
petit Ministro generali cum suo Definitorio institutionem in
toto Ordine moderari eique invigilare.
§2 In hoc munere exercendo Minister generalis utitur Se-
cretariatu generali pro Formatione et Studiis. Huiusmodi of-
ficii Secretarii erit consilio et opere Ministrum generalem
adiuvare in negotiis quae ad institutionem spectant.
§3 Formatio franciscana totius Ordinis ordinanda est se-
cundum Rationem formationis et Rationem studiorum quae a
Ministro generali, cum Definitorii consensu, approbantur.
Art. 75
§1 Secretariatus generalis pro Formatione et Studiis, sub
dependentia Ministri generalis officium est:
1. universum institutionis negotium in Ordine moderari;
2. formationem et studia, aptis mediis opportunisque ince-
ptis, promovere et coordinare;16
3. curam habere de omnibus implendis quae ab Ordinis auc-
toritatibus quoad formationem et studia expressa ac statuta
sunt eorumque observantiae invigilare;17
16 Cf. CPO 81, 74.
17 Cf. CPO 81, 89.
66
CHAPTER VI
“THEY MUST DESIRE TO HAVE
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD
AND HIS HOLY MANNER OF WORKING”
(Rb 10, 8)
Title I
General Norms on Education
Art. 74
§1 It is the responsibility of the Minister General with his
Definitory to regulate and supervise education throughout the
entire Order, in accordance with art. 134 of the General Con-
stitutions.
§2 In exercising this office, the Minister General uses the
General Secretariat for Formation and Studies. The duty of
the Secretary of this Office is to help the Minister General,
through advice and activity, in matters that regard formation.
§3 The Franciscan formation of the entire Order is to be
regulated in accordance with the Ratio Formationis and Ratio
Studiorum that are approved by the Minister General with the
consent of his Definitory.
Art. 75
§1 It is the duty of the General Secretariat for Formation
and Studies, in dependence on the Minister General:
1. to moderate all formative activity in the Order;
2. to promote and coordinate formation and studies with
suitable means and appropriate initiatives;16
3. to ensure the implementation of all that has been expressed
and decided by the authorities of the Order with regard to for-
mation and studies and to oversee their observance;17
16 Cf. PCO 81, 74.
17 Cf. PCO 81, 89.
67
 4. cooperationem et dialogum formatorum inter se magis
magisque augere.18
§2 Secretariatus generalis pro Formatione et Studiis regitur
Statutis peculiaribus a Ministro generali de consensu Defini-
torii approbatis.
Art. 76
§1 Secretariatui generali pro Formatione et Studiis auxi-
lium praestat Consilium Internationale pro Formatione et
Studiis ex Delegatis omnium Conferentiarum Ministrorum
provincialium aliisque fratribus, ad normam Statutorum pecu-
liarium, compositum.
§2 Omnis Conferentia Ministrorum Provincialium Dele-
gatum eligat iuxta normas propriae Conferentiae et Statuto-
rum peculiarium Consilii Internationalis pro Formatione et
Studiis.
Art. 77
§1 Iuxta art. 138 Constitutionum generalium, Ministro pro-
vinciali cum Definitorio institutionem in sua Provincia mode-
rari eique invigilare competit, ad normam iuris communis et
proprii.
§2 Ad Provincias aliasque entitates competentes spectat
normas Constitutionum generalium et Statutorum genera-
lium necnon alia Ordinis documenta ad peculiaria personarum
et locorum adiuncta applicare.
§3 Singulae Conferentiae Ministrorum provincialium, Pro-
vinciae aliaeque entitates competentes proprias Rationes for-
mationis et studiorum pro omnibus fratribus redigant, servatis
de iure servandis atque in tuto posita unitate inter formatio-
nem initialem et continuam. Hae Rationes formationis et stu-
diorum, ad normam Statutorum particularium approbata, a
Ministro generali recognoscantur.
18 Cf. CPO 81, 89.
68
4. to develop an ever-greater cooperation and dialogue be-
tween formators.18
§2 The General Secretariat for Formation and Studies is
regulated by Special Statutes approved by the Minister Gen-
eral with the consent of the General Definitory.
Art. 76
§1 The International Council for Formation and Studies,
composed of Delegates from all the Conferences of Ministers
Provincial and other Friars, helps the General Secretariat for
Formation and Studies in accordance with the Special
Statutes.
§2 Every Conference of Ministers Provincial is to elect a
Delegate in accordance with the norms of the respective Con-
ference and of the Special Statutes of the International Coun-
cil for Formation and Studies.
Art. 77
§1 It is the duty of the Minister Provincial with his Defini-
tory, in accordance with article 138 of the General Constitu-
tions, to moderate and oversee education in his Province in
accordance with common and proper law.
§2 It pertains to the Provinces and other competent Enti-
ties to apply the norms of the General Constitutions and Gen-
eral Statutes as well as the other documents of the Order to
the specific circumstances of persons and places.
§3 Each Conference of Ministers Provincial, each Province
and each other competent Entity is to draw up its own Ratio
Formationis and Ratio Studiorum, observing the require-
ments of law and safeguarding the unity between initial and
ongoing formation. These Rationes Formationis et Studio-
rum, approved in accordance with the Particular Statutes, are
to be ratified by the Minister General.
18 Cf. PCO 81, 89.
69
Art. 78
§1 Unaquaeque Provincia Secretariatum pro Formatione et
Studiis habeat cui respectivus Secretarius praesidet, et hic Se-
cretariatus componitur: Moderatore pro formatione continua,
singulis Magistris seu Rectoribus Domorum formationis, Ani-
matore curae pastoralis vocationum necnon, quatenus opus
erit, aliis fratribus ad normam Statutorum particularium vel
peculiarium.
§2 Officium Secretarii est promovere ac coordinare, sub de-
pendentia Ministri provincialis, universum institutionis nego-
tium in Provincia. Munus eius pressius determinetur in Statu-
tis particularibus et peculiaribus.
§3 Secretarius provincialis pro Formatione et Studiis eligi-
tur in Congressu capitulari, extra Congressum vero a Ministro
provinciali cum Definitorio vel a Custode cum Consilio Cu-
stodiae autonomae.
Art. 79
§1 Pro singulis Conferentiis Ministrorum provincialium in-
stituatur, si fieri potest, Secretariatus Conferentiae pro For-
matione et Studiis cuius munus erit: dialogum et cooperatio-
nem circa formationem et studia promovere ac frequenter sive
cum Secretariatu generali sive cum Secretariis provincialibus
pro Formatione et Studiis convenire.
§2 Secretariatus Conferentiae pro Formatione et Studiis re-
gitur Statutis respectivae Conferentiae Ministrorum provin-
cialium.
§3 Secretarius Conferentiae pro Formatione et Studiis eli-
gitur ad normam Statutorum Conferentiae Ministrorum pro-
vincialium.
Art. 80
Praeter Secretariatum pro Formatione et Studiis cuiuscum-
que Conferentiae, plures simul Provinciae habere possunt Se-
cretariatum interprovincialem pro Formatione et Studiis, qui
Statutis peculiaribus regitur.
70
Art. 78
§1 Each Province is to have a Secretariat for Formation and
Studies over which the respective Secretary presides. This
Secretariat is composed of the Moderator of Ongoing Forma-
tion, the individual Masters or Rectors of the Houses of For-
mation, the Animator of the Pastoral Care of Vocations, as
well as other Friars as is found necessary, in accordance with
the Particular or Special Statutes.
§2 It is the duty of the Secretary to promote and coordi-
nate, in dependence on the Minister Provincial, all the educa-
tional activity of the Province. His function is to be deter-
mined more precisely in the Particular and Special Statutes.
§3 The Provincial Secretary for Formation and Studies is
elected in the Capitular Congressus, outside the Congressus,
however, by the Minister Provincial with his Definitory or by
the Custos with the Council of an autonomous Custody.
Art. 79
§1 For the individual Conferences of Ministers Provincial
there is to be established, if it is possible, a Conference Secre-
tariat for Formation and Studies, whose duty will be to pro-
mote dialogue and collaboration on formation and studies and
to meet frequently with both the General Secretariat and the
Provincial Secretaries for Formation and Studies.
§2 The Conference Secretariat for Formation and Studies
is regulated by the Statutes of the respective Conference of
Ministers Provincial.
§3 The Conference Secretary for Formation and Studies is
elected in accordance with the Statutes of the Conference of
Ministers Provincial.
Art. 80
In addition to the Secretariat for Formation and Studies of
each Conference, a number of Provinces together may have an
Interprovincial Secretariat for Formation and Studies, which
is regulated by Special Statutes.
71
 Titulus II Title II
De continua formatione Ongoing Formation

Art. 81
§1 Ministri curent ut in Capitulis programmata formationis
continuae conficiantur.
§2 Iuxta art. 139 §2 Constitutionum generalium, in singu-
lis Provinciis Moderator pro formatione continua habeatur ad
normam Statutorum particularium.
Art. 81
§1 The Ministers are to ensure that programmes of Ongo-
ing Formation are drawn up during the Chapters.
§2 According to art. 139, 2 of the General Constitutions,
there is to be a Moderator of Ongoing Formation, in accor-
dance with the norm of the Particular Statutes.

Art. 82
§1 In Statutis particularibus provideantur omnia quae ad
formationem continuam perficiendam pertinent19 peculiari
cum diligentia saltem pro primis quinque annis post profes-
sionem sollemnem.
§2 Ad franciscanam formationem continuam quod attinet,
ubi rerum adiuncta id suadent, Domus inter-provinciales vel
interoboedientiales constituantur.
Art. 82
§1 All that regards the implementation of Ongoing Forma-
tion19 is to be provided for in Particular Statutes, with special
attention to at least the first five years after solemn profession.
§2 With regard to Franciscan Ongoing Formation, where
circumstances advise it, Interprovincial or Inter-obedience
Houses are to be established.

Titulus III Title III

De formatoribus On Formators

Art. 83
In Domo formationis formatores candidatos et fratres
adhuc in formatione initiali constitutos comitantur et cum illis
laborant ut Dei voluntatem in horum vita patefaciant, rationes
propositi vitam franciscanam amplectendi profundius scruten-
tur, proprias experientias vitae fraternae ac minoriticae aesti-
ment, et rationem vitae franciscanae indoli uniuscuiusque
aptam quaerant.20
Art. 83
The formators in a House of Formation are to accompany
the candidates and Friars still placed in initial formation and
to work with them to discern the will of God in their lives, to
examine more deeply the reasons for their decision to embrace
the Franciscan life, to evaluate their experience of Fraternal
life and minority and to seek out the programme of Francis-
can life that is most suitable for each one.20

19 Cf. CPO 81, 59b. 19 Cf. PCO 81, 59b.

20 Cf. CPO 81, 59b. 20 Cf. PCO 81, 59b.

72 73
Art. 84
§1 Iuxta art. 139 §2 Constitutionum generalium, in una-
quaque Domo formationis Magister seu Rector eligitur in
Congressu capitulari, extra Congressum a Ministro provinciali
cum Definitorio vel a Custode Custodiae autonomae cum
Consilio ad normam Statutorum particularium et peculia-
rium.
§2 In unaquaque Domo formationis, Coetus formatorum
iis constituitur fratribus, qui a Ministro provinciali, audito De-
finitorio, expresse designantur. Hic Coetus tali unitate et va-
rietate componatur ut pro alumnorum aetate, maturitate, stu-
diorum gradu ceterisque adiunctis, melius necessitatibus sin-
gulorum obvenire possit.
§3 Formatores pro fratribus extra Domum formationis, di-
versas ob rationes versantibus, in Statutis particularibus deter-
minentur.
Titulus IV
De cura pastorali vocationum
Art. 85
§1 In quacumque Provincia nominetur a Ministro provin-
ciali, ad normam Statutorum particularium et peculiarium,
frater animator et coordinator curae pastoralis vocationum.
§2 Huius fratris est actionem ad vocationes franciscanas
promovere et moderari, sive in Provincia et cum aliis Provin-
ciis, sive cum Familia franciscana universa, iuxta normas Con-
stitutionum generalium et Statutorum particularium.
Titulus V
De formatione initiali
Art. 86
§1 Ministro provinciali vel Custodi Custodiae autonomae
competit candidatum in Postulatum admittere, servatis Statu-
tis particularibus.
74
Art. 84
§1 According to article 139 §2 of the General Constitu-
tions, in each House of Formation a Master or Rector is
elected during the Capitular Congressus and, outside the
Congressus, by the Minister Provincial with his Definitory or
by the Custos of an autonomous Custody with his Council, in
accordance with the Particular and Special Statutes.
§2 In each House of Formation the Formation Team is con-
stituted by those Friars who are expressly assigned there by
the Minister Provincial, having consulted his Definitory. This
Team is to be composed with such unity and variety that it can
best respond to the needs of the individuals according to their
age, maturity, level of studies and other conditions.
§3 Formators for the Friars who, for various reasons, reside
outside the House of Formation are to be determined in the
Particular Statutes.
Title IV
The Pastoral Care of Vocations
Art. 85
§1 A Friar animator and co-ordinator of the pastoral care of
vocations is to be appointed in each Province by the Minister
Provincial in accordance with the Particular and Special Statutes.
§2 It is the responsibility of this Friar to promote and direct
activities for Franciscan vocations either in his Province and
with other Provinces, or with the entire Franciscan Family, in
accordance with the norms of the General Constitutions and
Particular Statutes.
Title V
Initial Formation
Art. 86
§1 It belongs to the Minister Provincial or Custos of an au-
tonomous Custody to admit a candidate to the Postulancy, ob-
serving the Particular Statutes.
75
 §2 Postulatus peragendus est sub moderamine Magistri,
iuxta praescripta Statutorum particularium vel peculiarium.
§3 Temporis spatium postulatus, in Statutis particularibus
determinetur, ita ut ne brevius unius anni, neque longius duo-
rum annorum sit.
Art. 87
Requisita admittendorum ad novitiatum, praeter ea quae in
Statutis particularibus determinari possunt, et servatis aliis de
iure universali servandis, haec sunt:
1. recta intentio, libera voluntas, idoneitas spiritualis, intel-
lectualis et socialis;
2. congrua valetudo physica et psychica, consideratis quo-
que dispositionibus a familia forsan transmissis;
3. debita maturitas personalis;
4. debita formatio intellectualis vel professionalis.21
Art. 88
§1 Quilibet ad novitiatum admittendus in scriptis declaret:
1. se nulla gravi et habituali infirmitate laborare, seque scire,
si hoc dolose celaverit, receptionem proindeque professionem
suam nullam haberi;
2. se libera voluntate Ordinem ingredi;
3. se ad omnia servitia, iuxta dispositiones Ministrorum et
Guardianorum gratuito praestanda paratum esse, ita ut nullam
retributionem pecuniariam ab Ordine exigere valeat, si quan-
documque Ordinem deserat vel a Ministro dimittatur.
§2 Declarationes de quibus in §1, a Guardiano et duobus
testibus necnon ab ipso candidato subscriptae, in archivo Pro-
vinciae asservandae sunt. Quodsi agatur de alumno minoris
aetatis, declarationes huiusmodi a parentibus vel a tutore sub-
scribendae sunt.
21 Cf. CIC 642.
76
§2 The Postulancy must be made under the guidance of the
Master, in accordance with the prescriptions of the Particular
or Special Statutes.
§3 The duration of the Postulancy is to be determined in
the Particular Statutes so that it is not shorter than one year
or longer than two years.
Art. 87
The requirements for candidates to the Novitiate, besides
those that may be established in the Particular Statutes and
observing the requirements of universal law, are as follows:
1. the right intention, free will and spiritual, intellectual and
social suitability;
2. suitable physical and mental health, with due considera-
tion given to possible dispositions inherited from the family;
3. due personal maturity;
4. due intellectual or professional training.21
Art. 88
§1 He who is to be admitted to the Novitiate is to declare
in writing:
1. that he does not suffer from any grave and chronic sick-
ness and that he knows that if he has maliciously concealed it,
his admission and, thereby, his profession also will be null;
2. that he is entering the Order of his own free will;
3. that he is prepared to render all his services free of charge
in accordance with the disposition of the Ministers and
Guardians, in such a way that he cannot claim any recompense
in money from the Order if, at any time, he should abandon
the Order or be dismissed by the Minister.
§2 The declarations mentioned in §1 above, signed by the
Guardian, two witnesses and by the candidate himself, must be
preserved in the archives of the Province. In the case of a
minor, these declarations must be signed by his parents or
legal guardian.
21 Cf. CIC 642.
77
Art. 89
Ut valide admittatur in novitiatum candidatus liber esse
debet ab impedimentis iure universali statutis, et qui decimum
saltem septimum aetatis annum compleverit. Documenta bap-
tismatis, confirmationis et status liberi exhibere debet una cum
aliis documentis a Statutis particularibus requisitis.22
Art. 90
§1 Minister generalis potestate ordinaria in toto Ordine
candidatos ad postulatum, ad novitiatum et ad professionem,
servatis de iure servandis, recipere potest, et in Custodiis ab
ipso dependentibus eos etiam admittere potest.23
§2 Ministro provinciali et Custodi Custodiae autonomae
competit candidatos pro sua Provincia vel Custodia in novitia-
tum admittere, servatis normis Statutorum particularium; Cu-
stos vero Custodiae dependentis delegatione sui Ministri indi-
get.24
Art. 91
§1 Quoad actum seu ritum initii novitiatus observentur de-
terminationes Statutorum particularium et Ritualis Ordinis.
§2 Minister qui candidatum in novitiatum recipit vel frater
ab ipso delegatus ritui praesidet. In extraordinariis autem
adiunctis, ut in casu impeditae communicationis cum respe-
ctivo Ministro vel eius vices gerente, hac facultate pollet is qui
regimen Domus novitiatus gerit, dummodo constet de iam pe-
racta admissione ad normam §2 praecedentis articuli.
§3 De initio novitiatus documentum exarandum est, a Prae-
side ritus, a duobus testibus et ab ipso candidato subsignatum.
22 Cf. CIC 643, 645.
23 Cf. CIC 641.
24 Cf. CIC 641.
78
Art. 89
A candidate must be free of impediments established in uni-
versal law in order to be validly admitted to the Novitiate and
he must have completed at least his seventeenth year of age.
He must show certificates of baptism and confirmation and
letters of freedom together with the other documents required
by the Particular Statutes.22
Art. 90
§1 The Minister General, observing the requirements of
law,23 can receive, with ordinary power, candidates to the Pos-
tulancy, Novitiate and profession throughout the whole Order
and he can also admit them in the Custodies dependent on him.
§2 It belongs to the Minister Provincial and the Custos of
an autonomous Custody to admit to the Novitiate candidates
for their own Province or Custody, observing the norms of the
Particular Statutes.24 The Custos of a dependent Custody,
however, needs the delegation of his Minister.
Art. 91
§1 The prescriptions of the Particular Statutes and Ritual of
the Order are to be observed with regard to the act or rite of
beginning the Novitiate.
§2 The Minister who receives a candidate into the novi-
tiate, or the Friar delegated by him, presides at the rite. In ex-
traordinary circumstances, however, as in the case of impeded
communication with the respective Minister or with the one
who is to take his place, the Friar who governs the Novitiate
House enjoys this power, provided it is certain that the admis-
sion has already been made in accordance with the norm of §2
of the preceding article.
§3 A document on the beginning of the Novitiate, signed
by the President of the rite, two witnesses and by the candi-
date himself, must be drawn up.
22 Cf. CIC 643, 645.
23 Cf. CIC 641.
24 Cf. CIC 641.
79
Art. 92
§1 Novitiatus ut validus sit, peragi debet in Domo Ordinis
ad hoc rite designata et duodecim menses complecti debet.25
§2 Domus novitiatus erectio, translatio et suppressio fiant
per decretum scripto datum a Ministro generali de consensu
sui Definitorii.26
§3 In casu exceptionali Minister generalis, de consensu sui
Definitorii, potest permittere singulo candidato ut novitiatum
valide peragat extra Domum novitiatus in alia Ordinis Domo,
sub moderamine alicuius probati fratris, qui munere magistri
fungi valeat.27
§4 Minister provincialis permittere potest ut novitiorum
coetus, per certa temporis spatia, in alia Ordinis Domo, a se
designata, commoretur.28
Art. 93
§1 Sine licentia Ministri generalis non incipiatur Novitia-
tus, nisi adsint saltem tres candidati.
§2 In Provinciis vel Custodiis, domum novitiatus canonice
erectam etiam habentibus, cum per quinque annos continuos
nullus exstiterit novitius, novus annus novitiatus absque con-
sensu Ministri generalis fieri nequit.
Art. 94
§1 Magister novitiorum sub cuius moderamine novitiatus
peragitur, sit frater sollemniter professus. Eligitur in Con-
gressu capitulari vel extra Congressum ad normam articuli 84
§1 horum Statutorum.29
25 Cf. CIC 647 §2, 648 §1.
26 Cf. CIC 647 §1.
27 Cf. CIC 647 §2.
28 Cf. CIC 647 §3.
29 Cf. CIC 651 §1.
80
Art. 92
§1 In order to be valid, the Novitiate must be made in a
House of the Order properly designated for this purpose and
it must last twelve months.25
§2 The erection, transfer and suppression of a Novitiate
House are to carried out by written decree given by the Min-
ister General, with the consent of his Definitory.26
§3 In an exceptional case, the Minister General, with the
consent of his Definitory, can permit an individual candidate
to make the Novitiate validly outside the Novitiate House in
another House of the Order, under the direction of a suitable
Friar who is capable of carrying out the function of Master.27
§4 The Minister Provincial can permit the group of
Novices to reside for determined periods of time in another
House of the Order designated by him.28
Art. 93
§1 A Novitiate is not to be begun without the permission of
the Minister General, unless there are at least three candidates.
§2 If there has not been a Novice for five continuous years,
a new Novitiate year cannot be made without the consent of
the Minister General, even in Provinces or Custodies that
have a canonically erected Novitiate House.
Art. 94
§1 The Novice Master, under whose direction the Novi-
tiate is made, is to be a solemnly professed Friar. He is elected
in the Capitular Congressus or, outside the Congressus, in ac-
cordance with the norm of art. 84 §1 these Statutes.29
25 Cf. CIC 647 §2, 648 §1.
26 Cf. CIC 647 §1.
27 Cf. CIC 647 §2.
28 Cf. CIC 647 §3.
29 Cf. CIC 651 §1.
81
 §2 Regimen novitiorum, sub auctoritate Ministri provincia-
lis, uni Magistro reservatur, qui cooperante Coetu formato-
rum, vitam fraternam et activitatem formatricem novitiorum
ordinat, observatis Statutis particularibus et peculiaribus, et
salvo art. 140 §3 Constitutionum generalium.30
§3 Iudicium de singulorum novitiorum idoneitate, servatis
praescriptis Statutorum particularium et peculiarium, bis in
anno a Magistro, cooperante Coetu formatorum, in scriptis
conficiatur; ab ipso Magistro subsignatum ad Ministrum pro-
vincialem transmittatur.
Art. 95
Tempore novitiatus studiorum curriculum ordinarium su-
spendatur. Permitti vel etiam praecipi possunt quaedam studia
exercenda, quae meliori novitiorum institutioni utilia sunt ad
normam art. 152-153 Constitutionum generalium. Studia
vero, novitiatui consona, ad Dei cognitionem cum amore co-
niunctam dirigi debent et ad vitam e fide haustam provehen-
dam.31 Ideoque:
1. In theologiam vitae religiosae, praesertim theologiam Re-
gulae, historiam et spiritualitatem Ordinis, specialiter scriptis
S. Francisci innixam, novitii introducantur, simul vitam evan-
gelicam practice addiscentes, in fraterna communione ac parti-
cipatione actuositatis fratrum.
2. Per cotidianam lectionem et meditationem S. Scripturae
et maxime S. Evangelii, in quo radicatur Regula nostra, Chri-
sti Iesu vitae novitii sese conforment.
3. Novitii methodo orationis personalis cum Deo colloqui,
per Liturgiae actuosam celebrationem Mysterium Paschale
profundius vivere, et cum Ecclesiae mysteriis impensius com-
municare doceantur, ducente B. V. Maria, Ecclesiae Matre.
30 Cf. CIC 650 §2, 651 §2.
31 Cf. CIC 652 §5.
82
§2 The direction of the Novices, under the authority of the
Minister Provincial, is reserved to the Master alone, who, with
the collaboration of the Formation Team, organises the fra-
ternal life and the formative activity of the Novices, observing
the Particular and Special Statutes and without prejudice to
art. 140 §3 of the General Constitutions.30
§3 A judgement on the suitability of the individual Novices,
observing the provisions of the Particular and Special Statutes,
is to be drawn up in writing twice a year by the Master with
the collaboration of the Formation Team. Signed by the Mas-
ter himself, it is to be sent to the Minister Provincial.
Art. 95
During the Novitiate the ordinary course of studies is to be
suspended. Other studies that are useful for the better formation
of the novices, can be permitted or even prescribed, in accor-
dance with the norm of articles 152-153 of the General Consti-
tutions. Studies, however, which are consonant with the Novi-
tiate, must be guided towards the knowledge and love of God
and towards developing a life nourished by faith31. Therefore:
1. The novices are to be introduced to the theology of the
religious life, especially the theology of the Rule, to the his-
tory and spirituality of the Order, based especially on the writ-
ings of St. Francis, and, at the same time, to learning the
gospel life in practice through fraternal communion and par-
ticipation in the activities of the Friars.
2. The novices are to conform themselves to the life of Jesus
Christ through daily reading of and meditation on the Sacred
Scriptures and, especially, on the Holy Gospel, in which our
Rule is rooted.
3. Under the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother
of the Church, the novices are to be taught to speak with God
through a method of personal prayer; to live the Paschal Mys-
tery more deeply and to share more intensely in the mysteries
of the Church through an active celebration of the Liturgy.
30 Cf. CIC 650 §2, 651 §2.
31 Cf. CIC 652 §5.
83
 4. Exercitia pietatis sana traditione Ordinis commendata et
sacrae Liturgiae normis conformia, novitii ita percolant, ut per
ea in spiritu orationis roborentur.
Art. 96
§1 Iuxta art. 154 §2 Constitutionum generalium, Statuta
particularia determinare possunt unum vel plura temporis spa-
tia exercitationis apostolicae extra Domum novitiatus, salva
tamen specifica formatione novitiatus.
§2 Huiusmodi exercitatio apostolica vera actuositas forma-
tiva32 esse debet et ita disponi, ut non incipiatur nisi post pri-
mos tres menses novitiatus, ut novitius sex menses continuos
in novitiatu maneat, et ad eum revertatur saltem uno mense
antequam professionem temporariam emittat.
Art. 97
§1 Novitiatus interrumpitur ita ut denuo incipiendus ac
perficiendus sit, si novitius plus quam tres menses, sive conti-
nuos sive intermissos, absit a Domo novitiatus, excepto casu
absentiae quae evenit experientiae apostolicae gratia; itemque
si a Ministro dimissus e Domo exierit, aut Domum sine illius
licentia non reversurus deseruerit.33
§2 Si expleto tempore novitiatus dubium supersit de ido-
neitate novitii, Minister provincialis audito suo Definitorio,
potest novitiatus tempus prorogare, non tamen ultra sex men-
ses.34
§3 Novitius Ordinem libere deserere potest et Minister
provincialis, audito Magistro, eum dimittere potest.35
32 Cf. CPO 81, 29.
33 Cf. CIC 649 §1.
34 Cf. CIC 653 §2.
35 Cf. CIC 653 §1.
84
4. The novices are to practise the exercises of piety recom-
mended by the sound tradition of the Order and in conform-
ity with the norms of the Sacred Liturgy so that they may be
strengthened in the spirit of prayer.
Art. 96
§1 According to art. 154 §2 of the General Constitutions,
the Particular Statutes can establish one or more periods of
apostolic exercise outside the Novitiate House, without preju-
dice, however, to the specific formation of the Novitiate.
§2 This apostolic experience must be a genuinely formative
activity,32 organised in such a way that it does not begin until
after the first three months of the Novitiate and so that the
Novice can remain there for six continuous months and return
there at least one month before making temporary profession.
Art. 97
§1 The Novitiate is interrupted, so that it must be begun
again and completed, if the novice remains absent from the
Novitiate House for more than three months, whether con-
tinuous or interrupted, except in the case of an absence that
occurs for the purpose of apostolic experience, or if he has
been dismissed by the Minister and has left the House, or if he
has abandoned the House without permission and with the in-
tention of not returning.33
§2 If any doubt remains about the suitability of a Novice
when the time of the Novitiate has ended, the Minister
Provincial, having consulted his Definitory, can prolong the
time of the Novitiate, but not beyond six months.34
§3 A novice can freely leave the Order and the Minister
Provincial, having consulted the Master, can dismiss him.35
32 Cf. PCO 81, 29.
33 Cf. CIC 649 §1.
34 Cf. CIC 653 §2.
35 Cf. CIC 653 §1.
85
Art. 98
Exacto novitiatu, si idoneus iudicetur, novitius ad primam
professionem temporariam, annuatim renovandam, nisi in Sta-
tutis particularibus aliter praescribatur, admittatur.
Art. 99
§1 Ministro provinciali vel Custodi Custodiae autonomae,
servato art. 156 §2 Constitutionum generalium, auditis Magi-
stro et Coetu formatorum Domus novitiatus, competit novi-
tium ad primam professionem admittere, et ipsam recipere.
§2 Eidem Ministro et Custodi renovationem professionis
temporariae admittere et recipere competit, ad normam Sta-
tutorum particularium.36
§3 Custos Custodiae dependentis delegatione sui Ministri
indiget.
Art. 100
§1 Tempus professionis temporariae a Statutis particulari-
bus definiatur, quod vero neque triennio brevius neque sexen-
nio longius sit, salvo praescripto paragraphi tertii huius arti-
culi.37
§2 Minister provincialis vel Custos Custodiae autonomae,
cui competit fratrem ad professionem admittere, potest ob iu-
stam causam permittere ut professio sollemnis anticipetur, sed
non ultra tres menses.38
§3 Idem Minister vel Custos Custodiae autonomae, audito
Definitorio vel Consilio, in casibus particularibus et iuxta Sta-
tuta particularia tempus professionis temporariae prorogare
potest, ita tamen ut totum hoc tempus non superet noven-
nium.39
36 Cf. CIC 656.
37 Cf. CIC 655.
38 Cf. CIC 657 §3.
39 Cf. CIC 657 §2.
86
Art. 98
Having completed the Novitiate and if he is judged suitable,
the Novice is to be admitted to first temporary profession, to
be renewed annually, unless it is established otherwise in the
Particular Statutes.
Art. 99
§1 It belongs to the Minister Provincial or the Custos of an
autonomous Custody, observing art. 156 §2 of the General
Constitutions and having consulted the Master and Formation
Team of the Novitiate House, to admit the Novice to first pro-
fession and to receive it.
§2 It belongs to the same Minister or Custos, in accordance
with the Particular Statutes, to admit and receive the renewal
of temporary profession.36
§3 The Custos of a dependent Custody needs the delega-
tion of his Minister.
Art. 100
§1 The duration of temporary profession is to be estab-
lished by the Particular Statutes, but it should not be shorter
than three years, nor longer than six years, without prejudice
to §3 of this article.37
§2 The Minister Provincial or Custos of an autonomous
Custody, to whom it belongs to admit a Friar to profession,
can, for a just cause, permit solemn profession to be antici-
pated, but not by more than three months.38
§3 The same Minister or Custos of an autonomous Cus-
tody, having consulted the Definitory or Council, can, in par-
ticular cases and in accordance with the norms of the Particu-
lar Statutes, prolong the time of temporary profession, but in
such a way that the total time does not exceed nine years.39
36 Cf. CIC 656.
37 Cf. CIC 655.
38 Cf. CIC 657 §3.
39 Cf. CIC 657 §2.
87
Art. 101
§1 Tempus professionis temporariae peragi debet in Domo
formationis vel, iuxta Statuta particularia, in alia Domo Ordi-
nis, sed semper sub moderamine idonei fratris, qui munere
Magistri fungitur.
§2 Magistro fratrum professionis temporariae competit,
Coetu formatorum cooperante, totam formationis actionem
moderari ad normam Constitutionum generalium, horum
Statutorum et Statutorum particularium et peculiarium.
Art. 102
§1 Omnes fratres, professione temporaria perdurante, inte-
gralem formationem proprie franciscanam prosequi debent,
eo ut plenius vitam nostri Ordinis compleant atque modis
magis congruis eiusdem missionem perficiant.
§2 Ut talis formatio franciscana verum etiam illa theologica
et humanistica efficiatur, singulae Provinciae vel plures insi-
mul Provinciae habeant programma proprium et pro omnibus
fratribus commune, ratione habita directionum Rationis For-
mationis Franciscanae et Rationis Studiorum.
Art. 103
§1 Relatio de idoneitate fratrum professionis temporariae
semel saltem in anno, a Magistro et Coetu formatorum sub-
signata, ad Ministrum provincialem vel ad Custodem Custo-
diae autonomae transmittatur.
§2 Professioni sollemni praeponatur per unum saltem
mensem continuum spiritualis et franciscana praeparatio,
quam candidati in sacro recessu et oratione peragere debent,
in memoriam revocantes et meditantes momentum huius
actus unici et praecipui quo religiosus Deo in perpetuum con-
secratur.
§3 Ministro provinciali vel Custodi Custodiae autonomae,
servato art. 159 §2 Constitutionum generalium, auditis Magi-
stro, Coetu formatorum, fratribus sollemniter professis Domus
88
Art. 101
§1 The period of temporary profession must be spent in a
House of formation or, in accordance with the Particular
Statutes, in another House of the Order, but always under the
direction of a suitable Friar, who carries out the function of
Master.
§2 It belongs to the Master of the Friars in temporary pro-
fession, with the collaboration of the Formation Team, to di-
rect all formation activity in accordance with the norm of the
General Constitutions, these Statutes and the Particular and
Special statutes.
Art. 102
§1 During the time of temporary profession, all the Friars
must follow an integrated formation that is properly Francis-
can so that they may live out more fully the life of our Order
and carry out its mission in a more suitable way.
§2 In order for such Franciscan formation to be carried out,
as well as the theological and humanistic formation, individual
Provinces or even various Provinces together are to have their
own programme common to all the Friars, taking into account
the directives of the Ratio Formationis and the Ratio Studiorum.
Art. 103
§1 A report on the suitability of Friars in temporary profes-
sion, signed by the Master and the Formation Team, is to be
sent to the Minister Provincial or Custos of an autonomous
Custody at least once a year.
§2 Solemn profession is to be preceded by a spiritual and
Franciscan preparation of at least one month’s duration, which
the candidates must carry out in holy recollection and prayer,
reflecting and meditating on the importance of this unique
and special act through which a religious is consecrated to
God for ever.
§3 It belongs to the Minister Provincial or Custos of an au-
tonomous Custody, observing art. 159 §2 of the General Con-
stitutions, to admit Friars to solemn profession and to receive
89
in qua professurus ultimo perdurante anno mansit et aliis fra-
tribus, ad normam Statutorum particularium, fratres ad profes-
sionem sollemnem admittere eamque recipere, competit; Cu-
stos vero Custodiae dependentis delegatione Ministri generalis
vel provincialis indiget.
Art. 104
In iudicanda idoneitate candidatorum ad Ordinem, praeter
ea quae in iure universali ad validitatem praescribuntur, respi-
ciendum est etiam ad eorum debitam maturitatem humanam
et gratiam laborandi, quae adaequatam in selectione severita-
tem iudicii exigunt.40
Titulus VI
De formatione ad ministeria et sacros ordines
Art. 105
§1 Unaquaeque Provincia vel simul plures Provinciae, si op-
portunum videatur, proprium studiorum Centrum pro forma-
tione fratrum ad ministeria et sacros ordines adspirantium ha-
beant, quod propriis Statutis regitur, servatis de iure servandis.
§2 Erectio ac suppressio Centri studiorum, consulto Mini-
stro generali, ad Ministrum provincialem, vel ad Ministros
provinciales, de consensu proprii Definitorii, spectant.
Art. 106
§1 Studia in toto Ordine reguntur propria Ratione studio-
rum, a Ministro generali, cum Definitorii consensu, appro-
bata.
§2 Uniuscuiusque Provinciae vel plurium Provinciarum
Ratio studiorum, qua regitur institutio fratrum qui ad mini-
40 Cf. CIC 658.
90
it, having consulted the Master, the Formation Team, the
solemnly professed Friars of the House in which the candidate
spent the previous year and other Friars, in accordance with
the Particular Statutes. The Custos of a dependent Custody
needs the delegation of the Minister General or Provincial.
Art. 104
In judging the suitability of the candidates to the Order, in
addition to all that is prescribed by universal law for validity,
attention must also be paid to their necessary human maturity
and disposition to work: this requires suitable severity of
judgement during selection.40
Title VI
Formation for Ministries and Holy Orders
Art. 105
§1 Each Province or several Provinces together, if it seems
appropriate, are to have their own Study Centre for the for-
mation of Friars who aspire to ministries and Holy Orders,
governed by its own Statutes, the requirements of law being
observed.
§2 The erection and the suppression of Study Centres per-
tain to the Minister Provincial or Ministers Provincial with
the consent of their respective Definitories, having consulted
the Minister General.
Art. 106
§1 Studies in the entire Order are regulated by a proper
Ratio Studiorum, approved by the Minister General with the
consent of his Definitory.
§2 The Ratio Studiorum of each Province or of several Pro-
vinces, through which the education of the Friars who aspire to
40 Cf. CIC 658.
91
steria et sacros ordines contendunt, conficiatur, attentis prae-
scriptis iuris communis, Conferentiae episcopalis et legibus ac
instructionibus Ordinis.41
§3 Haec Ratio studiorum a Ministro provinciali vel, si aga-
tur de pluribus Provinciis, ab ipsarum Ministris, cum consensu
Definitorii, approbetur et Ministro generali communicetur.
Art. 107
Cum fratres ad ministeria et sacros ordines praeparantur in
Institutis ad Ordinem non pertinentibus vel in Institutionibus
foederatis quae sub Provinciae moderamine immediato non
inveniuntur, Minister provincialis curam gerere debet ut fra-
trum institutio compleatur, habitis prae oculis etiam Ordinis
et Provinciae Rationibus studiorum.
Art. 108
§1 Ministro provinciali pro sua Provincia competit, audito
Magistro et, si adest, Coetu formatorum, fratres ad instituta
ministeria admittere ac ea illis conferre.
§2 Minister provincialis fratrem ad sacros ordines admittere
potest auditis fratribus sollemniter professis Domus et aliis qui
suae formationis curam et responsabilitatem habent et praeha-
bito voto consultivo Definitorii.42
Titulus VII
De formatione ad alia servitia et munera
Art. 109
§1 Fratres, qui designantur et contendunt ad aliquod servi-
tium vel munus, formationem professionalem, technicam et
scientificam, iuxta eorum capacitatem, acquirere debent.
41 Cf. CIC 659.
42 Cf. CIC 1025, 1029, 1051.
92
ministries and Holy Orders is regulated, is to be drawn up with
attention paid to the provisions of universal law, of the Episco-
pal Conference and of the laws and directives of the Order.41
§3 This Ratio Studiorum is to be approved by the Minister
Provincial or, if it is a matter of several Provinces, by the re-
spective Ministers, with the consent of the Definitory and is to
be communicated to the Minister General.
Art. 107
When the Friars are prepared for ministries and Holy Or-
ders in Institutes that do not belong to the Order or in Fede-
rated Institutes, which do not come under the immediate
guidance of the Province, the Minister Provincial must make
sure that the education of the Friars is completed with the
Ratio Studiorum of the Order and of the Province in mind.
Art. 108
§1 It belongs to the Minister Provincial, for his own Prov-
ince, to admit Friars to the instituted ministries and confer
them, having consulted the Master and, if there is one, the
Formation Team.
§2 The Minister Provincial can admit a Friar to Holy Or-
ders,42 having consulted the solemnly professed Friars of the
House and others who have the care of and the responsibility for
their formation, with prior consultative vote of his Definitory.
Title VII
Formation for Other Services and Offices
Art. 109
§1 The Friars who are assigned to or strive for some serv-
ice or office, must acquire professional, technical and scientific
training according to their capacity.
41 Cf. CIC 659.
42 Cf. CIC 1025, 1029, 1051.
93
 §2 Haec formatio talis esse debet ut vitae fraternitatis,
missioni Ecclesiae et hominum necessitatibus utiliter servire
possit.
Titulus VIII
De studiis promovendis in Ordine
Art. 110
§1 Ministri studia academica diligenter promoveant et
aptam praeparationem peritorum et docentium cordi habeant
in Institutis Ordinis vel in aliis secundum necessitates Provin-
ciarum atque totius Ordinis.
§2 Ministri actuositatem intellectualem promoveant per stu-
diorum Instituta et congressus sive in Provinciis sive in Confe-
rentiis.
Art. 111
Curent Ministri ut Sedes studiorum, investigationis editio-
numque eruditarum ordinatae sint prout postulant nostra tem-
pora et attentis necessitatibus Ordinis et Provinciarum.
Art. 112
§1 Inter Sedes studiorum Ordinis, praecipuum locum tenet
Pontificium Athenaeum Antonianum, cuius Magnus Cancel-
larius et Moderator Minister generalis est.
§2 Pontificium Athenaeum Antonianum, qua sedes altae
qualitatis scientificae, prioritaria franciscana specificatione,
nota internationali necnon interfranciscana cooperatione in-
nixa, hos fines sibi proprios proponit, nempe:
1. ut sit sedes investigationis et studii franciscalis;
2. ut sit sedes pro instituendis professoribus et formatoribus
totius Ordinis;
3. ut proprias investigationes scientificas ad utilitatem et
servitium diversorum institutorum Ordinis ponat;
94
§2 This formation must be such that it can usefully serve
the life of fraternity, the mission of the Church and the needs
of humanity.
Title VIII
The Promotion of Studies in the Order
Art. 110
§1 The Ministers are diligently to promote academic stud-
ies and have at heart the suitable preparation of experts and
teachers in the Institutes of the Order or in others in accor-
dance with the needs of the Provinces and the entire Order.
§2 The Ministers are to promote intellectual activity
through Institutes of Studies and meetings in both the Prov-
inces and the Conferences.
Art. 111
The Ministers are to ensure that Centres for Studies and re-
search and the publication of scholarly works are organised as
our times require, taking into account the needs of the Order
and Provinces.
Art. 112
§1 The Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum, of which the
Minister General is the Grand Chancellor and Moderator, oc-
cupies first place among the Study Centres of the Order.
§2 The Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum, as a centre of
high scientific quality, with Franciscan specialisation as a pri-
ority, supported by the mark of internationality and inter-
Franciscan cooperation, proposes these objectives as being
proper to itself, namely:
1. to be a centre of Franciscan research and study;
2. to be a centre for training professors and formation per-
sonnel for the entire Order;
3. to foster its own scientific research for the benefit and
service of the various institutes of the Order;
95
 4. ut Ordini auxilio sit in fratrum mentis et spiritus unitate 4. to be of assistance to the Order in creating a unity of
perficienda.43 thought and spirit in the Friars.43

Art. 113 Art. 113

Ministri provinciales propriam cooperationem Ministro ge- The Ministers Provincial must give their cooperation to the
nerali praestare debent ad fines Pontificii Athenaei Antoniani Minister General for the attainment of the ends of the Ponti-
assequendos, professores, studentes et media providendo. fical Athenaeum Antonianum by providing professors, stu-
dents and resources.

Art. 114 Art. 114

Fratres Ordinis nostri servitio Pontificii Athenaei Antoniani The Friars of our Order must give their work in the service
operam suam praestare debent in spiritu cooperationis et of the Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum in a spirit of coop-
oboedientiae Ministro generali ad normam Statutorum pecu- eration and obedience to the Minister General, in accordance
liarium et decisionum Ordinis. with the Special Statutes and the decisions of the Order.

43 Cf. CPO 81, 80-86. 43 Cf. PCO, 81 80-86.

96 97
 CAPUT VII
«FRATRES TENEANTUR FRATRI FRANCISCO
ET EIUS SUCCESSORIBUS OBOEDIRE»
(Rb 1,3)
De Ordinis constitutione et regimine
et de administratione bonorum
PARS I
DE ORDINIS CONSTITUTIONE
ET DE REGIMINE IN GENERE
Titulus I
De Ordinis constitutione
Art. 115
§1 Nova Ordinis Provincia ne erigatur nisi, consultis con-
sulendis, ad eam constituendam adsint saltem 40 fratres sol-
lemniter professi et 6 guardianatus cum fundata spe incre-
menti et implantationis Ordinis.
§2 Antequam nova Provincia erigatur Definitorio generali
constare debet ut adsit possibilitas conducendi vitam et mis-
sionem Ordinis cum requisitis necessariis pro formatione, re-
gimine, cooperatione et oeconomica sustentatione, servatis de
iure servandis.
Art. 116
§1 Si fratres unius vel plurium Provinciarum in regione de-
gunt, ubi, de iudicio Definitorii generalis, numerus congruus
fratrum adest, cum fundata spe pro futuro Ordinis incre-
mento, habito consilio Ministrorum Conferentiae illius regio-
nis, et consultis fratribus, Ministri provinciales quorum inte-
rest, sua sponte vel Ministro generali instante, conventionem
ineant; qua inita, ad erectionem novae Provinciae, aut, si casus
98
CHAPTER VII
“THE BROTHERS ARE BOUND TO OBEY
BROTHER FRANCIS AND HIS SUCCESSORS”
(Rb 1,3)
The structures and government of the order
and the administration of goods
PART I
THE STRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT
OF THE ORDER IN GENERAL
Title I
The Structure of the Order
Art. 115
§1 A new Province of the Order is not to be established un-
less, having consulted those interested, there are at least forty
solemnly professed Friars and six Guardianates with a well-
founded hope for the growth and establishment of the Order.
§2 Before a new Province is erected, it must be clear to the
General Definitory that there is a possibility of living the life
and mission of the Order with the necessary requisites for for-
mation, government, collaboration and financial support, with
due regard for the requirements of law.
Art. 116
§1 If Friars of one or more Provinces are living in a region
where, in the judgement of the General Definitory, there is a
sufficient number of Friars with a well-founded hope for the
future growth of the Order, with the advice of the Ministers of
the Conference of that region and having consulted the Friars,
the Ministers Provincial concerned, on their own initiative or
at the request of the Minister General, are to draw up an
99
ferat, Custodiae autonomae vel non, procedi potest servatis de
iure servandis.
§2 Ad erigendam Custodiam autonomam, nisi particularia
adiuncta aliter suadeant, et consultis consulendis, requiruntur
saltem 25 fratres sollemniter professi et 4 Guardianatus nec-
non fundata spes incrementi Ordinis.
§3 Ob rationes et circumstantias peculiares, Minister gene-
ralis, de consensu sui Definitorii, erigere potest Custodiam a
seipso vel ab aliqua Provincia dependentem, dummodo ad eam
constituendam adsint saltem 15 fratres sollemniter professi et
3 Guardianatus.
Art. 117
Custodia autonoma, nisi aliud expresse indicetur, Provin-
ciae aequiparatur et quae in Constitutionibus generalibus et in
his Statutis de Provinciis et de earum regimine statuuntur, Cu-
stodiae autonomae eiusque regimini applicantur.
Art. 118
Cum fratres ex diversis Provinciis provenientes operam in
aliqua regione praestant ubi Provincia vel Custodia erigi non-
dum potest, respectivi Ministri, sua sponte vel Ministro gene-
rali instante, consultis fratribus quorum interest, ineant consi-
lia inter se, ut a Ministro generali petatur erectio Foederatio-
nis, quae suapte natura est ens transitorium ad futuram ere-
ctionem Provinciae vel Custodiae ordinatum. Structura et ad-
ministratio Foederationis propriis Statutis, ab illis quorum in-
terest confectis et a Ministro generali de consensu sui Defini-
torii approbatis, reguntur.
Art. 119
§1 Minister provincialis, Vicarius provincialis et Definitores
Provinciae, Custos, Vicarius et Consiliarii Custodiae autono-
100
agreement. Once this is done the erection of a new Province
or, if the case requires it, of an autonomous or dependent Cus-
tody can proceed, with due regard for the requirements of law.
§2 To erect an autonomous Custody, unless the particular
circumstances advise otherwise, and having consulted those
interested, at least 25 solemnly professed Friars and four
Guardianates are required, as well as a well-founded hope for
the growth of the Order.
§3 For special reasons and circumstances, the Minister
General, with the consent of his Definitory, can erect a Cus-
tody dependent on himself or on a Province provided that
there are at least fifteen solemnly professed Friars and three
Guardianates.
Art. 117
An autonomous Custody, unless it is expressly indicated
otherwise, is equivalent to a Province and all that is established
in the General Constitutions and in these Statutes concerning
the Provinces and their government is to be applied to an au-
tonomous Custody and its government.
Art. 118
When Friars from different Provinces are working in a re-
gion where it is not yet possible to establish a new Province or
Custody, the respective Ministers, on their own initiative or at
the request of the Minister General, having consulted the Fri-
ars concerned, are to enter into discussion among themselves
so that the Minister General may be requested to establish a
Federation, which, by its nature, is a temporary Entity ordered
towards the future erection of a Province or Custody. The
Structure and administration of a Federation are regulated by
proper Statutes, formulated by those concerned and approved
by the Minister General with the consent of his Definitory.
Art. 119
§1 The Minister Provincial, the Vicar Provincial and the
Definitors of a Province and the Custos, Vicar and Council-
101
mae noviter erectae, prima vice a Definitorio generali ad
triennium eliguntur, praehabito voto consultivo fratrum Pro-
vinciae vel Custodiae, qui sollemniter professi sunt.
§2 Si tamen nova Provincia ex Custodia erigitur, Minister,
Vicarius et Definitores regulariter in Capitulo eliguntur.
§3 Cum erigitur nova Provincia vel Custodia autonoma, si
necessarium videtur ut normae transitoriae ad earundem vitam
ordinandam et fovendam emanentur ad normam art. 3 §2
horum Statutorum, eaedem a Ministro generali de consensu sui
Definitorii approbentur.
Art. 120
§1 Cum aliqua Provincia vel Custodia autonoma, de iudicio
Definitorii generalis, visitatione generali peracta, amplius non
habet requisita necessaria ad vitam et missionem Ordinis de
quibus in art. 115 horum Statutorum satis explenda, Definito-
rii Provinciae vel Consilii Custodiae est, consultis fratribus et
Conferentiis Ministrorum provincialium, cum alia Provincia
tractare ut, conventione circa unionem inita et a Definitorio
generali approbata, eidem Provinciae uniatur vel in Custo-
diam dependentem mutetur.
§2 Si vero hoc intra triennium non attigerit, Ministri gene-
ralis erit, consultis similiter fratribus respectivae Provinciae et
audito Definitorio generali, providere.
Art. 121
Ob rationes et circumstantias peculiares, Minister generalis,
de consensu sui Definitorii, erigere potest Domum vel aliam
entitatem, etiam in territorio uniuscuiusque Provinciae vel
Custodiae, respectivis fratribus auditis, ab ipso Ministro gene-
rali aut ab aliqua Provincia vel Custodia autonoma dependen-
tem; utraque normis propriis a competenti auctoritate latis re-
guntur.
102
lors of an autonomous Custody, newly erected, are elected for
the first time for a three-year period by the General Defini-
tory, with the prior consultative vote of the solemnly professed
Friars of the Province or Custody.
§2 If, however, the new Province is erected from a Custody, the
Minister, Vicar and Definitors are elected as usual in Chapter.
§3 If, when a new Province or autonomous Custody is
erected, it seems necessary that temporary norms for organis-
ing and supporting their life should be issued in accordance
with art. 3 §2 of these Statutes, they are to be approved by the
Minister General with the consent of his Definitory.
Art. 120
§1 When, in the judgement of the General Definitory after
a general visitation has been carried out, a Province or au-
tonomous Custody no longer has the necessary requisites to
carry out efficiently the life and mission of the Order, which
are mentioned in art. 115 of these Statutes, it is the duty of the
Provincial Definitory or Council of the Custody, after con-
sulting with the Friars and the Conferences of Ministers
Provincial, to negotiate with another Province so that, after
entering into an agreement about unification approved by the
General Definitory, it may be united to that same Province or
changed into a dependent Custody.
§2 If this does not occur within three years, however, it is
up to the Minister General, having consulted both the Friars
of the respective Province and the General Definitory, to
make provision.
Art. 121
For special reasons and circumstances, the Minister Gen-
eral, with the consent of his Definitory, can erect a House or
other Entity dependent on the Minister General himself or on
a Province or autonomous Custody, even within the territory
of another Province or Custody, having consulted the Friars
concerned. Both are regulated by proper norms, issued by the
competent authority.
103
Art. 122
§1 Si plures Domus vel coetus fratrum versentur in circum-
stantiis pro quibus Provincia non potest illis satis providere,
neque adsint condiciones ut in Custodiam erigantur, Minister
generalis de consensu Definitorii, sua sponte vel petente Mi-
nistro provinciali cum Definitorio respectivae Provinciae,
Fundationem constituere potest, cui etiam praebere debet
normas seu Statuta propria.
§2 Pro constituenda Fundatione, audiri debent illi quorum
interest.
Art. 123
§1 Pro erigenda Custodia vel Fundatione, dependenti ab
aliqua Provincia, in territorio alius entitatis Ordinis, etiam
votum Consilii huius entitatis in qua erectio facienda est ex-
quiratur priusquam decretum erectionis feratur; si agatur de
erectione in territorio plurium entitatum, idem exquiratur a
Consiliis omnium entitatum.
§2 Ad erigendam Domum in territorio alius entitatis, audita
respectiva Conferentia Ministrorum Provincialium, requiritur
consensus sive Definitorii Generalis sive Definitorii Provin-
ciae vel Provinciarum quarum interest atque praevia conven-
tio de cooperatione inter partes.
Art. 124
Ad Domum vel aliam entitatem a pluribus Provinciis aut
quibuslibet entitatibus Ordinis vel Familiae Franciscanae de-
pendentem quod attinet, praeter normas art. 123, §2 obser-
vandas circa erectionem, conficienda sunt Statuta particularia
quoad regimen, visitationem tam generalem quam localem et
electiones, a respectivis auctoritatibus competentibus appro-
banda.
Art. 125
Custodiae, Foederationis et Fundationis suppressio ad Mi-
nistrum generalem de consensu Definitorii spectat.
104
Art. 122
§1 If various Houses or a group of Friars should find them-
selves in circumstances in which the Province is not able to
provide for them sufficiently, and where the conditions are not
present to constitute a Custody, the Minister General, with
the consent of his Definitory, on his own initiative or at the re-
quest of the Minister Provincial with the Definitory of the re-
spective Province, can erect a Foundation, to which he must
also give proper norms or Statutes.
§2 To constitute a Foundation those concerned must be
consulted.
Art. 123
§1 In order to erect a Custody or Foundation dependent on a
Province within the territory of another Entity of the Order, the
vote of the Council of that Entity in which the erection is being
made is also to be sought before the decree of erection is made.
If it is a matter of an erection in the territory of several Entities,
the same is to be requested from the Councils of all the Entities.
§2 For the erection of a House within the territory of an-
other Entity, after the respective Conference of Ministers
Provincial has been consulted, the consent of both the Gen-
eral Definitory and of the Definitory of the Province or
Provinces concerned is required, as well as a prior agreement
of cooperation between the parties.
Art. 124
For a House or other Entity dependent on several Provinces
or on any Entity of the Order or the Franciscan Family, in ad-
dition to the norms of article 123 §2, which are to be observed
in its erection, particular Statutes for the government, general
and local visitation and elections are to be drawn up and ap-
proved by the respective competent authorities.
Art. 125
The suppression of a Custody, Federation and Foundation
pertains to the Minister General, with the consent of his
Definitory.
105
 Titulus II
De auctoritatibus in Domibus Ordinis
Art. 126
§1 In Domibus immediate subiectis Ministro generali, ipse,
praeter auctoritatem supremam, eam quoque exercet, solus vel
cum Definitorio, quae Constitutionibus et Statutis tribuitur
Ministro provinciali, soli vel cum Definitorio, in Domibus
propriae Provinciae.44
§2 Guardianus harum Domorum, electus a Definitorio ge-
nerali et a Ministro generali confirmatus, habet eandem pote-
statem, nisi aliud caveatur, quam alii Guardiani.
Titulus III
De collatione, exercitio et amissione officiorum
Art. 127
§1 Per schedulas et vota secreta eligi debent: Minister et Vi-
carius generalis, Minister et Vicarius provincialis, Definitores
generales et provinciales, Custodes et Consiliarii Custodia-
rum, Custos et Discreti Terrae Sanctae.
§2 In electionibus per schedulas, nisi in his Statutis vel in
Statutis particularibus aliud caveatur, rite electi habeantur qui,
praesente maiore parte eorum qui convocari debent, partem
absolute maiorem votorum praesentium in primo vel secundo
scrutinio retulerint.
§3 Post duo inefficacia scrutinia, suffragatio fiat super duo-
bus candidatis qui maiorem suffragiorum numerum in se-
cundo scrutinio obtinuerunt, vel si sunt plures, super duobus a
prima professione senioribus, et in paritate professionis, super
aetate senioribus; in hoc tertio scrutinio ille electus habeatur
qui maiorem numerum votorum obtinuerit; si post tertium
44 Cf. CIC 596 §1.
106
Title II
Authorities of the Order in Houses
Art. 126
§1 In Houses immediately subject to him, the Minister
General, besides his supreme authority, exercises also that au-
thority, alone or with the Definitory, which the General Con-
stitutions and Statutes attribute to a Minister Provincial, ei-
ther alone or with the Definitory, in the Houses of his own
Province.44
§2 The Guardians of these Houses, elected by the Definitory
General and confirmed by the Minster General, have the same
authority as other Guardians, unless otherwise stipulated.
Title III
Conferral, Exercise and Loss of Offices
Art. 127
§1 The Minister and Vicar General, the Minister and Vicar
Provincial, the General and Provincial Definitors, the Custodes
and Custodial Councillors and the Custos and Discretes of the
Holy Land must be elected by written ballots in a secret vote.
§2 In elections by written ballots, unless determined other-
wise by these Statutes or by Particular Statutes, provided a
majority of those who must be summoned are present, those
who have obtained an absolute majority of the votes of those
present in the first or second vote, are considered elected.
§3 Following two indecisive scrutinies, a vote is to be taken
between the two candidates who obtain the greatest number of
votes in the second scrutiny, or, if there are more than two, be-
tween the two seniors by first profession and, in the case of par-
ity of profession, between the two seniors by age. In this third
scrutiny, the one who obtains the greater number of votes is
44 Cf. CIC 596 §1.
107
scrutinium paritas votorum maneat ille electus habeatur qui
senior sit prima professione, et in paritate professionis, senior
aetate.45
Art. 128
§1 Per ballotationem et vota secreta eligi debent: Secreta-
rius generalis, Procurator generalis, Secretarius generalis pro
Evangelizatione, Secretarius generalis pro Formatione et Stu-
diis, Oeconomus generalis, Visitatores et Delegati generales,
Guardiani et Praesides Fundationum, atque, nisi aliter statua-
tur, Praesides Foederationum.
§2 Officia Secretarii provincialis, Secretarii provincialis pro
Evangelizatione missionali, Secretarii provincialis pro Forma-
tione et Studiis, Oeconomi provincialis, Magistri, Vicarii, Oe-
conomi et Discreti Domus omniaque alia munera conferuntur
per beneplacitum orale vel, de iudicio Praesidis, per ballota-
tionem, nisi aliter in Statutis particularibus provisum fuerit.
§3 Nominatione a Ministro generali, respective a Ministro
provinciali, conferuntur munera pro quorum collatione Statu-
tis particularibus et peculiaribus haec forma praescribitur,
praehabita opportuna consultatione.46
Art. 129
Incompatibilitas officiorum, si a iure universali vel a iure
proprio Ordinis statuta non fuerit, ab auctoritate competenti
declarari potest.
Art. 130
Omnia officia et munera, ea etiam extra Capitulum collata,
semper vacant tempore Capituli, nisi aliud expresse statuatur,
vel Minister provincialis, de consensu sui Definitorii per se-
creta suffragia manifestato, in casu particulari et gravi de
45 Cf. CIC 119 §1.
46 Cf. CIC 625 §3.
108
deemed elected. If, after the third scrutiny, there is still parity of
votes, the senior by first profession is deemed to be elected and,
in the case of parity of profession, the senior by age45.
Art. 128
§1 The following must be elected by secret vote using to-
kens: The Secretary General, Procurator General, Secretary
General for Evangelisation, the Secretary General for For-
mation and Studies, the Bursar General, Visitators and Del-
egates General, Guardians and Presidents of Foundations
and, unless determined otherwise, the Presidents of Federa-
tions.
§2 The offices of Provincial Secretary, Provincial Secretary
for Missionary Evangelisation, the Provincial Secretary for
Formation and Studies, the Provincial Bursar, Masters, Vicars,
Bursars and Discretes of the House and all the other offices
are conferred through oral approval or, in the judgement of
the President, by tokens, unless provided for otherwise in the
Particular Statutes.
§3 Those Offices are conferred by appointment of the Mi-
nister General and, respectively, of the Minister Provincial, for
which this form is prescribed in Particular and Special Statutes,
with appropriate prior consultation.46
Art. 129
Incompatibility of offices, if it has not been established by
either universal law or proper law of the Order, can be de-
clared by the competent authority.
Art. 130
All offices and positions, even those conferred outside of
Chapter, always fall vacant at the time of Chapter, unless it has
been expressly established otherwise, or unless the Minister
Provincial, with the consent of his Definitory expressed
45 Cf. CIC 119 §1.
46 Cf. CIC 625 §3.
109
causa, prorogationem a Ministro generali de consilio sui Defi-
nitorii probandam petierit et obtinuerit.
Art. 131
§1 Normae de vacatione officiorum non urgent nisi spa-
tium temporis praescriptum integre sit completum seu de Ca-
pitulo ad Capitulum.
§2 In collatione officiorum, si temporis vacatio praescribi-
tur, requiritur ut spatium temporis pro vacatione praescriptum
completum sit, scilicet de Capitulo ad Capitulum.
§3 Nisi aliud in Statutis particularibus statuatur, in accessu
ab inferiore officio ad superius, itemque in recessu a superiore
ad inferius, nulla vacatio temporis praescribitur.
§4 Collatio officii non servata requisita vacatione invalida
est, nisi a vacatione dispensatio legitima concedatur.
§5 Minister generalis, de consensu Definitorii, ex iusta
causa a vacationis integritate dispensare potest nisi agatur de
officiis de quibus in art. 127 §1 horum Statutorum.
Art. 132
§1 Renuntiationem officii collati in Capitulo eodemque du-
rante factam acceptare potest Capituli Praeses, auditis vocali-
bus.
§2 Renuntiatio, extra Capitulum, Ministri generalis effe-
ctum non habet, nisi Sanctae Sedi fiat et ab eadem acceptetur.
§3 Renuntiationem extra Capitulum Vicarii generalis, ali-
cuius Definitoris generalis et Ministri provincialis acceptare
potest Minister generalis de consensu sui Definitorii. Idem
valet etiam de renuntiatione officiorum quorum collatio, iuxta
art. 182 horum Statutorum regitur. Si autem Minister provin-
cialis officio suo renuntiet in Capitulo cui ipse praesidet, re-
nuntiatio acceptari potest a Capitulo, praesidente Vicario.
110
through a secret vote, has requested and obtained a proroga-
tion in a particular case and for a grave reason from the Min-
ister General, with the advice of his Definitory.
Art. 131
§1 Norms regarding vacancy of offices do not oblige unless
the prescribed period of time has been fully completed or is
from Chapter to Chapter.
§2 If an interval of vacancy is prescribed in the conferral of
offices, it is required that the period of time prescribed must
be fully completed; that is, from Chapter to Chapter.
§3 Unless particular Statutes determine otherwise, in moving
from a lower office to a higher one and likewise from a higher
office to a lower one, no interval of vacancy is prescribed.
§4 If the required vacancy is not observed, the conferral of
an office is invalid, unless a legitimate dispensation from the
vacancy has been granted.
§5 The Minister General, with the consent of his Defini-
tory, can dispense from the completion of the vacancy for a
just cause unless it concerns the offices dealt with in article
127 §1 of these Statutes.
Art. 132
§1 The President of the Chapter, after consulting the
Chapter Members, can accept the resignation from an office
conferred during the Chapter, if the resignation is submitted
during the same chapter.
§2 The resignation of the Minister General made outside of
Chapter has no effect unless it is submitted to and accepted by
the Holy See.
§3 The Minister General, with the consent of his Definitory,
can accept the resignation of the Vicar General, of a General
Definitor and of a Minster Provincial outside of Chapter. This
holds good for the resignation from offices whose conferral is
regulated in accordance with art. 182 of these Statutes. If, how-
ever, a Minister Provincial resigns his office during a Chapter
presided over by himself, the resignation can be accepted by the
Chapter under the presidency of the Vicar.
111
 §4 Renuntiatio aliorum officiorum, quae collata fuerint
electione per schedulas aut per ballotationem, acceptationi su-
biacet respectivi Ministri de consensu sui Definitorii.
§5 Renuntiationem officiorum quae collata sunt per bene-
placitum vel per nominationem, acceptare potest Minister ge-
neralis, vel respectivus Minister provincialis.
Art. 133
§1 Amotionem ab officio sive Ministri provincialis sive to-
tius gubernii Provinciae gravissima de causa decernere potest
Minister generalis de consensu sui Definitorii per secreta suf-
fragia manifestato, servatis de iure servandis.
§2 Amotionem ab aliis officiis collatis per electionem, sive
per schedulas sive per ballotationem, respectivi Ministri, de
consensu Definitorii per secreta suffragia manifestato, gravem
ob causam decernere possunt, servatis de iure servandis.
§3 Contra amotionis decretum, latum in casibus de quibus
in §1 et §2 huius articuli, datur recursus in suspensivo ad Mi-
nistrum generalem, respective ad Sanctam Sedem. Recursus
hierarchicus, si interponatur, fieri debet coram Ministro a quo
decretum amotionis latum est, intra quindecim dies utiles ab
intimatione decreti computandos. Quo termino inutiliter ela-
pso, officium de iure vacat.47
§4 Amotionem ab officio collato per beneplacitum, respe-
ctivus Minister, de consensu Definitorii, decernere valet.
Amotionem a munere collato per nominationem decernere
potest respectivus Minister.
47 Cf. CIC 1737 §2.
112
§4 Resignation from other offices that have been conferred
in election by written ballot or by voting with tokens is subject
to the acceptance of the respective Minister, with the consent
of his Definitory.
§5 The Minister General or the respective Minister Provin-
cial can accept a resignation from those offices conferred by
verbal approval or by appointment.
Art. 133
§1 The Minister General, with the consent of his Defini-
tory expressed through a secret vote, observing the require-
ments of law, can decree the removal from office, for a very
grave reason, of either a Minister Provincial or the entire gov-
ernment of the Province.
§2 The respective Ministers, with the consent of their
Definitories expressed through a secret vote, observing the re-
quirements of law, may decree, for a grave reason, the removal
from other offices conferred by election, whether by written
ballot or by voting with tokens.
§3 Recourse, with suspensive effect, is directed to the Min-
ister General and respectively to the Holy See against a decree
of removal, issued in the cases mentioned in §§1-2 of this ar-
ticle. Hierarchical recourse, if undertaken, must be proposed
before the Minster by whom the decree of removal was issued
within fifteen canonical days to be computed from the notifi-
cation of the decree. Once this time limit has elapsed without
recourse being proposed, the office is legally vacant47.
§4 The respective Minister, with the consent of his Defini-
tory, can decree the removal from an office conferred by oral
approval. The respective Minister may decree the removal
from a position conferred by appointment.
47 Cf. CIC 1737 §2.
113
 PARS II
DE ORDINIS REGIMINE GENERALI
Titulus IV
De Capitulo generali
Art. 134
§1 Indictio Capituli generalis a Ministro generali saltem sex
mensibus ante eius celebrationem fiat per litteras ad Ordinem,
in quibus vocales convocantur atque dies initii et argumenta
praecipua exprimuntur.
§2 Ratio agendi Capituli generalis in proprio Ordine sta-
tuitur.
Art. 135
§1 Rerum maioris momenti in Capitulo generali tractanda-
rum textus, vel saltem summarium, tempestive omnibus fratri-
bus per Ministros provinciales et Custodes communicandi
sunt.
§2 Fratres omnes, per Ministrum provincialem aut Custo-
dem, vel directe ad Capitulum generale suas opiniones et pro-
posita ad bonum Ordinis pertinentia mittere possunt. Hae
quaestiones ut in Capitulo excutiantur, indigent approbatione
Capituli, ad normam proprii Ordinis.
Art. 136
§1 Ultimus ex-Minister generalis vocandus est ad Capitu-
lum qua legitimus vocalis, etsi interesse non tenetur.
§2 Praeter vocales de quibus in art. 192 Constitutionum ge-
neralium, ad Capitulum generale qua legitimi vocales vocandi
sunt:
1. Secretarius generalis pro Evangelizatione; Secretarius ge-
neralis pro Formatione et Studiis, necnon Procurator generalis;
114
PART II
GENERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE ORDER
Title IV
The General Chapter
Art. 134
§1 The convocation of the General Chapter is to be made
by the Minister General at least six months before its celebra-
tion through a letter to the Order, in which the Chapter
Members are convoked and the day of its commencement and
the principal topics are indicated.
§2 The method of procedure of the Chapter is established
in its own Rules of Procedure.
Art. 135
§1 The text, or at least a summary, of all matters of major
importance to be dealt with in the General Chapter are to be
communicated in good time to all the Friars through the Min-
isters Provincial and Custodes.
§2 All Friars can send their opinions and proposals concern-
ing the good of the Order directly to the General Chapter or
through their Minister Provincial or Custos. In order for these
questions to be discussed in Chapter they need the approval of
the Chapter, in accordance with its Rules of Procedure.
Art. 136
§1 The most recent former Minister General must be in-
vited to the Chapter as a legitimate Chapter Member, but he
is not obliged to attend.
§2 In addition to those mentioned in art. 192 of the Ge-
neral Constitutions, the following must be summoned to the
General Chapter as legitimate Chapter Members:
1. the Secretary General for Evangelisation, the Secretary
General for Formation and Studies as well as the Procurator
General;
115
 2. Custodes Custodiarum autonomarum et earum quae a
Ministro generali dependent;
3. Praesides Foederationum.
§3 Provinciae quae Custodias habent dependentes, ex una-
quaque istarum delegatum eligere debent, ad normam Statu-
torum particularium, ut legitimum vocalem in Capitulo gene-
rali.
§4 Quaelibet Conferentia Ministrorum provincialium eli-
gere debet, ad normam Statutorum ipsius Conferentiae, unum
fratrem laicum sollemniter professum ex fratribus in territorio
degentibus ut legitimum vocalem in Capitulo generali.
§5 Capitulum uti potest opera peritorum, quorum partici-
patio Ordine Capituli accurate determinetur.
Art. 137
Pro casu in quo vocales de quibus in §3 et §4 art. 136 adesse
non possint, substituti eligantur.
Titulus V
De Consilio plenario Ordinis
Art. 138
Consilium plenarium Ordinis a Ministro generali convoce-
tur ubi et quando a Capitulo generali statutum fuerit vel ipsi
Ministro de consensu sui Definitorii opportunum visum erit,
et insuper quoties maior pars Conferentiarum id petiverit.
Art. 139
§1 Consiliarii ad Consilium plenarium Ordinis eliguntur a
Conferentiis Ministrorum provincialium, ita ut ex unaquaque
Conferentia duo Consiliarii adsint.
§2 Minister generalis, de consensu sui Definitorii, potest
designare alios Consiliarios pro Consilio plenario, dummodo
Consiliarii designati medietatem numeri Conferentiarum Mi-
nistrorum provincialium non excedant.
116
2. the Custodes of autonomous Custodies and of those de-
pendent on the Minister General;
3. the Presidents of Federations.
§3 Provinces with dependent Custodies must elect a dele-
gate from each one of them, in accordance with the norms of
the Particular Statutes, as a legitimate Member of the General
Chapter.
§4 Each Conference of Ministers Provincial must elect, in
accordance with the norms of the Statutes of the Conference,
a solemnly professed lay Friar as a legitimate Member of the
General Chapter from among the Friars living in its territory.
§5 The Chapter may utilise the services of experts, whose
participation is to be carefully determined in the Rules of Pro-
cedure of the Chapter.
Art. 137
Substitutes are to be elected in case the Members men-
tioned in §3 and §4 of article 136 cannot be present.
Title V
The Plenary Council of the Order
Art. 138
The Plenary Council of the Order is to be convoked by the
Minister General at the time and place established by the
General Chapter or when it seems opportune to the Minister
himself, with the consent of his Definitory, and, in addition,
any time the majority of the Conferences requests it.
Art. 139
§1 The Council Members of the Plenary Council of the Order
are to be elected by the Conferences of Ministers Provincial so
that two Council Members are present from each Conference.
§2 The Minister General, with the consent of his Definitory,
can designate other Council Members for the Plenary Council,
provided that the designated Councillors do not exceed half the
number of the Conferences of Ministers Provincial.
117
 §3 In Consiliarios eligi possunt fratres sive sint sive non sint
Ministri. Electio Consiliariorum fit a Conferentiis prout ipsis
opportunum videatur ita tamen ut Consiliarii electi fuerint
saltem tres menses ante celebrationem Consilii plenarii. No-
mina electorum Consiliariorum eorumque substitutorum ad
Ministrum generalem tempestive transmittenda sunt.
Art. 140
§1 Minister generalis cum Definitorio conficit elenchum
quaestionum pertractandarum in Consilio plenario, eumque
infra sex menses transmittendum curabit membris Conferen-
tiarum Ministrorum provincialium, ita ut de quaestionibus
propositis inter se conferant.
§2 Ius est unicuique fratri quaestiones in Consilio plenario
tractandas opportuno tempore Ministro generali proponere;
itemque cuivis membro facultas est proponendi quaestiones
quae in ipso coetu pertractandae sunt, si tertia pars Consilii
easdem approbaverit.
Titulus VI
De Conventu Praesidum Conferentiarum
cum Ministro et Definitorio generali
Art. 141
§1 Ad agendum, cum voto consultivo, de negotiis, quaestio-
nibus et rebus maioris momenti pro Ordine, saltem semel in
unoquoque biennio convocandus est Conventum Praesidum
Conferentiarum sive omnium sive alicuius territorii.
§2 Convocatio et praesidentia Conventus spectat ad Mini-
strum generalem, qui cum Definitorio generali eiusdem prae-
parationem curabit.
118
§3 Friars, who may or may not be Ministers, can be elected
as Council Members. The election of Council Members is
made by the Conferences as they see fit, so that the Council
Members will have been elected at least three months before
the celebration of the Plenary Council. The names of the
elected Council Members and of their substitutes are to be
sent to the Minister General in good time.
Art. 140
§1 The Minister General, with his Definitory, compiles the
list of questions to be dealt with during the Plenary Council
and is to ensure that this is sent to the members of the Con-
ferences of Ministers Provincial six months beforehand so that
they may exchange ideas on the questions proposed.
§2 It is the right of each Friar to propose to the Minister
General, in good time, topics to be dealt with during the Ple-
nary Council; likewise, each Member is able to present ques-
tions to be discussed during the assembly itself, if one third of
the Council has approved them.
Title VI
The Meeting of Conference Presidents
with the Minister and Definitory General
Art. 141
§1 At least once every two years, the Minister General is to
convoke a meeting of the Presidents of the Conferences, ei-
ther all of them or just those of a certain territory. The pur-
pose of the meeting is to consider, with a consultative voice,
the issues, questions and matters of major importance for the
Order.
§2 The convocation and the presidency of this meeting per-
tains to the Minister General, who, together with the General
Definitory, is to take care of its preparation.
119
 Titulus VII
De Vicario generali
Art. 142
§1 Vicarius generalis, qui potestate ordinaria vicaria in Or-
dine gaudet, et nomine Ordinarii intelligitur,48 absente vel im-
pedito Ministro generali Ordinem regit.
§2 Ministro generali praesente, Vicarius generalis suam
auctoritatem exercet ad normam Statutorum peculiarium De-
finitorii generalis 49 et actus administrativos singulares: de-
creta, praecepta et rescripta efficere potest;50 Minister genera-
lis etiam alias facultates ei conferre valet.
§3 Vicarius generalis de praecipuis negotiis gerendis et ge-
stis Ministro generali referre debet, nec umquam contra eius
voluntatem et mentem agat.51
Titulus VIII
De Definitoribus generalibus
Art. 143
§1 Numerus et modi electionis Definitorum generalium a
Capitulo generali definiuntur.
§2 Quisque Definitor generalis eligatur prae oculis ha-
bendo: praeparationem suam et qualitates quoad animationem
vitae et missionis Ordinis, atque habilitatem suam in “conver-
satione” internationali et activitate communi, necnon circa
linguarum et culturarum cognitionem.
§3 In electionibus Definitorum generalium magni facere
oportet regiones et linguas, cum Definitorium generale Ordi-
nis, quantum fieri potest, exprimere debeat eiusdem diversita-
tem ethnicam, culturalem et geographicam.
48 Cf. CIC 134 §1, 620.
49 Cf. CCGG 205.
50 Cf. CIC 35, 48-49, 59.
51 Cf. CCGG 200 §1.
120
Title VII
The Vicar General
Art. 142
§1 The Vicar General, who enjoys ordinary vicarious power
in the Order and who is understood to be an Ordinary,48 governs
the Order when the Minister General is absent or impeded.
§2 When the Minister General is present, the Vicar General
exercises his authority in accordance with the norm of the Spe-
cial Statutes of the General Definitory49 and can carry out sin-
gular administrative acts: to issue decrees, precepts and re-
scripts.50 The Minister General can also give him other faculties.
§3 The Vicar General must refer to the Minister General
important matters that need to be dealt with and those that
have been dealt with; he is never to act contrary to the will and
mind of the Minister General.51
Title VIII
The General Definitors
Art. 143
§1 The number of General Definitors and the method of
their election are determined by the General Chapter.
§2 Each General Definitor is to be elected, taking account
of the following: his training and qualities in relation to the
animation of the life and mission of the Order, his ability at in-
ternational ‘relations’ and team work, as well as his knowledge
of languages and cultures.
§3 In the elections of the General Definitors it is very ne-
cessary to take regions and languages into account, since the
General Definitory of the Order, in so far as is possible, must
express its ethnic, cultural and geographic diversity.
48 Cf. CIC 134 §1, 620.
49 Cf. GGCC 205.
50 Cf. CIC 35, 48-49, 59.
51 Cf. GGCC 200 §1.
121
Art. 144
Salvo praescripto Art. 202-205 Constitutionum generalium,
munus est Definitorum generalium pro universo Ordine elec-
torum imprimis Ministro generali consilium praebere in iis
quae vitam et missionem Ordinis respiciunt, munera pecularia
ab ipso Ministro generali eisdem concredita adimplere, vitam
evangelicam intra entitates et in regionibus Ordinis promovere.
Titulus IX
De Officiis Curiae generalis
Art. 145
§1 In Curia generali, praeter Secretariatum generalem pro
negotiis generalibus Ordinis, habeantur:
– Procura generalis pro relationibus cum Sancta Sede;
– Secretariatus generalis pro Evangelizatione
– Secretariatus generalis pro Formatione et Studiis;
– Postulatio generalis pro Causis beatificationis et canoni-
zationis;
– Oeconomatus generalis;
– Officium pro Iustitia et Pace et Integritate Creati;
– Officium pro Monialibus et Institutis franciscalibus;
– Officium pro Ordine Franciscano Saeculari;
– Protocollum et Archivum generale;
– Officium pro communicationibus.
§2 Praeter officia in praecedenti paragrapho enumerata, alia
institui possunt a Definitorio generali.
Art. 146
Secretarius generalis, Procurator generalis, Secretarius ge-
neralis pro Evangelizatione et Secretarius generalis pro For-
matione et Studiis ad sexennium a Ministro generali cum suo
Definitorio eliguntur. Alii omnes officiales, nisi aliter in his
Statutis praescribatur, a Ministro generali et ad eiusdem nutum
nominantur.
122
Art. 144
It is the special duty of the General Definitors, elected for
the whole Order, without prejudice to articles 202-205 of the
General Constitutions, to give advice to the Minister General
in all that concerns the life and mission of the Order, to fulfil
any special duties entrusted to them by the same Minister
General and to promote the gospel life within the Entities and
regions of the Order.
Title IX
Offices of the General Curia
Art. 145
§1 In the General Curia, in addition to the General Secre-
tariat for the general affairs of the Order there is to be:
– The General Procuration for relationships with the Holy
See;
– The General Secretariat for Evangelisation;
– The General Secretariat for Formation and Studies;
– The General Postulation for the causes of beatification
and canonisation;
– The Office of the Bursar General;
– The Office for “Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation”;
– The Office for Nuns and Franciscan Institutes;
– The Office for the Secular Franciscan Order;
– The Office of Protocol and General Archives;
– The Office for Communications.
§2 In addition to the Offices enumerated in the preceding
paragraph, others can be instituted by the General Definitory.
Art. 146
The Secretary General, the Procurator General, the Secre-
tary General for Evangelisation and the Secretary General for
Formation and Studies are elected for a six-year period by the
Minister General with his Definitory. All other officials, un-
less prescribed otherwise in these statutes, are appointed at the
discretion of the Minister General.
123
Art. 147
§1 Secretario generali munus competit rite coordinare, aliis
etiam pro officiis, omnes labores qui in Curia generali pera-
guntur.
§2 Secretarius generalis sessionibus Definitorii generalis
adest, quin tamen vocem deliberativam habeat. Acta in scriptis
refert, sigillum Ordinis custodit et sub Ministri generalis au-
ctoritate coordinat quae ad negotia administrativa tractanda
attinent. Curet insuper ut acta Curiae generalis redigantur et
in archivo custodiantur.
Art. 148
§1 Secretarius pro Evangelizatione in coordinandis atque
fovendis inceptis evangelizationis missionalis atque curae pa-
storalis totius Ordinis assistit.
§2 Istius est etiam auxilium praebere Secretariis provincia-
libus et interprovincialibus pro Evangelizatione missionali in
eorum activitate animationis fratrum et christifidelium.
Art. 149
§1 Secretarius pro Formatione et Studiis assistit in promo-
vendis investigationibus de principiis formationis tam initialis
quam continuae, atque in eis applicandis ad normam iuris uni-
versalis et proprii.
§2 Secretarius pro Formatione et Studiis, de mandato Mi-
nistri generalis, Centra investigationis Ordinis et Domus for-
mationis visitet et relationes sive mutuas sive cum Curia gene-
rali foveat.
Art. 150
§1 Procurator generalis eligi potest aliquis e gremio Defi-
nitorii generalis, vel alius frater.
§2 Procuratoris generalis est tractare et sollicite expedire,
nomine Ministri generalis, omnia Ordinis negotia, quae cum
S. Sede tractanda sunt, exceptis iis quae ad causas beatificatio-
nis et canonizationis pertinent.
124
Art. 147
§1 The Secretary General of the Order has the duty of
properly coordinating, even for the other offices, all the work
that is done in the General Curia.
§2 The Secretary General attends the sessions of the Ge-
neral Definitory, but without having a deliberative vote. He
records in writing what has taken place, keeps the seal of the
Order and, under the authority of the Minister General, co-
ordinates everything concerning administrative matters that
have to be dealt with. In addition, he is to ensure that the acts
of the Curia are drawn up and kept in the archives.
Art. 148
§1 The Secretary for Evangelisation helps in coordinating
and animating the whole Order’s undertakings of missionary
evangelisation and pastoral care.
§2 It also pertains to him to offer assistance to the Provin-
cial and Inter-provincial Secretaries for missionary evangelisa-
tion in their work as animators of the Friars and the Christian
faithful.
Art. 149
§1 The Secretary for Formation and Studies helps in pro-
moting research on the principles of both initial and ongoing
formation and in their application, in accordance with the
norm of universal and proper law.
§2 The Secretary for Formation and Studies, by mandate of
the Minister General, is to visit the Research Centres of the
Order and the Houses of Formation and to promote relation-
ships between them and with the General Curia.
Art. 150
§1 A member of the Definitory or another Friar can be
elected Procurator General.
§2 It is the duty of the Procurator General, in the name of
the Minster General, to conduct and expedite all of the Order’s
business with the Holy See, except what pertains to the causes
of beatification and canonisation.
125
 §3 Procuratore generali absente vel impedito, Secretarius
Procurae negotia procurationis gerat sub Ministri generalis
directione.
§4 Ceteri fratres minime audeant apud Apostolicam Sedem,
Procuratore generali praetermisso, negotia quae ei compe-
tunt, tractare vel expedire.
Art. 151
§1 Oeconomatus generalis curam habet administrandi bona
et contributa quae in utilitatem totius Ordinis destinantur pro
expensis officiorum Curiae generalis et Domorum a Ministro
generali dependentium, pro necessitatibus Provinciarum et
Custodiarum indigentium sublevandis, et pro inceptis a Defi-
nitorio generali promovendis.
§2 Oeconomo et Oeconomatui generali operam praestat
Consilium de rebus oeconomicis, cuius membra a Ministro
generali, de consilio sui Definitorii, nominantur.52
Art. 152
Oeconomus generalis, qui Consilio de rebus oeconomicis
praeest, curam gerat de recta bonorum temporalium Ordinis
administratione ad normam iuris universalis et proprii; quo-
tannis insuper Definitorio generali rationem accipiendi et ex-
pendendi pro anno sequenti proponit, ac post approbationem
de eius exsecutione curat; et semper Definitorio rationem ac-
cepti et expensi anni praecedentis praesentat.53
Art. 153
§1 A Definitorio generali Commissio internationalis de
rebus oeconomicis ex peritis Conferentiis Ministrorum pro-
vincialium propositis constituta, institui potest.
52 Cf. CIC 1280.
53 Cf. CIC 1287 §1.
126
§3 Whenever the Procurator General is absent or impeded,
the Secretary of the Procuration manages the affairs of the
procuration under the direction of the Minister General.
§4 Other Friars must not dare to by-pass the Procurator
General and conduct or expedite business at the Apostolic See
that belongs to him.
Art. 151
§1 The Bursar General takes care of administering goods
and contributions that, for the good of the entire Order, are
designated for the expenses of the offices of the General Curia
and of the Houses dependent on the Minister General, for the
support of the needs of poor Provinces and Custodies and for
undertakings promoted by the General Definitory.
§2 The Council for Financial Affairs, the members of which
are appointed by the Minister General with the advice of his
Definitory,52 assists the Bursar General and Bursar General’s
Office.
Art. 152
The Bursar General, who presides over the Council for Fi-
nancial Affairs, is to take care of the proper administration of
the temporal goods of the Order, in accordance with universal
and proper law. In addition, each year he presents the budget
of income and expenditure for the following year to the Ge-
neral Definitory and, following its approval, he takes care of
its execution; he always presents the accounts of income and
expenditure of the preceding year to the Definitory.53
Art. 153
§1 An International Commission for Financial Affairs,
composed of experts proposed by the Conferences of Minis-
ters Provincial, can be instituted by the General Definitory.
52 Cf. CIC 1280.
53 Cf. CIC 1287 §1.
127
 §2 Haec Commissio, rationibus oeconomicis examinatis, §2 This Commission, having examined the financial ac-
Definitorio generali relationem facit cum suo iudicio, necnon counts, presents a report with its own opinion to the General
consilia praebet de rebus oeconomicis. Definitory and gives advice on financial matters.

Art. 154 Art. 154

Officia Curiae generalis in art. 145 §1 horum Statutorum The offices of the General Curia, enumerated in art. 145 §1
enumerata et alia forsitan instituenda, Statutis peculiaribus a of these Statutes, and others that might be set up, are go-
Ministro generali de consensu sui Definitorii approbatis re- verned by Special Statutes approved by the Minister General
guntur. with the consent of his Definitory.

Titulus X Title X
De Visitatoribus et Delegatis generalibus Visitators and Delegates General

Art. 155 Art. 155

Visitator et Delegatus generalis ordinario regimini Provin- The Visitator and Delegate General are not to interfere in
ciarum ne se immisceant, nisi in casu particulari Minister ge- the ordinary government of the Provinces, unless in a parti-
neralis de consensu sui Definitorii, per secreta suffragia mani- cular case the Minister General, with the consent of his Defi-
festato, aliud decreverit. nitory expressed in a secret vote, has decreed otherwise.

Art. 156 Art. 156

Delegati est de rebus gravioribus singulis vicibus Ministrum It is the duty of the Delegate to inform the Minister Ge-
generalem certiorem facere, eidemque relationem de actis et neral about matters of greater importance whenever they arise
gestis in suo officio obeundo exhibere. and to give him a report on all that has been done and has hap-
pened during the exercise of his office.

Art. 157 Art. 157

Statutis peculiaribus, a Ministro generali de consensu sui All that concerns the Visitator and Delegate General is to
Definitorii approbatis, praescribantur omnia quae ad Visitato- be prescribed in Special Statutes, approved by the Minister
rem et Delegatum generalem spectant. General with the consent of his Definitory.

128 129
 PARS III
DE PROVINCIARUM REGIMINE
Titulus XI
De Capitulo provinciali
Art. 158
Capitulum est institutum maximi momenti ad dirigendam
vitam et missionem fratrum in Provincia vel Custodia. Statuta
particularia determinent modum seu formam participationis
fratrum in Capitulo, ita tamen ut observentur normae iuris ca-
nonici, Constitutionum et Statutorum generalium quoad re-
quisita ad validitatem electionum et decisionum.
Art. 159
§1 Capitulum provinciale ordinarium tertio quoque anno
celebretur. Praeses Capituli tamen, iusta de causa et audito
Definitorio, Capitulum provinciale ad tres menses ultra trien-
nium differre vel infra triennium anticipare potest. Ut Capitu-
lum provinciale ultra tres menses differri vel anticipari possit,
etiam licentia Ministri generalis requiritur.
§2 Praeses Capituli in quo Minister provincialis eligitur est
Minister generalis vel eius Delegatus. In aliis Capitulis Prae-
ses est Minister provincialis, nisi adsit Minister generalis eiu-
sve Delegatus. Definitorium provinciale per vota secreta a Mi-
nistro generali petere potest ut Delegatus nominetur.
§3 Si contingat Ministrum provincialem deficere in Capi-
tulo in quo ipse Praeses est, sive ob acceptatam renuntiatio-
nem, sive ob aliam causam, eius locum assumit Vicarius pro-
vincialis vel, eo deficiente, Definitor a prima professione se-
nior, et in paritate professionis aetate senior, usque ad electio-
nem novi Ministri provincialis, qui ab omnibus vocalibus Ca-
pituli eligitur. Ipse in officio permanet usque ad proximum
Capitulum Provinciae.
130
PART III
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
Title XI
The Provincial Chapter
Art. 158
The Chapter is the most important institution for regulat-
ing the life and mission of the Friars in a Province or Custody.
The Particular Statutes determine the manner or form of the
participation of the Friars in the Chapter, in such a way, how-
ever, that the norms of Canon Law, the General Constitutions
and Statutes are observed concerning the requirements for the
validity of elections and decisions.
Art. 159
§1 The ordinary Provincial Chapter is to be celebrated
every three years. The President of the Chapter, however, for
a just cause and having consulted the Definitory, can postpone
it for three months beyond the three years or anticipate it by
three months. To postpone or anticipate the Provincial Chap-
ter by more than three months the permission of the Minister
General is also required.
§2 The Minister General or his Delegate is the President of
the Chapter in which a Minister Provincial is elected. In other
Chapters, the President is the Minister Provincial, unless the
Minister General or his Delegate is present. The Provincial
Definitory, through a secret vote, can ask the Minister Ge-
neral to appoint a Delegate.
§3 If it should happen that the Minister Provincial is miss-
ing from a Chapter of which he is President, either because his
resignation has been accepted or for some other reason, his
place is taken by the Vicar Provincial or, if he too is missing,
by the Definitor who is senior by first profession and, in case
of parity of profession, by the one who is senior by age until
the election of the new Minister Provincial, who is elected by
all the Members of the Chapter. He remains in office until the
next Chapter of the Province.
131
Art. 160
§1 Negotia maioris momenti in Capitulo provinciali trac-
tanda a Ministro provinciali fratribus communicentur. Si quod
negotium aestimetur studio dignum, a Capitulo locali oppor-
tuno tempore Definitorio Provinciae proponi potest.
§2 Fratres etiam singuli ad Capitulum provinciale suas opi-
niones et proposita mittere possunt; quae res accipiendae et
tractandae sunt ad normas Statutorum particularium et ordi-
nis Capituli.
Art. 161
§1 Si in Statutis particularibus non sit provisum ut Capitulo
provinciali vel custodiali intersint omnes fratres Provinciae aut
Custodiae, vocem activam in electionibus necnon vocem deli-
berativam et consultivam in sessionibus capitularibus usque ad
absolutum Capitulum habent: Praeses Capituli, Minister pro-
vincialis, Vicarius provincialis, Definitores provinciales, ex-
Minister provincialis qui in Capitulo immediate praecedenti,
non vero qui post Capitulum, officium resignaverit, Secreta-
rius Provinciae, Custodes in Provinciis quae habent Custo-
dias, Guardiani, Deputati provinciales de quibus in articulo se-
quenti, aliique in Statutis particularibus determinati.
§2 Statuta particularia numerum Guardianorum in Capi-
tulo vocalium reducere possunt.
§3 Ex-Minister generalis ad Capitula propriae Provin-
ciae vocandus est qua legitimus vocalis, non tamen interesse
tenetur.
§4 Vocales Capituli a Praeside convocari debent et, salvo
praescripto §3 huius articuli, interesse tenentur, nisi sint legi-
time impediti: de eorum absentia Praesidem tempestive cer-
tiorem faciant, ut substituti, si in iure praevideatur, vocari pos-
sint.
132
Art. 160
§1 Matters of greater importance to be dealt with in a
Provincial Chapter are to be communicated to the Friars by
the Minister Provincial. If any matter is judged worthy of
study, it can be proposed in good time to the Definitory of the
Province by a local Chapter.
§2 Individual Friars too can send their opinions and pro-
posals to the Provincial Chapter. Such matters are to be ac-
cepted and dealt with in accordance with the norms of the
Particular Statutes and of the Rules of Procedure of the
Chapter.
Art. 161
§1 If there is no provision in the Particular Statutes for all
the Friars of the Province or Custody to participate in the
Provincial or Custodial Chapter, the following have active
voice in the elections as well as a deliberative and consultative
voice in Chapter sessions until the conclusion of the Chapter:
the President of the Chapter, the Minister Provincial, the
Vicar Provincial, the Provincial Definitors, the former Minis-
ter Provincial who went out of office at the immediately pre-
ceding Chapter, but not if he resigned from office after the
Chapter, the Secretary of the Province, the Custodes in
Provinces that have Custodies, the Guardians, the Provincial
Delegates, mentioned in the following article, and others who
are specified in the Particular Statutes.
§2 The Particular Statutes can reduce the number of
Guardian who are Members of the Chapter.
§3 The former Minister General must be invited to the
Chapter of his own Province as a legitimate Chapter Member;
however, he is not obliged to attend.
§4 The Members of the Chapter must be convoked by the
President and, without prejudice to §3 of this article, they are
obliged to attend unless they are legitimately impeded. They
are to inform the President of their absence in good time so
that substitutes, if such are foreseen by law, can be convoked.
133
Art. 162
§1 In electione Deputatorum voce activa et passiva gaudent,
nisi ea privati fuerint, omnes Provinciae fratres sollemniter
professi. Qui ex iure voce in Capitulo gaudent, non habent
vocem in hac electione.
§2 Numerus Deputatorum Statutis particularibus determi-
natur, ita tamen ut non sit minor numero aliorum vocalium
qui Capitulo provinciali interesse debent.
§3 Fratres qui a Ministro generali officium vel oboedien-
tiam receperunt, in Capitulo propriae provinciae gaudent voce
activa et, tantum cum licentia eiusdem Ministri, voce etiam
passiva.
Art. 163
§1 Electio Ministri provincialis et Vicarii provincialis, si
tempus eorum officii elapsum fuerit, et electio Definitorum
Provinciae, fiant in Capitulo provinciali ordinario, exceptis ca-
sibus de quibus in art. 119 §1 horum Statutorum et in para-
grapho sequenti.
§2 Minister generalis, de consensu Definitorii per secreta
suffragia manifestato, si peculiaria adiuncta et gravissimae cau-
sae id exigere videantur, potest sibi et Definitorio generali
electionem Ministri provincialis, vel etiam Definitorii Provin-
ciae reservare, et etiam eligere in Ministrum fratrem alius Pro-
vinciae. Si reservata fuerit electio solius Ministri provincialis,
Vicarius provincialis et Definitores a Capitulo eliguntur.
Art. 164
Capitulum provinciale ordinarium ob validas rationes sta-
tuere potest celebrationem Capituli provincialis extraordina-
rii, in quo tractari possunt negotia maioris momenti pro vita
Provinciae, decisiones sumi, minime autem electiones, de qui-
bus agitur in art. 127 §1, fieri possunt. Huiusmodi Capituli ce-
lebratio fiat ad modum Capituli provincialis ordinarii et con-
vocabitur a Ministro provinciali qui huic Capitulo etiam prae-
sidebit.
134
Art. 162
§1 All the solemnly professed Friars of the Province enjoy
active and passive voice in the election of delegates, unless
they have been deprived of it. Those who have an ex-officio
voice in Chapter do not have a vote in this election.
§2 The number of Delegates is to be established by the Par-
ticular Statutes but in such a way, however, that it is not less
than the number of the other Chapter Members who must at-
tend the Chapter.
§3 Friars who received an office or obedience from the
Minister General enjoy active voice in the Chapter of their
own Province; and they enjoy passive voice only with the per-
mission of the same Minister.
Art. 163
§1 The election of the Minister Provincial and Vicar
Provincial, if the term of their office has elapsed, and the elec-
tion of the Provincial Definitors is to be carried out in the or-
dinary Provincial Chapter, except in the case mentioned in art.
119 §1 of these Statutes and in the following paragraph.
§2 If special circumstances and very serious reasons seem to
demand it, the Minister General, with the consent of his
Definitory expressed by secret vote, can reserve to himself and
the General Definitory the election of a Minister Provincial or
even of a Provincial Definitory; they can even elect a Friar
from another Province as Minister. If the election of the Mi-
nister Provincial alone has been reserved, the Vicar Provincial
and the Definitors are elected by the Chapter.
Art. 164
The ordinary Provincial Chapter, for valid reasons, can de-
cide on the celebration of an extraordinary Provincial Chap-
ter, in which matters of greater importance for the life of the
Province can be dealt with and decisions taken; however, the
elections dealt with in art. 127 §1 cannot be held. The cele-
bration of such a Chapter is carried out after the manner of
the ordinary Provincial Chapter and is to be convoked by the
Minister Provincial, who will also preside over it.
135
Art. 165
§1 Acta electionum Capituli provincialis aut Capituli Cu-
stodiae autonomae redacta in forma authentica, pro ratihabi-
tione, itemque Statuta particularia vel eorum mutationes si
quae factae fuerint, pro approbatione ad Definitorium gene-
rale quam primum mittantur.
§2 Res in Capitulo provinciali vel custodiali tractatae et de-
cisiones factae sine mora fratribus Provinciae aut Custodiae
communicentur.
Titulus XII
De Congressu capitulari
Art. 166
§1 In Congressu capitulari ius suffragii praeter Ministrum
generalem eiusve Delegatum, si adsit, habent: Minister pro-
vincialis, ex-Minister qui in hoc eodem Capitulo officium re-
signaverit, Vicarius provincialis et Definitores provinciales.
§2 Si contingat Praesidem Congressus capitularis, nomina-
tum ad normam art. 159, §2 horum Statutorum, impediri a
munere suo exercendo, res deferatur ad Definitorium gene-
rale. Si, de iudicio Congressus capitularis, casus urgeat, prae-
sideat Minister provincialis.
Art. 167
Acta Congressus capitularis Definitorio generali transmit-
tantur pro ratihabitione, et quidem in forma authentica, scili-
cet rite subscripta et sigillo Provinciae munita. In his exprimi
debent tempus et locus electionum, qui electores et quot fue-
rint, et qualis sit scrutiniorum exitus.
Art. 168
Omnia quae in articulis praecedentibus de Congressu capi-
tulari praescribuntur, servatis servandis, vim habent etiam pro
Congressu Consilii custodialis.
136
Art. 165
§1 The acts of the elections of the Provincial Chapter or of
the Chapter of an autonomous Custody, drawn up in an au-
thentic manner, are to be sent as soon as possible to the General
Definitory for ratification. Similarly, Particular Statutes or any
changes made to them are to be sent for approval as soon as pos-
sible.
§2 The matters dealt with during the Provincial or Custo-
dial Chapter and the decisions taken are to be communicated
without delay to the Friars of the Province or Custody.
Title XII
The Capitular Congressus
Art. 166
§1 In addition to the Minister General or his Delegate, if he
is present, the following have the right to vote in the Capitu-
lar Congressus: the Minister Provincial, the former Minister
who left office in the same Chapter, the Vicar Provincial and
the Provincial Definitors.
§2 If it should happen that the President of the Capitular
Congressus, appointed in accordance with art. 159 §2 of these
Statutes, is impeded from exercising his office, the matter is to
be referred to the General Definitory. If, in the judgement of
the Capitular Congressus, the matter is urgent, the Minister
Provincial is to preside.
Art. 167
The acts of the Capitular Congressus are to be sent to the
General Definitory for ratification in an authentic form, that
is, duly signed and stamped with the Provincial seal. In these
there must be expressed: the time and place of elections, the
identity and number of electors; and the result of each ballot.
Art. 168
All that has been prescribed in the preceding articles in re-
gard to the Chapter Congressus, observing the requirements of
law, is also valid for the Congressus of the Custodial Council.
137
 Titulus XIII
De Consilio plenario Provinciae
Art. 169
Si Capitulo provinciali placuerit ut Consilium plenarium
Provinciae pro immediato triennio instituatur, statim post
unumquodque Capitulum illud instituendum erit ad normam
articuli sequentis et Statutorum particularium.
Art. 170
§1 Consilium plenarium constituunt Minister et Vicarius
provincialis, Definitores et Secretarius Provinciae, necnon fra-
tres, secundum varia munera, Statutis particularibus determi-
nati, et alii quidam ad normam eorundem Statutorum electi.
§2 Statutis particularibus praescribantur omnia quae spec-
tant ad compositionem, convocationem et celebrationem Con-
silii plenarii.
Art. 171
Consilium plenarium Provinciae, a Ministro provinciali con-
vocatum, votum consultivum tantum habet nisi pro determina-
tis casibus in Statutis particularibus aliter expresse caveatur.
Art. 172
Ii qui pro Consilio plenario electi sunt in officio proprio
manent usque ad proximum Capitulum, nisi tempus proprii
mandati in Statutis particularibus reducatur.
Titolo XIV
De Ministro provinciali
et Custode Custodiae autonomae
Art. 173
§1 Candidati ad officium Ministri provincialis proponuntur
ab omnibus Provinciae fratribus sollemniter professis; et ex iis
138
Title XIII
The Plenary Council of the Province
Art. 169
If the Provincial Chapter wishes to have a Plenary Council
of the Province instituted for the immediate three-year pe-
riod, it must be established at once after each Chapter, in ac-
cordance with the following article and the Particular Statutes.
Art. 170
§1 The Plenary Council consists of: the Minister and Vicar
Provincial, the Definitory and the Secretary of the Province,
as well as the Friars determined by the Particular Statutes ac-
cording to the various offices and certain others elected in ac-
cordance with the norms of the same Statutes.
§2 All that concerns the composition, convocation and ce-
lebration of the Plenary Council is to be prescribed in the Par-
ticular Statutes.
Art. 171
The Plenary Council of the Province, convoked by the
Minister Provincial, only has a consultative vote, unless the
Particular Statures have expressly provided otherwise for spe-
cific cases.
Art. 172
Those who have been elected to the Plenary Council re-
main in office until the next Chapter unless the time of their
mandate is reduced in the Particular Statutes.
Title XIV
The Provincial Minister and Custos
of an autonomous Custody
Art. 173
§1 Candidates for the office of Minister Provincial are pro-
posed by all the solemnly professed Friars of the Province and,
139
qui maiorem suffragiorum partem, etiam relativam, necnon
praevium beneplacitum Definitorii generalis obtinuerint, Mi-
nister provincialis eligi debet, salvo casu postulationis.
§2 Numerus candidatorum ad officium Ministri provincia-
lis Statutis particularibus determinetur. Ad Definitorium
autem generale exitus completus scrutinii pro candidatis tran-
smittendus est.
§3 In candidatorum ad officium Ministri provincialis aut
Custodis designatione exitus priorum suffragationum statim
fratribus Provinciae aut Custodiae communicandi sunt. Exitus
autem ultimi vel unici scrutinii, si una tantum suffragatio facta
sit, non publicetur.
Art. 174
§1 Minister provincialis et Custos Custodiae autonomae
eliguntur a Capitulo provinciali aut custodiali ordinario legi-
time congregato.
§2 Firmo praescripto art. 173 horum Statutorum, Statuta
particularia providere possunt ut Minister provincialis vel Cu-
stos Custodiae autonomae ab omnibus fratribus sollemniter
professis Provinciae vel Custodiae eligi possint.
§3 Modus electionis in eisdem Statutis determinetur, ita
tamen ut omnes fratres quibus ius eligendi est vel ad Capitu-
lum convocentur et in eo, die et loco in eadem convocatione
determinatis, electionem perficiant, vel suffragia per epistolam
ad Capitulum mittant: in hoc altero casu solummodo in ipso
Capitulo provinciali vel custodiali scrutentur suffragia. De ce-
tero procedatur ad normam Statutorum particularium.
§4 In casu peculiari, gravi et iusta de causa, et de Ministri
generalis praevia licentia, per Praesidem petenda, Capitulum
provinciale vel custodiale potest in Ministrum provincialem
vel Custodem eligere fratrem alienae Provinciae vel Custo-
diae, qui requisitis et qualitatibus necessariis praeditus sit nul-
loque impedimento laboret.
140
except in the case of postulation, the Minister Provincial must
be elected from among those who have obtained a majority of
the votes, even a relative majority, as well as the prior approval
of the General Definitory.
§2 The number of candidates for the office of Minister
Provincial is to be determined by the Particular Statutes. The
complete results of the votes for the candidates, however, must
be sent to the General Definitory.
§3 In the designation of candidates for the Office of Minis-
ter Provincial or of Custos, the results of the first ballot must
be communicated immediately to the Friars of the Province or
Custody. The result, however, of the last or only scrutiny, if
only one vote was taken, is not to be published.
Art. 174
§1 The Minister Provincial and the Custos of an au-
tonomous Custody are elected by the ordinary Provincial or
Custody Chapter legitimately assembled.
§2 Without prejudice to the prescriptions of art. 173 of
these Statutes, the Particular Statutes can provide for the Mi-
nister Provincial and the Custos of an autonomous Custody to
be elected by all the solemnly professed Friars of the Province
or Custody.
§3 The method of election is to be determined in the same
Statutes in such a manner, however, that all the Friars with the
right to elect either are summoned to Chapter to carry out the
election during it, on the day and in the place laid down in the
same convocation, or can send their votes to the Chapter by
letter. In this second case the votes are only to be scrutinised
in the Provincial or Custodial Chapter itself. All the rest is
proceeded with in accordance with the Particular Statutes.
§4 In a special case, for a just and serious reason and with the
prior permission of the Minister General requested through
the President, the Provincial or Custodial Chapter can elect a
Friar of another Province or Custody as the Minister Provin-
cial or Custos. He should be endowed with the necessary re-
quisites and qualities and not be under any impediment.
141
Art. 175
Salvo praescripto art. 119 §1 horum Statutorum Minister
provincialis ad sexennium eligitur; quo expleto iterum imme-
diate eligi potest ad triennium tantum. Postea autem eligi ne-
quit nisi ab officio saltem per tres annos vacaverit.
Art. 176
§1 Custos Custodiae autonomae, salvo praescripto art. 119
§1 horum Statutorum, ad triennium eligitur. Eligi potest ad
secundum et tertium triennium, sed non ultra, nisi vacatio
trium annorum intercesserit.
§2 Quod in his Statutis de Ministro provinciali et de eius
auctoritate statuitur, nisi aliud expresse caveatur, etiam ad Cu-
stodem Custodiae autonomae applicatur.
Art. 177
§1 Minister provincialis in una Provinciae Domo sedem ha-
beat, quae sine Capituli provincialis consensu mutari nequit;
mutatio vero quamprimum communicetur Ministro generali.
§2 Minister provincialis frequenter visitare debet Domos et
fratres. Saltem semel in triennio Provinciam et Custodiam a
Provincia dependentem canonice visitet iuxta normas Statuto-
rum peculiarium. Visitatione canonica peracta summariam re-
lationem de statu Provinciae deque Custodiae dependentis ad
Ministrum generalem transmittat.
Art. 178
Minister provincialis, audito Definitorio, fratres libenter in
Congressum convocet quoties eorum coadunatio opportuna
vel utilis videatur, ad fovendam religiosam vitam et actuosita-
tem, et ad tractanda vel examinanda communi consilio nego-
tia maioris momenti.
142
Art. 175
Without prejudice to the prescriptions of art. 119 §1 of these
Statutes, the Minister Provincial is elected for a six-year period.
When that period is ended, he can be re-elected immediately
again for another three years only. He cannot be re-elected
again unless he has been out of office for at least three years.
Art. 176
§1 The Custos of an autonomous Custody, without preju-
dice to the prescriptions of art. 119 §1 of these Statutes, is
elected for a three-year period. He may be re-elected for a
second and third three-year period, but not for more unless an
interval of three years has intervened.
§2 All that is established in these Statutes with regard to a
Minister Provincial and to his authority, unless it is otherwise
provided for expressly, is also applied to a Custos of an au-
tonomous Custody.
Art. 177
§1 The Minister Provincial is to have his headquarters in a
House of the Province, which cannot be changed without the
consent of the Provincial Chapter. Its transfer, however, is to
be communicated as soon as possible to the Minister General.
§2 The Minister Provincial must visit the Houses and the
Friars frequently. He is to carry out a canonical visitation of
the Province and of the Custody dependent on the Province
at least once every three years in accordance with the norms of
Special Statutes. When the canonical visitation is completed,
he is to send a summary report on the state of the Province
and dependent Custody to the Minister General.
Art. 178
The Minister Provincial, having consulted the Definitory, is
willingly to convoke the Friars to a meeting every time their
coming together seems to be opportune or useful for promot-
ing religious life and activity, and for dealing with or examin-
ing matters of greater importance with the advice of all.
143
Art. 179
§1 Quotiescumque Minister provincialis in exercendo offi-
cio suo impeditur, vel e Provinciae finibus ultra loca proxi-
miora exit, Vicarius provincialis eius vicem cum potestate or-
dinaria de iure gerit.
§2 Vicario provinciali etiam impedito, Definitor prima pro-
fessione senior officio et nomine Pro-Vicarii provincialis fun-
gitur.
§3 Vicarius provincialis innovationes in Provincia ne faciat
et caveat ne suis facultatibus utatur contra mentem et volunta-
tem Ministri provincialis.
Art. 180
Admissio ad novitiatum, ad professionem et sacros ordines,
itemque processus dimissionis ab Ordine et erectio Domus,
Ministro provinciali, respective Custodi Custodiae autono-
mae, reservantur.
Art. 181
§1 Vacante extra capitulum officio Ministri provincialis aut
Custodis Custodiae autonomae, regimen Provinciae vel Cu-
stodiae interim assumit Vicarius provincialis aut Vicarius cu-
stodialis, qui statim certiorem facere debet Ministrum genera-
lem de officii vacatione.
§2 Nisi aliter in Statutis particularibus provisum fuerit, et
firmis praescriptis art. 163 et 182 horum Statutorum, Vicarius
provincialis et Vicarius custodialis obligatione tenentur, in
casu vacationis officii Ministri provincialis aut Custodis, intra
triginta dies a vacatione officii computandos, Definitorium
provinciale, respective Consilium custodiale convocare ad Mi-
nistrum provincialem vel Custodem Custodiae autonomae eli-
gendum.
§3 A Definitorio provinciali vel a Consilio custodiali novus
Minister provincialis vel novus Custos eligendi sunt per sche-
dulas, peracta consultatione cum fratribus Provinciae vel Cu-
stodiae si in Statutis particularibus praescripta fuerit, et ipsi in
officio permanent usque ad proximum Capitulum provinciale
144
Art. 179
§1 Whenever the Minister Provincial is impeded from ex-
ercising his office or leaves the immediate vicinity of the
Province, the Vicar Provincial takes his place by law with or-
dinary power.
§2 Where the Vicar also is impeded, the Definitor who is
senior by first profession assumes the office and title of
Provincial Pro-Vicar.
§3 The Vicar Provincial is not to introduce any innovations
in the Province and is to refrain from using his authority con-
trary to the mind and will of the Minister Provincial.
Art. 180
Admission to the Novitiate, to profession, to Holy Orders
and, in like manner, the process of dismissal from the Order and
the erection of a House are reserved to the Minister Provincial
and, respectively, to the Custos of an autonomous Custody.
Art. 181
§1 If the office of Minister Provincial or of Custos of an au-
tonomous Custody falls vacant outside of Chapter, the Vicar
Provincial or Vicar of the Custody provisionally assumes the
government of the Province or Custody. He must immedi-
ately inform the Minister General of the vacancy of office.
§2 Unless otherwise provided for in the Particular Statutes
and without prejudice to the prescriptions of articles 163 and
182 of these Statutes, the Vicar Provincial and the Vicar of the
Custody are obliged, in the case of the vacancy of the office of
Minister Provincial or Custos, to convoke the Provincial
Definitory or Custodial Council within 30 days of the vacancy
of office in order to elect the Minister Provincial or Custos of
an autonomous Custody.
§3 The new Minister Provincial or new Custos must be
elected by the Provincial Definitory or Custodial Council
using written ballots, having consulted the Friars of the Pro-
vince or Custody if it is so prescribed in the Particular Statutes;
and they remain in office until the next Provincial or Custodial
145
vel custodiale. Electio novi Ministri provincialis vel Custodis,
confirmata a Praeside electionis, ratihabitione indiget Ministri
generalis, audito Definitorio.54
Art. 182
Si casus ferat quod extra Capitulum provinciale vel custo-
diale simul vacent officia Ministri et Vicarii provincialis, Cu-
stodis et Vicarii custodialis, Definitorum Provinciae et mem-
brorum Consilii Custodiae, aut etiam haec insimul officia,
collatio subsequens usque ad proximum Capitulum provin-
ciale vel custodiale ad Ministrum generalem cum suo Defini-
torio pertinet. Item si vacatio ultra dimidiam partem officio-
rum de quibus supra intra triennium successive contigerit,
collationes subsequentes Ministro generali cum suo Definito-
rio reservantur.
Art. 183
Cum necessarium videatur ut Minister provincialis vel Cu-
stos sit eodem tempore et Guardianus, licentia a Ministro ge-
nerali petenda est.
Titulus XV
De Definitorio provinciali et Consilio Custodiae
Art. 184
§1 Congressus Definitorii provincialis saltem bis in anno
habeatur, et insuper quoties Ministro provinciali vel maiori
parti Definitorum utile visum fuerit.
§2 Ad Congressum vocari atque, nisi legitime impediti sint,
convenire tenentur: Vicarius provincialis et Definitores pro-
vinciales; Secretarius Provinciae sessionibus Definitorii adest,
quin tamen vocem deliberativam habeat.
54 Cf. CIC 625 §3.
146
Chapter. The election of the new Minister Provincial or Cus-
tos, confirmed by the President of the election, needs the rati-
fication of the Minister General, having consulted his Defini-
tory.54
Art. 182
If it should happen that, outside the Provincial or Custodial
Chapter, the offices of Minister Provincial and Vicar Provin-
cial, or of Custos and Vicar of the Custody, or of the Provin-
cial Definitors and Members of the Custodial Council, or
even of all these offices together fall vacant simultaneously, the
subsequent conferral of these offices until the next Provincial
or Custody Chapter, pertains to the Minister General with his
Definitory. Similarly, if it should happen that in the course of
the three-year period more than half of the above mentioned
offices should fall vacant, the subsequent conferrals are re-
served to the Minister General with his Definitory.
Art. 183
Whenever it is deemed necessary that the Minister Provin-
cial or Custos should also be a Guardian at the same time, per-
mission must be sought from the Minister General.
Title XV
The Provincial Definitory and Custodial Council
Art. 184
§1 A meeting of the Provincial Definitory is to be held at
least twice a year and, in addition, whenever it seems useful to
the Minister Provincial or to the majority of the Definitors.
§2 The following must be summoned to the meeting and,
unless they are legitimately impeded, they must attend: The
Vicar Provincial and the Provincial Definitors. The Secretary
of the Province attends the sessions of the Definitory, without,
however, having deliberative voice.
54 Cf. CIC 625 §3.
147
 §3 Ad Congressum definitorialem vocari possunt periti,
quoties id Definitorio ob negotia tractanda utile videatur.
Art. 185
§1 In Congressibus Definitorii de omnibus, quae ad bonum
tam spirituale quam temporale Provinciae vel singulorum Do-
morum, praesertim vero institutionem eorum qui in forma-
tione initiali sunt, necnon vitam religiosam et actuositatem
evangelizationis spectant, tractetur et, prout visum fuerit iu-
stum, decisio feratur.
§2 Negotia in Congressu tractanda, quantum fieri potest,
cum Definitoribus praevie communicentur.
§3 Definitores ea quae bono Provinciae expedire viderint,
praemonito Ministro provinciali, proponere valent.
§4 Quae in Congressu definitoriali pro bono Provinciae de-
finita sunt cum fratribus prudenter communicentur.
Art. 186
§1 Ad validitatem tam electionum quam decretorum nec-
non actuum pro quibus consensus Definitorii requiritur, prae-
ter Praesidem, quattuor saltem Definitorii membra adesse de-
bent.
§2 Absentibus autem aliquibus Definitorii membris, ad
complendum numerum quinarium assumi debent Secretarius
Provinciae et alii idonei fratres, prout necessitas postulaverit,
de consensu membrorum Definitorii praesentium.
Art. 187
§1 Semel in anno Minister provincialis in Congressu defi-
nitoriali statum Provinciae fideliter exponat.
§2 Pariter in eodem Congressu relationes annuales Oeco-
nomi Provinciae et singulorum Guardianorum, ad normam
148
§3 Experts may be called to the Definitory Meeting any
time it seems to the Definitory that it would be useful with re-
gard to the matters being dealt with.
Art. 185
§1 During the Definitory Meeting all that concerns both
the spiritual and temporal good of the Province or of the in-
dividual Houses, especially the education of those in initial
formation, as well as the religious life and the activity of evan-
gelisation, is to be discussed; and, according to what seems
just, a decision is to be made.
§2 The matters to be dealt with during the Definitory
Meeting are, as far as possible, to be communicated before-
hand to the Definitors.
§3 The Definitors, having given advance notice to the Min-
ister Provincial, can propose what they see contributing to the
good of the Province.
§4 The matters decided during the Definitory Meeting for
the good of the Province are to be prudently communicated to
the Friars.
Art. 186
§1 For the validity of both elections and decisions and of
those acts for which the consent of the Definitory is required,
there must be at least four members of the Definitory present
in addition to the President.
§2 However, in the absence of some members of the Defi-
nitory, in order to complete the quorum of five, the Secretary
of the Province and other suitable Friars, as required, must be
taken on with the consent of the members of the Definitory
present.
Art. 187
§1 The Minister Provincial is to faithfully set out the state of
the Province once a year during a Meeting of the Definitory.
§2 Similarly, at the same meeting, the annual reports of the
Provincial Bursar and of the individual Guardians, drawn up
149
Statutorum particularium confectae, a Definitorio examinari
et recognosci debent.
Art. 188
§1 Omnes in Congressu suam sententiam aperiant, etiam
cum de arduis et difficilibus rebus agatur, et si votum requiri-
tur, jus huiusmodi habentes, id exprimere debent.
§2 Negotia graviora in eadem Congressus definitorialis ses-
sione ne proponantur simul et decernantur, sed, peracta op-
portuna disceptatione, decisio ad aliam sessionem differatur
nisi iudicio ipsius Definitorii aliter visum fuerit.
Art. 189
Acta cuiuslibet Congressus definitorialis fideliter et ordina-
tim a Secretario describantur, et a cunctis Definitorii membris
subscripta in archivo Provinciae asserventur. Et, si in Con-
gressu factae fuerint electiones per schedulas vel per ballota-
tionem, cum Definitorio generali pro ratihabitione communi-
centur, acta modo ab art. 167 horum Statutorum determinato.
In electionibus extracapitularibus, ratio vacationis officii ex-
primi debet.
Art. 190
Omnia quae in articulis praecedentibus de Congressu defi-
nitoriali praescribuntur, servatis servandis, etiam pro Con-
gressu Consilii custodialis vim habent.
Titulus XVI
De Conferentiis Ministrorum provincialium et Custodum
Art. 191
§1 Conferentia Ministrorum provincialium, Custodum et
Praesidum aliarum entitatum est magni momenti ad promo-
150
in accordance with the Particular Statutes, must be examined
and reviewed.
Art. 188
§1 During the Definitory Meetings all are to manifest their
opinion, even when dealing with arduous and difficult mat-
ters, and, if a vote is required, those who have the right must
exercise it.
§2 Weightier matters are not to be proposed and decided
during the same session of the Definitory Meeting, but, hav-
ing carried out a suitable discussion, the decision is to be post-
poned to another session unless, in the judgement of the same
Definitory, it should appear otherwise.
Art. 189
The acts of each Definitory Meeting are to be faithfully and
properly taken down in writing by the Secretary and, after
having been signed by all the members of the Definitory, pre-
served in the archives of the Province. And if, during the
Definitory Meeting, elections were carried out by written bal-
lot or by tokens, the acts are to be sent to the General Defi-
nitory for ratification in the manner established by art. 167 of
these Statutes. In elections held outside of Chapter, the reason
for the vacancy of office must be explained.
Art. 190
All that is prescribed in the preceding articles about Defi-
nitory Meetings, observing the requirements of law, also has
force with regard to the Custodial Council Meeting.
Title XVI
The Conferences of Provincial Ministers and Custodes
Art. 191
§1 The Conference of Ministers Provincial, Custodes and
Presidents of other Entities is of great importance for the pro-
151
vendam unitatem, coordinationem et cooperationem in vita et
missione Ordinis.
§2 Consultis Ministris, Custodibus et Praesidibus quorum
interest, et exsistentibus condicionibus ad suam efficacitatem,
Conferentia erigitur decreto Ministri generalis de consensu
sui Definitorii.
§3 Conferentiam obligatorie constituunt omnes Ministri
provinciales, Custodes et Praesides aliarum entitatum alicuius
territorii aut regionis.
§4 In erigenda vel restructuranda Conferentia Ministrorum
provincialium et Custodum necesse est prae oculis habere
geographicam propinquitatem, numerum Provinciarum et
aliarum entitatum earumque linguam et culturam, ita tamen
ut eam saltem quinque membra constituant.
Art. 192
Conferentiarum munera et facultates praecipuae sunt:
a. Entitates quae Conferentiam constituunt inter se coniun-
gere ut insimul in bono communi fratrum et respective par-
tium Ordinis se incumbant.
b. Ministro generali et suo Definitorio in regimine et in ani-
matione totius Ordinis auxilium praebere.
c. Una cum Ministro generali et suo Definitorio discernere
circa erectionem, unionem et suppressionem Provinciarum,
Custodiarum aliarumque entitatum in proprio territorio, et in
exsecutione decisionum cooperari.
d. Formationem initialem et continuam atque vitam et mis-
sionem fratrum in proprio territorio adiuvare; cum Ministro
et suo Definitorio generali operam apostolatus et evangeliza-
tionis missionariae promovere, simulque Ordinis diffusionem
et implantationem sustinere.
e. De progressu deque maioribus difficultatibus et quaestio-
nibus exsistentibus in ambitu Conferentiae disceptare et de re-
mediis susceptis Ministrum generalem certiorem facere.
f. Singulis Provinciis, Custodiis, Foederationibus et Funda-
tionibus Conferentiae, quae in difficultate versantur ob defe-
ctum vel provectam aetatem fratrum, aut ob inhabilitatem ad
152
motion of unity, coordination and collaboration in the life and
mission of the Order.
§2 A Conference is erected by a decree of the Minister
General, with the consent of his Definitory, after the Minis-
ters, Custodes and Presidents concerned have been consulted
and when the conditions exist for its usefulness.
§3 It is obligatory for all Ministers Provincial, Custodes and
Presidents of Entities within a territory or region to constitute
a Conference.
§4 In the erection or re-structuring of a Conference of
Ministers Provincial and Custodes, it is necessary to keep in
mind geographic proximity, the number of Provinces and
other Entities, as well as their language and culture, but in
such a way that at least five members constitute it.
Art. 192
The principal duties and faculties of the Conferences are:
a. To bring together the Entities that constitute the Con-
ference in order to devote themselves jointly to the common
good of the Friars and of the respective parts of the Order.
b. To offer assistance to the Minister General and his Defi-
nitory in the government and animation of the entire Order.
c. Along with the Minister General and his Definitory, to
discern about the erection, unification and suppression of
Provinces, Custodies and other Entities within its territory
and to collaborate in the execution of decisions.
d. To help initial and ongoing formation as well as the life
and mission of the Friars within its territory; to promote, with
the Minister General and his Definitory, the work of the apos-
tolate and missionary evangelisation and to support jointly the
spread and establishment of the Order.
e. To discuss progress, major difficulties and problems ex-
isting in the territory of the Conference and to inform the
Minister General about the remedies taken.
f. To help, either through personnel or material resources,
individual Provinces, Custodies, Federations and Foundations
of the Conference that are in difficulty because of a lack of
153
agendum in determinato ministerio, vel causa egestatis, subsi-
dium tum in personis cum in rebus materialibus praebere.
g. De quaestionibus tractandis in Capitulo generali vel
Consilio plenario Ordinis disceptare et proprias conclusiones
vel propositiones ad Ministrum generalem tempestive trans-
mittere.
h. Statuta peculiaria Conferentiae et, si opportunum videa-
tur, Statuta communia pro Provinciis, Custodiis, Foederatio-
nibus et Fundationibus sui territorii condere.
i. Relationes et cooperationem cum Hierarchia ecclesiastica
locali et cum aliis institutis religiosis fovere et colere.
Art. 193
Ut promotio condivisionis in regimine Ordinis et consulta-
tio efficaciores evadant, Minister generalis et Definitores in
consilium saltem semel in sexennio conveniant cum singulis
Conferentiis ad:
a. communicandas quaestiones maioris momenti de regi-
mine et directione totius Ordinis et ad dialogum de iis insti-
tuendum;
b. tractandas res quae respiciunt vitam fratrum, relationes
inter entitates, solidam inter fratres coniunctionem et pro-
movendam elargitionem bonorum in ambitu universae frater-
nitatis;
c. consulendum modo convenienti de erectione, circum-
scriptione, unione vel suppressione entitatum Conferentiae;
d. proponendas consultationes et ad instituendam earum-
dem moderationem circa electiones in Capitulo generali per-
ficiendas.
Art. 194
Definitorium generale conveniat cum Praesidibus omnium
Conferentiarum saltem secundo quoque anno, ad earundem
statum examinandum.
154
Friars or their advanced age or because of an inability to act in
a determined ministry, or because of poverty.
g. To discuss the questions to be dealt with in the General
Chapter or Plenary Council of the Order and to send their
conclusions and proposals to the Minister General in good
time.
h. To draw up Special Statutes of the Conference and, if it
is seen to be appropriate, common Statutes for the Provinces,
Custodies, Federations and Foundations of its territory.
i. To encourage and cultivate relationships and collabora-
tion with the local Church Hierarchy and with other religious
Institutes.
Art. 193
To promote sharing in the government of the Order and
consultation more effectively, the Minister General and the
Definitors are to meet in council with the individual Confer-
ences at least once during the six-year period in order to:
a. communicate questions of greater importance concern-
ing the government and direction of the entire Order and to
establish dialogue about them;
b. deal with matters that concern the life of the Friars, rela-
tionships between various Entities, firm unity among the Fri-
ars and the promotion of an exchange of goods throughout the
worldwide Fraternity;
c. consult in an appropriate way concerning the erection,
circumscription, unification or suppression of the Entities of a
Conference;
d. propose consultations about elections to be held at the
General Chapter and to establish how they are to be regu-
lated.
Art. 194
The General Definitory is to meet with the Presidents of all
the Conferences at least every two years in order to examine
their state, i.e. the state of the Conferences.
155
Art. 195
§1 Conferentiae suum munus et auctoritatem exercent in
congressu vel sessione plenaria, sub directione vel modera-
mine Praesidis.
§2 Praeses Conferentiae eligitur ab omnibus Conferentiae
membris votum deliberativum habentibus. Ad hoc officium
eligi possunt tum Minister provincialis tum Custos Custodiae
autonomae. Officii tempus ac munera Praesidis in Statutis pe-
culiaribus Conferentiae determinantur.
Art. 196
Voto deliberativo in Conferentia gaudent Ministri provin-
ciales et Custodes, dum Praesidibus Foederationum et Funda-
tionum suffragium competit deliberativum aut consultivum,
iuxta Statutorum Conferentiae praescriptum.
Art. 197
§1 In omnibus electionibus quae in Conferentia Ministro-
rum habentur, ut quis eligatur necessarium est ut partem ab-
solute maiorem suffragiorum omnium qui voto deliberativo
gaudent obtineat.
§2 Erga singulas Provincias, Custodias, Foederationes et
Fundationes Conferentia gaudet potestate regiminis tantum
in casibus expresse in Statutis generalibus Ordinis vel in Sta-
tutis peculiaribus Conferentiae praevisis.
Art. 198
Ad reddendam Conferentiae actuositatem magis effica-
cem, institui potest Secretariatus permanens, cuius munus
praecipuum erit praeparatio congressus vel sessionum plena-
riarum Conferentiae et exsecutio decisionum a Conferentia
prolatarum. Secretariatus officiales eorumque electio vel no-
minatio et munera in Statutis peculiaribus Conferentiae de-
terminentur.
156
Art. 195
§1 The Conferences exercise their duty and authority in
meetings or plenary sessions under the direction or guidance
of the President.
§2 The President of the Conference is elected by all the
members of the Conference who have deliberative voice. A
Minister Provincial or a Custos of an autonomous Custody
can be elected to this office. The duration of the office and the
duties of the President are to be defined in the Special Statutes
of the Conference.
Art. 196
The Ministers Provincial and the Custodes enjoy delibera-
tive voice in the Conference, while the Presidents of Federa-
tions and Foundations have a deliberative or consultative voice
in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes of the Con-
ference.
Art. 197
§1 For someone to be elected in all elections held in a Con-
ference of Ministers, it is necessary to obtain an absolute ma-
jority of the votes of those who enjoy deliberative voice.
§2 The Conference enjoys the power of governance over
individual Provinces, Custodies, Federations and Foundations
only in those matters expressly provided for in the General
Statutes of the Order or in the Special Statutes of the Confe-
rence.
Art. 198
In order to make the activity of the Conference more effi-
cient, a permanent Secretariat may be instituted. Its principal
duty will be the preparation of the meetings or plenary ses-
sions of the Conference and the execution of decisions made
by the Conference. The Secretariat officials, their election or
appointment and duties are to be defined in the Special
Statutes of the Conference.
157
Art. 199
Ad maius bonum commune promovendum ac tuendum,
inter Conferentias, praesertim viciniores, foveantur mutuae
relationes, communicationes notitiarum et communes exquisi-
tiones et incepta.
Art. 200
§1 In unaquaque Provincia et Custodia vel in pluribus insi-
mul entitatibus opportune commissiones peritorum commen-
dantur et etiam congressus coadunentur, ad examinanda et stu-
dio subicienda problemata vitae et missionis fratrum, quae in
sessionibus plenariis vel congressu Conferentiae tractari debent.
§2 Commendatur constitutio apparatus permanentis inter
Conferentias eiusdem Continentis (e.g. Praesidentia, Secreta-
riatus, una cum Definitoribus generalibus uniuscuiusque Con-
tinentis) pro animatione operationum communium, i.e. pro
formatione, studiis, evangelizatione, iustitia, pace et integri-
tate Creati. Tales entitates certis temporum intervallis conve-
nire deberent.
Art. 201
§1 Conferentiae cum maiori numero entitatum, praesertim
si multiculturales sint, instituere possunt Subconferentias pro
determinata regione ad tractandas res peculiares easdem in
particulari respicientes.
§2 Conferentiae, una cum Ministro generali et suo Defini-
torio, promoveant intra Ordinem novas formas conventuum
internationalium vel intercontinentalium,55 pro meliore com-
municatione et communione bonorum cuiuscumque generis.
Art. 202
Unaquaeque Conferentia Ministrorum sua Statuta habeat,
ab ipsa Conferentia confecta et a Ministro generali de consensu
55 Cf. CPO 01 39.
158
Art. 199
In order to promote and safeguard the greater common good,
mutual relations between the Conferences, especially those
nearest to one another, are to be encouraged, as well as com-
munication of news, common experiences and undertakings.
Art. 200
§1 Commissions of experts are appropriately recommended
in each Province and Custody or in several Entities together.
Meetings are also to be called for the examination and inves-
tigation of problems of the life and mission of the Friars that
must be dealt with during plenary sessions or meetings of the
Conference.
§2 The institution of some permanent organisation be-
tween the Conferences of the same Continent (e.g., Presi-
dency, Secretariat, along with the General Definitors of each
Continent) is recommended for the animation of common ac-
tivities, i.e., formation, studies, evangelisation, justice, peace
and the integrity of creation. These entities are to meet at de-
termined intervals of time.
Art. 201
§1 The Conferences with a greater number of Entities, es-
pecially if they are multi-cultural, may establish Sub-Confe-
rences for a determined region in order to deal with the spe-
cial matters that concern them in particular.
§2 The Conferences, along with the Minister General and
his Definitory, are to promote new kinds of international and
inter-continental meetings within the Order for a better ex-
change and sharing of goods of all kinds.55
Art. 202
Each Conference of Ministers is to have its own Statutes,
drawn up by the Conference itself and approved by the Min-
55 Cf. PCO 01 39.
159
Definitorii approbata, in quibus praescribantur omnia quae
spectant ad compositionem et auctoritatem vel competentiam
Conferentiae ad convocationem et celebrationem congressus
vel sessionem plenariam eiusdem Conferentiae.
Titulus XVII
De Vicario provinciali et custodiali
Art. 203
§1 Firmo praescripto art. 229 Constitutionum genera-
lium, Vicarius provincialis iterum immediate eligi potest
semel tantum, non tamen ultra, nisi vacatio trium annorum
intercesserit.
§2 Vicarius custodialis ad triennium eligitur, quo expleto,
ad secundum et tertium triennium eligi potest, non tamen
ultra, nisi vacatio saltem trium annorum intercesserit.
Art. 204
Vicarius provincialis vel Vicarius custodialis, praesente Mi-
nistro provinciali respective Custode, suam auctoritatem exer-
cet ad normam Constitutionum generalium et Statutorum,
atque iuxta facultates eidem a Ministro provinciali vel Custode
collatas.
Art. 205
Vacante officio Vicarii provincialis vel custodialis extra Ca-
pitulum, salvo praescripto art. 182 horum Statutorum, novus
Vicarius provincialis a Definitorio Provinciae et novus Vica-
rius custodialis a Consilio Custodiae eligitur: uterque in offi-
cio permanent usque ad proximum Capitulum.
160
ister General with the consent of his Definitory; everything
concerning the composition and authority or competence of
the Conference in the convocation and celebration of its
meeting or of its plenary session is to be prescribed in these.
Title XVII
The Vicar Provincial and the Vicar of a Custody
Art. 203
§1 Without prejudice to art. 229 of the General Constitu-
tions, the Vicar Provincial can be immediately re-elected only
once and not again unless there has been an interval of three
years.
§2 The Vicar of a Custody is elected for a three-year period
at the end of which he can be re-elected for a second and third
three-year period, but not again unless there has been an in-
terval of at least three years.
Art. 204
When the Minister Provincial or the respective Custos is
present, the Vicar Provincial or the Vicar of a Custody exer-
cises his authority in accordance with the General Constitu-
tions and Statutes as well as in accordance with the faculties
conferred on him by the Minister Provincial or Custos.
Art. 205
When the office of Vicar Provincial or Custodial Vicar falls
vacant outside Chapter a new Vicar Provincial is elected, with-
out prejudice to the norm of art. 152 of these Statutes, by the
Provincial Definitory; a new Custodial Vicar is elected by the
Custodial Council. Both remain in their office until the next
Chapter.
161
 Titulus XVIII
De Definitoribus provincialibus et Consiliariis
Custodiae autonomae
Art. 206
§1 Numerus Definitorum provincialium et Consiliariorum
Custodiae in Statutis particularibus determinatur, cauto tamen
ne eorum numerus inferior quattuor sit.
§2 Definitores Provinciae et Consiliarii Custodiae ad trien-
nium in Capitulo eliguntur; quo expleto, ad secundum et ter-
tium triennium eligi possunt. Post novem annos continuos
denuo eligi nequeunt nisi ab officio saltem per tres annos va-
caverint.
§3 Nisi Statuta particularia vel peculiaria aliter statuant,
electiones pro unoquoque Definitore Provinciae vel Consilia-
rio Custodiae eligendo fiant singillatim in scrutiniis distinctis.
Art. 207
Si quis Definitor provincialis, vel Consiliarius Custodiae,
quavis de causa deficiat, eius loco, salvo praescripto art. 182
horum Statutorum, alius a Definitorio provinciali, respective a
Consilio custodiali, eligi debet, qui in officio manebit usque ad
proximum Capitulum.
Titulus XIX
De Secretario et Oeconomo Provinciae et Custodiae
autonomae necnon de aliis Officiis
Art. 208
§1 Secretarius et Oeconomus provincialis aut custodialis in
Congressu capitulari, et extra Congressum, si necessarium vi-
deatur, a Ministro provinciali cum Definitorio, vel a Custode
et Consilio custodiali, eliguntur.
§2 Munus Secretarii et Oeconomi triennium durat; quo ela-
pso, denuo possunt sine ulla temporis vacatione, etiam ad
plura triennia eligi.
162
Title XVIII
Provincial Definitors and Councillors
of an autonomous Custody
Art. 206
§1 The number of Provincial Definitors and Custodial
Councillors is determined in the Particular Statutes, keeping
in mind, however, that their number is not to be less than four.
§2 The Provincial Definitors and the Custodial Councillors
are elected in Chapter for a three-year period; at the end of
this they can be re-elected for a second and third three-year
period. After nine continuous years they cannot be elected
again unless they have been out of office for at least three
years.
§3 Unless Particular or Special Statutes determine otherwise,
elections for each Provincial Definitor or Custodial Councillor
to be elected take place one by one in separate scrutinies.
Art. 207
If a Definitor is lacking, for whatever reason, another must be
elected in his place by the Provincial Definitory, or, respectively,
by the Custodial Council, without prejudice to art. 182 of these
Statutes. He will remain in office until the next Chapter.
Title XIX
The Secretary and Bursar of the Province
and autonomous Custody and Other Offices
Art. 208
§1 The Secretary and Bursar of the Province or Custody are
elected during the Capitular Congressus and outside the Con-
gressus, if it seems necessary, by the Minister Provincial with
the Definitory or by the Custos and the Custodial Council.
§2 The office of Secretary and Bursar lasts for a three-year
period; when this ends they may be elected again even for sev-
eral three-year periods without any interval of time.
163
Art. 209
Secretarii est, praeter alia quae ipsi committuntur, de omni-
bus negotiis a Definitorio vel a solo Ministro provinciali re-
spective a Consilio Custodiae vel a solo Custode tractatis re-
gesta conficere, omniaque documenta et acta ad totam Pro-
vinciam vel Custodiam aut singulas Domos vel fratres spec-
tantia recensere, et in archivo reponere.
Art. 210
In unaquaque Provincia et Custodia habeantur, praeter of-
ficia et munera iure Ordinis statuta, prout necessitas exigat,
alia munera, consilia vel commissiones.
Art. 211
Officia, munera, consilia vel commissiones in Provinciis et
Custodiis exsistentia, Statutis vel normis propriis reguntur.
Titulus XX
De Custodiis a Ministro generali
et a Provincia dependentibus
Art. 212
Custodia dependens de qua in art. 121 horum Statutorum,
a Custode cum suo Consilio gubernatur ad normam Statuto-
rum generalium et particularium.
Art. 213
Capitulum Custodiae dependentis tum a Ministro generali
cum ab aliqua Provincia quolibet triennio celebretur: praeest
Minister generalis vel eius Delegatus si agatur de Custodia de-
pendenti a Ministro generali; Minister provincialis vel eius
Delegatus si agatur de Custodia a Provincia dependenti.
Art. 214
Capituli custodialis est conficere propria Statuta, quae ap-
probatione Ministri generalis vel provincialis, de consensu sui
164
Art. 209
In addition to whatever else is entrusted to him, the duty of
the Secretary to make records of all that is done by the Defi-
nitory or by the Minister Provincial alone, or, respectively, by
the Custodial Council, or by the Custos alone, to review all doc-
uments and acts pertaining to the whole Province or Custody,
the individual Houses, or Friars, and to file them in the Archives.
Art. 210
In each Province and Custody, in addition to the offices and
posts established by the law of the Order, there are to be other
posts, councils or commissions according as need requires.
Art. 211
Offices, posts, councils or commissions existing in the
Provinces and Custodies are regulated by Statutes or proper
norms.
Title XX
Custodies dependent on the Minister General
or on a Province
Art. 212
A dependent Custody, mentioned in art. 121 of these
Statutes, is governed by the Custos and his Council in accor-
dance with the General and Particular Statutes.
Art. 213
The Chapter of a Custody dependent on the Minister Ge-
neral or on a Province is to be celebrated every three years.
The Minister General or his Delegate presides if it is a matter
of a Custody dependent on the Minister General, the Minis-
ter Provincial or his Delegate presides if it is a matter of a
Custody dependent on a Province.
Art. 214
It pertains to the Custodial Chapter to draw up its own Sta-
tutes, which need the approval of the Minister General or
165
Definitorii, indigent. His in Statutis provideantur ea omnia
quae ad bonum regiminis Custodiae, vitae et actuositatis fra-
trum apta videantur.
Art. 215
§1 Custos Custodiae dependentis in suo munere obeundo
adiuvatur a quattuor saltem Consiliariis, qui intra limites Cu-
stodiae Definitoribus provincialibus aequiparantur.
§2 Custos et Consiliarii, iuxta normas in Statutis particula-
ribus determinatas, ad triennium eliguntur sive a Definitorio
respectivae Provinciae sive a Capitulo custodiali; et iterum im-
mediate ad secundum et tertium triennium eligi possunt, non
tamen ultra, nisi vacatio trium annorum intercesserit. Si
tamen electio in Capitulo facta est, confirmatione Ministri ge-
neralis de consensu Definitorii generalis indiget si de Custo-
dia a Ministro Generali dependenti agitur, vel Ministri pro-
vincialis de consensu Definitorii provincialis si Custodia de-
pendet ab aliqua Provincia.
§3 Statuta particularia aut peculiaria in Capitulis Custodia-
rum dependentium elaborata et praecepta eorumque mutatio-
nes indigent approbatione: Ministri generalis vel Ministri pro-
vincialis, de consensu proprii de quo agitur Definitorii. Acta
Capituli Custodiae dependentis pro ratihabitione ad respecti-
vum Definitorium quamprimum mittantur.
Art. 216
§1 Custos opportuno tempore Domos et fratres Custodiae
visitet: in singulos fratres et Domos eam habet auctoritatem
quae ei a Ministro generali, vel a Ministro provinciali delegata
est vel quae in Statutis propriis determinata fuerit.
§2 Ad Custodem cum suo Consilio pertinet electio Guar-
dianorum aliorumque officialium Custodiae; electiones tamen
indigent approbatione Ministri generalis vel Ministri provin-
cialis, cum consensu respectivi Definitorii.
166
Provincial, with the consent of his Definitory. All that appears
suitable for the good of the government of the Custody, of the life
and activity of the Friars is to be provided for in these Statures.
Art. 215
§1 The Custos of a dependent Custody is assisted in the ex-
ercise of his office by at least four Councillors, who are equi-
valent to Provincial Definitors, within the confines of the
Custody.
§2 The Custos and his Council, in accordance with the
norms established in the Particular Statutes, are elected for a
three-year period either by the Definitory of the respective
Province or by the Custodial Chapter. They can be immedi-
ately re-elected to a second and third three-year term but not
beyond that, unless there has been an interval of three years. If
the election, however, takes place in Chapter, the confirmation
of the Minister General with the consent of his Definitory is
required in the case of a Custody dependent on the Minister
General, or that of the Minister Provincial with the consent of
his Definitory if the Custody depends on a Province.
§3 The Particular or Special Statutes drawn up and adopted
in Chapters of dependent Custodies, as well as their modifica-
tions, need the approval of the Minister General or of the Min-
ister Provincial with the consent of the respective Definitory.
The Acts of the dependent Custody Chapter are to be sent as
soon as possible to the respective Definitory for ratification.
Art. 216
§1 The Custos is to visit the Houses and Friars of the Cus-
tody at an appropriate time. He has that authority over the in-
dividual Friars and Houses which has been delegated to him
by the Minister General or Minister Provincial, or which has
been defined in the Statutes.
§2 The election of the Guardians and of the other officials
of the Custody pertains to the Custos with his Council. How-
ever, the elections need the approval of the Minister General
or Provincial, with the consent of the respective Definitory.
167
 §3 Singulis annis Custos summariam relationem scriptam
de statu Custodiae ad Ministrum generalem vel ad Ministrum
provincialem mittere, et insuper singulis vicibus eum de rebus
maioris momenti certiorem facere debet.
PARS IV
DE DOMORUM REGIMINE
Titulus XXI
De Domibus
Art. 217
§1 Pro unaquaque Domo fines territoriales accurate ser-
ventur. Ubi vero determinati non sunt, et necessarium appa-
ret, a respectivis Ministris definiantur.
§2 Nisi aliter statutum fuerit inter partes quarum interest,
magnae civitatis territorium est commune omnibus Domibus
inibi fortasse exsistentibus.
§3 Domus a variis Provinciis vel Conferentiis dependentes,
propriis Statutis, a competenti auctoritate approbatis, regun-
tur.
Art. 218
Cum ad normam Constitutionum generalium art. 234 sup-
primitur aliqua Domus, de eiusdem bonis, nisi a Ministro ge-
nerali iam provisum fuerit, ad Ministrum provincialem cum suo
Definitorio providere pertinet, servatis quidem in primis tum
fundatorum ac oblatorum voluntate tum iuribus quaesitis.56
Art. 219
§1 Fratres, in oboedientia semper manentes et vitam frater-
nam servantes, a Domo ne discedant nisi de licentia proprii
Guardiani.
56 Cf. CIC 616 §1.
168
§3 The Custos must send a summary written report on the
state of the Custody to the Minister General or Minister
Provincial each year and, in addition, he must inform him
each time about matters of greater importance.
PART IV
THE GOVERNMENT OF HOUSES
Title XXI
Houses
Art. 217
§1 Territorial boundaries are to be carefully observed for each
House. Where they are not determined and it seems necessary
to do so, they are to be defined by the respective Ministers.
§2 The territory of a large city is common to all the Houses
that happen to be there, unless it has been decided otherwise
between the interested parties.
§3 Houses that are dependent on different Provinces or
Conferences are governed by proper Statutes approved by the
competent authority.
Art. 218
When a House is suppressed in accordance with art. 234 of
the GGCC, it pertains to the Minister Provincial with his
Definitory to make provision concerning its goods, unless the
Minister General has already made provision, with due regard
for the wishes of founders and donors and for lawfully ac-
quired rights.56
Art. 219
§1 The Friars, always remaining in obedience and observ-
ing fraternal life, are not to leave the House without the per-
mission of their Guardian.
56 Cf. CIC, 616 §1.
169
 §2 Si agatur de diuturna a Domo absentia, Minister provin-
cialis vel Custos, de consensu sui Definitorii vel Consilii, iusta
de causa, fratribus concedere potest ut extra Domum Ordinis
degere possint, non tamen ultra annum, nisi causa infirmitatis
curandae, ratione studiorum aut apostolatus exercendi nomine
Ordinis.57
§3 Fratres qui extra Domum versantur ad probandam suam
vocationem, hoc perdurante tempore iure vocis activae et pas-
sivae non gaudent.
§4 Nemini fratrum concedatur extra religiosam Domum
vitam solitariam ducere, nisi gravi et peculiari de causa.
Art. 220
Domus sufficientem numerum fratrum habeat ad suam pro-
priam exsistentiam et vitam vere communem ducendam, nec-
non capacitatem exsequendi propria proposita ad missionem
Ordinis spectantia.
Art. 221
§1 Guardianatus saltem tres fratres sollemniter professos
sibi legitime adscriptos et habitualiter conviventes habere
debet.
§2 Si propter particularia adiuncta Guardianatus canonice
erigi non potest: ob numerum exiguum fratrum vel ob natu-
ram temporaneam servitii aut aliis de causis, erigatur Domus
filialis, quovis sub nomine (nempe loci, hospitii residentiae,
etc.) sed a Guardianatu dependens ad normam horum Statu-
torum generalium.
§3 Easdem ob rationes de quibus in paragrapho praecedenti
aliquis Guardianatus reduci potest ad Domum filialem, perso-
nalitate iuridica sive retenta sive non.
§4 Guardianatus esse debent saltem Curia provincialis vel
custodialis et omnes formationis Domus (Postulatus, Novitia-
tus et Postnovitiatus).
57 Cf. CIC 665 §1.
170
§2 If it is a matter of a lengthy absence from a House, the
Minister Provincial or the Custos, with the consent of his
Definitory or Council, can, for a just cause, authorise Friars to
live outside a House of the Order, but not, however, for more
than one year, unless it is for reasons of health, study or an
apostolate to be exercised in the name of the Order.57
§3 Friars who live outside a House in order to assess their
vocation do not enjoy active and passive voice during this
time.
§4 No Friar is to be granted permission to live a solitary life
outside a House except for a grave and special reason.
Art. 220
A House is to have a sufficient number of Friars for its ex-
istence and for the conduct of a truly common life, as well as
for the capacity to fulfil its commitments towards the mission
of the Order.
Art. 221
§1 A Guardianate must have at least three solemnly pro-
fessed Friars legitimately assigned to it and living there habi-
tually.
§2 If, due to special circumstances, a Guardianate cannot be
canonically erected, because of the small number of Friars, the
temporary nature of the service, or for any other reason, a fi-
lial House is to be erected under some name (place, hospice,
residence, etc.), but dependent on a Guardianate in accor-
dance with these General Statutes.
§3 A Guardianate can be reduced to a filial House for the
same reasons mentioned in the preceding paragraph, either
retaining its juridical personality or not.
§4 At least the Provincial or Custodial Curia and all Houses
of Formation (Postulancy, Novitiate and Post-Novitiate) must
be Guardianates.
57 Cf. CIC 665 §1.
171
Art. 222
§1 Domus filialis est pars Guardianatus, ab eodem separata
vel non, quae propria personalitate iuridica gaudet vel non, in
qua saltem duo fratres sollemniter professi Guardianatui legi-
time adscripti habitualiter convivere debent; ab ipsomet Guar-
diano, vel ab eo qui in domo filiali eius vice fungitur, regitur
iuxta Statuta particularia circa vitam et missionem Ordinis, in
communione cum Provinciae Fraternitate.
§2 Ad erectionem vel suppressionem Domus filialis perso-
nalitate iuridica gaudentis, serventur normae art. 233-235 Con-
stitutionum generalium.
§3 Domus filialis quae personalitate iuridica non gaudet a
Ministro provinciali, de consensu sui Definitorii, erigi et sup-
primi potest.
§4 Reductio Guardianatus ad statum Domus filialis perso-
nalitate iuridica gaudentis a Ministro provinciali, de consensu
Definitorii, fieri potest, certiore facto Ministro generali.
Art. 223
§1 Fratres in Domibus filialibus degentes, iuxta possibilita-
tes et adiuncta, regulariter participent capitulum locale Guar-
dianatus et frequenter conveniant inter se et cum fratribus
Guardianatus ut simul orent, gaudeant de fraternitate et col-
loquia instituant de propria vita ac labore ad normam Statuto-
rum particularium.
§2 Guardianus Domos filiales frequenter visitet et fratres, in
quantum fieri potest, ad mutuam caritatem fovendam congreget.
Art. 224
Definitorium provinciale, ad subveniendum peculiaribus
exigentiis evangelizationis vel necessitatibus coetuum socia-
lium mobilium, fraternitates mobiles ad instar Domorum fi-
lialium constituere potest.
172
Art. 222
§1 A filial House is part of a Guardianate, separated from it
or not, enjoying its own juridical personality or not, in which
at least two solemnly professed Friars legitimately assigned to
the Guardianate must habitually live. It is governed either by
the Guardian himself or by the one who takes his place in the
filial House, in accordance with the Particular Statutes con-
cerning the life and mission of the Order, in communion with
the Fraternity of the Province.
§2 The norms of articles 233-235 of the General Constitu-
tions are to be observed in the erection or suppression of a fi-
lial House enjoying juridical personality.
§3 A filial House that does not enjoy juridical personality
can be erected and suppressed by the Minister Provincial with
the consent of his Definitory.
§4 The reduction of a Guardianate to the state of filial
House enjoying juridical personality can be done by the Min-
ister Provincial with his Definitory, the Minister General hav-
ing been informed.
Art. 223
§1 The Friars living in filial Houses, in accordance with
their possibilities and circumstances, are to participate regu-
larly in the local Guardianate Chapter and they are to meet
frequently among themselves and with the Friars of the
Guardianate in order to pray together, to enjoy fraternity and
to dialogue about their life and work, in accordance with the
Particular Statutes.
§2 The Guardian is to visit the filial Houses frequently and,
as far as possible, gather the Friars together to encourage mu-
tual charity.
Art. 224
The Provincial Definitory, in order to meet the particular
requirements of evangelisation and the needs of migrant social
groups, can establish itinerant Fraternities after the manner of
filial Houses.
173
 Titulus XXII
De Guardianis et Vicariis
Art. 225
In Guardianum eligitur frater saltem tribus annis sollemni-
ter professus atque Provinciae incorporatus, salvo praescripto
art. 237 horum Statutorum.
Art. 226
§1 Guardianus ad triennium eligitur in Congressu capitu-
lari vel, intra triennium, si necessarium sit, a Definitorio Pro-
vinciae respective a Consilio custodiali. Potest idem ad aliud
triennium eligi sine vacatione.
§2 Guardianus ne eligatur ad tertium triennium nisi neces-
sitas fraternitatis, laboris aut Provinciae id exigat.
§3 Post tertium triennium eligi nequit nisi vacatio trium an-
norum intercesserit.
Art. 227
Guardiani nec ipsi sibi assumant nec Ministri ipsis impo-
nant munera quae eos impediunt officium sibi commissum rite
adimplere.
Art. 228
§1 Ob exigentias boni communis Minister provincialis cum
suo Definitorio, respective Custos cum suo Consilio, Guar-
dianum, post eius praeviam consultationem, ab una in aliam
Domum per canonicam electionem transferre potest.
§2 Iusta et gravi de causa Minister provincialis cum suo De-
finitorio potest Guardianum ab officio amovere. Idem potest
Custos Custodiae cum suo Consilio, approbante tamen Mini-
stro provinciali cum suo Definitorio. Contra amotionem sem-
per ius est recurrendi ad normam art. 133 §3 horum Statuto-
rum.
174
Title XXII
Guardians and Vicars
Art. 225
A Friar, solemnly professed for at least three years and in-
corporated into the Province, without prejudice to art. 237 of
these Statutes, is elected Guardian.
Art. 226
§1 The Guardian is elected for a three-year period during
the Capitular Congressus or, if necessary during the three-
year period, by the Definitory of the Province or respectively
by the Custodial Council. The same Guardian can be re-
elected, without an interval, for a further three-year period.
§2 A Guardian is not to be re-elected to a third three-year
period unless the needs of the Fraternity, of work or of the
Province require it.
§3 He is not to be elected after the third three-year period,
unless there has been an interval of three years.
Art. 227
Guardians are not to assume on their own, and the Minis-
ters are not to impose on them, any duties that might impede
them in the proper fulfilment of the office entrusted to them.
Art. 228
§1 If the common good demands it, the Minister Provincial
with his Definitory, and respectively the Custos with his
Council, can transfer a Guardian, after prior consultation with
him, from one House to another through canonical election.
§2 The Minister Provincial with his Definitory can remove
a Guardian from office for a just and grave reason. The Cus-
tos with his Council can do the same, but with the approval of
the Minister Provincial and his Definitory. There is always the
right to recourse against removal, in accordance with art. 133
§3 of these Statutes.
175
Art. 229
Guardianus, etiamsi tempus officii elapsum fuerit et novus
Guardianus sit electus, usque ad successoris adventum munus
suum adhuc exercet, nisi Minister provincialis aliud statuerit.
Art. 230
Si vacatio officii Guardiani durante triennio contigerit Vi-
carius regimen Domus usque ad novi Guardiani electionem,
intra trimestre faciendam, ipso iure assumit, nisi Minister pro-
vincialis pro casu aliter providerit.
Art. 231
§1 Vicarius auxilium praebet Guardiano in eius officio ex-
plendo, ea tantum agens quae eidem commissa fuerint.
§2 Absente vel impedito Guardiano, Vicarius eius vicem
gerit. Nullam autem innovationem faciat, quam sciat a volun-
tate Guardiani alienam esse.
§3 Absente vel deficiente Vicario, alius frater ad normam
Statutorum particularium eius munus assumit.
Art. 232
§1 Vicarius eligitur ad triennium et pro aliis trienniis suc-
cessivis reeligi potest. Si vacatio officii Vicarii durante triennio
contigerit, novus Vicarius eligitur.
§2 Ob iustam causam Minister provincialis, de consensu sui
Definitorii, Vicarium ab officio amovere potest, firmo prae-
scripto art. 133 §3 horum Statutorum.
Titulus XXIII
De Capitulo et Discretorio locali
Art. 233
§1 Capitulum locale frequenter, saltem sexies in anno ce-
lebretur.
176
Art. 229
A Guardian, even if the period of his office has ended and a
new Guardian has been elected, still exercises his office until
the arrival of his successor, unless the Minister Provincial has
established otherwise.
Art. 230
If the office of Guardian falls vacant during the three-year
period, by law the Vicar assumes the government of the House
until the election of the new Guardian, which must be carried
out within three months, unless in that particular case the
Minister Provincial has provided otherwise.
Art. 231
§1 The Vicar offers assistance to the Guardian in the exer-
cise of his office, doing only what is entrusted to him.
§2 When the Guardian is absent or impeded the Vicar takes
his place. However, he may not introduce any innovation that
he knows is opposed to the Guardian’s will.
§3 If the Vicar should be absent or lacking, another Friar
assumes the office in accordance with the Particular Statutes.
Art. 232
§1 The Vicar is elected for a three-year period and can be
re-elected for other successive three-year periods. If the office
of Vicar should fall vacant during the three-year period, a new
Vicar is elected.
§2 The Minister Provincial, with the consent of his Defi-
nitory, can remove a Vicar from office for a just cause, without
prejudice to art. 133 §3 of these Statutes.
Title XXIII
The Local Chapter and Discretorium
Art. 233
§1 The local Chapter is to be held frequently, at least six
times a year.
177
 §2 In Statutis particularibus vel Ordinibus accurate deter-
minentur omnia quae spectant ad competentiam, frequentiam
celebrationis, modum negotia tractandi, decisiones ferendi ac
exsequendi, aliaque adiuncta, tam Capituli quam Discretorii,
si adsit.
Art. 234
§1 Negotia in Capitulo vel Discretorio agenda a Guardiano
vel a fratribus, respective a Discretis, praemonito Guardiano,
proponuntur. Quantum fieri potest, ab ipso Guardiano frater-
nitati prius communicentur. In negotiis collegialiter statuendis
sententia seu votum maioris partis praevalere et exsecutioni
mandari debent.
§2 Acta cuiusque Capituli vel Discretorii a Secretario, in
prima sessione deputato, in speciali libro describantur et post-
quam approbata fuerint ab eo subsignentur. Liber actorum Vi-
sitatori tam provinciali quam generali occasione visitationis
exhibeatur.
Art. 235
Discretorii, si adest, est Guardiano in exercitium sui officii
et animationis fraternitatis, praesertim in praeparatione et ce-
lebratione Capituli localis, validum praestare adiutorium; et
insuper in quibusdam negotiis, a Statutis particularibus vel ab
ipso Capitulo locali determinatis, facilius celeriusque expe-
diendis consilium vel consensum praebere, ad normam iuris
universalis et proprii.
Art. 236
§1 Discreti, quorum numerus determinetur in Statutis par-
ticularibus, a Definitorio provinciali respective a Consilio cu-
stodiali, proponente Capitulo locali, eliguntur ad triennium,
et immediate pro aliis trienniis eligi possunt.
178
§2 All that regards the competence, the frequency of cele-
bration, the method of dealing with matters, the making and
carrying out of decisions and other particulars of both the
Chapter and Discretorium, if there is one, is to be specified in
the Particular Statutes or Rules of Procedure.
Art. 234
§1 Matters to be dealt with in the Chapter or the Discreto-
rium are proposed by the Guardian or by Friars and, respec-
tively, by the Discretes, the Guardian having been informed.
They are to be communicated, as far as possible, beforehand
to the Fraternity by the Guardian himself. In matters to be de-
cided collegially, the decision or vote of the majority must pre-
vail and its execution must be ordered.
§2 The Minutes of each Chapter or Discretorium are to be
recorded in a special book by the Secretary appointed during
the first session; they are to be signed by him after they have
been approved. The Minutes Book of the Chapter or Discre-
torium is to be shown to the Visitator, whether Provincial or
General, on the occasion of the visitation.
Art. 235
A Discretorium, if there is one, has the duty of giving effec-
tive assistance to the Guardian in the exercise of his office and
in the animation of the Fraternity, especially in the prepara-
tion and celebration of the local Chapter. In addition, it is to
give advice or consent, in accordance with universal and
proper law, on any subjects determined by the Particular
Statutes or by the same local Chapter, in order to expedite
them more easily and more quickly.
Art. 236
§1 Discretes, whose number is to be determined in the Par-
ticular Statutes, are elected for a three-year period by the
Provincial Definitory or, respectively, by the Custodial Coun-
cil, at the proposal of the local Chapter; they can be re-elected
immediately for further three-year periods.
179
 §2 Ob exigentias boni communis Minister provincialis vel
Custos, servato art. 133 §4 horum Statutorum, Discretos ab
officio amovere, vel ob iustam causam eorum renuntiationem
accipere potest.
§3 Si vacatio officii Discreti durante triennio contigerit,
novus Discretus a Capitulo locali proponatur eligendus a De-
finitorio provinciali, respective a Consilio custodiali.
Titulus XXIV
De commoratione et transitu fratrum
in alienam Provinciam
Art. 237
Fratres in aliena Provincia ob legitimam causam degentes,
post biennium commorationis participes habeantur iurium et
obligationum quae fratribus eiusdem Provinciae competunt,
nisi aliter, consultis fratribus quorum interest, inter respecti-
vos Ministros provinciales provisum fuerit, suspenso interea
exercitio iurium in propria Provincia. Quae participatio iu-
rium ab ipso initio commorationis fit, si intentio saltem per
biennium degendi adest.
Art. 238
§1 Fratres in aliena Provincia degentes subiciuntur auctori-
tati Guardiani Domus in quo degunt vel, si extra Domum Or-
dinis degunt, Guardiani proximioris Domus. Pro rebus maio-
ris momenti, prout in Statutis Provinciae in qua ut hospites
degunt determinatum fuerit, licentiam obtinere debent a Mi-
nistro illius Provinciae, nisi aliter inter duas Provincias pactum
fuerit.
§2 Ut fratribus in aliena Provincia degentibus officia et mu-
nera in eadem conferri possint, necessarius est consensus pro-
prii Ministri provincialis et, si Guardiani electi fuerint, saltem
per integrum triennium in eadem Provincia remanere debent.
180
§2 If the common good demands it, the Minister Provincial
or the Custos, observing art 133 §4 of these Statutes, can re-
move Discretes from office or accept their resignation for a
just cause.
§3 If the office of Discrete should fall vacant during the
three-year period, a new Discrete is to be proposed by the
local Chapter and elected by the Provincial Definitory or, re-
spectively, by the Custodial Council.
Title XXIV
Residence in and transfer to another Province
Art. 237
Friars who live in another Province for a legitimate reason
are to share the rights and obligations pertaining to the Friars
of that Province after two years of residence; in the meantime,
the exercise of their rights in their own Province, is sus-
pended, unless, after the Friars concerned have been con-
sulted, it has been established otherwise between the respec-
tive Ministers Provincial. Sharing in the rights occurs from
the beginning of the residence if there is the intention of re-
maining there for at least two years.
Art. 238
§1 Friars residing in another Province are subject to the au-
thority of the Guardian of the House in which they live or, if
they live outside a House of the Order, of the Guardian of the
nearest House. In matters of greater importance, in accor-
dance with what has been established in the Statutes of the
Province in which they reside as guests, they must obtain the
permission of the Minister Provincial of that Province, unless
it has been agreed otherwise between the two Provinces.
§2 The consent of their own Minister Provincial is neces-
sary for Friars residing in another Province to be conferred
with offices and duties in that Province; if they have been
elected Guardians they must remain in that Province for at
least the entire three-year period.
181
Art. 239
Si per conventionem a respectivis Ministris cum consensu
Definitorii Provinciarum initam et a Ministro generali confir-
matam, aliquis districtus vel Domus cuiusdam Provinciae al-
teri committatur, fratres ex aliena Provincia, qui in eo districtu
vel Domo degunt, sub auctoritate proprii Ministri provincialis
manent tempore quo conventio valet.
Art. 240
Ut frater in aliam Provinciam transire et adscribi possit, re-
quiritur consensus Definitorii propriae et alterius Provinciae.
Transitus et adscriptio in aliam Provinciam fratris sollemniter
professi Ministro generali communicentur.
PARS V
DE ADMINISTRATIONE BONORUM
Art. 241
Caveant Ministri et Guardiani ne Ordinem, Provinciam vel
Domum in debita onerosa vel in obligationes oeconomicas
quocumque modo inducant aut induci sinant, nisi certe con-
stet debiti foenus solvi et ipsum debitum intra tempus non
nimis longum exstingui posse.
Art. 242
Capituli generalis est praefinire summam supra quam ad
debita contrahenda, bona alienanda aut expensas extraordina-
rias faciendas Minister generalis indiget consensu sui Defini-
torii vel Consilii plenarii, secretis suffragiis manifestato.
Art. 243
§1 Capitulum provinciale determinet summam extraordi-
nariam pro qua expendenda Minister provincialis consensum
sui Definitorii exquirere debet.
§2 Definitorium provinciale determinet expensarum ex-
traordinariarum summam pro qua Guardianus consensu Di-
182
Art. 239
If a district or House of a Province is entrusted to another
by agreement signed by the respective Ministers with the con-
sent of the Definitories of the Provinces and confirmed by the
Minister General, the Friars of the other Province who reside
in that district or House remain under the authority of their
own Minister Provincial for the period of time that the agree-
ment remains in force.
Art. 240
In order for a Friar to be able to transfer to and be inscribed
in another Province the consent of the Definitory of his own
and of the other Province is required. The transfer and in-
scription of a solemnly professed Friar into another Province
are to be communicated to the Minister General.
PART V
THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOODS
Art. 241
Ministers and Guardians are to avoid leading, or allowing to
be led in any way, the Order, a Province or a House into sizeable
debts or financial obligations, unless he knows with certainty
that the interest on the debt can be settled and the entire capital
can be paid back over a not excessively long period of time.
Art. 242
It pertains to the General Chapter to lay down the amount
above which, in contracting debts, alienating goods or incur-
ring extraordinary expenditure, the Minister General needs
the consent, expressed by secret vote, of the Definitory or of
the Plenary Council.
Art. 243
§1 The Provincial Chapter is to determine the extraordi-
nary sum for the expenditure of which the Minister Provincial
must seek the consent of his Definitory.
§2 The Provincial Definitory is to determine the amount of
extraordinary expenditure for which the Guardian has need of
183
scretorii Domus et aliam pro qua consensu Capituli localis in-
diget; itemque summam pro qua Guardianus, praehabito voto
Discretorii vel Capituli localis, etiam licentiam Ministri pro-
vincialis habere debet.
§3 In Domibus et ecclesiis construendis itemque in aedifi-
ciorum delineationibus mutandis, Statuta particularia deter-
minent utrum consilium vel consensum, sive Capituli localis
aut Discretorii, sive Definitorii provincialis, praevie exquiren-
dum.
Art. 244
Ad alienanda bona vel debita contrahenda, quorum valor
excedit duas tertias partes summae ultra quam recurrendum
est ad S. Sedem, requiritur licentia scripta Ministri generalis,
praehabito consensu Definitorii tum provincialis tum genera-
lis, per secreta suffragia manifestato.
Art. 245
Capitulum provinciale praefiniat, secundum diversitatem
regionum seu nationum, quae bona, quorum valor continetur
infra summam ad normam articuli praecedentis aestimatam,
alienari possint de licentia Ministri provincialis praevio con-
sensu sui Definitorii per secreta suffragia manifestato; vel
praehabito semper voto deliberativo, item per secreta suffragia
manifestato, solius Discretorii seu Capituli localis. Idem di-
cendum est de debitis contrahendis, salvo in utroque casu iure
universali.
Art. 246
§1 Quivis Guardianus inventarium mobilium Domus et sa-
crae supellectilis ecclesiae, necnon accepti et expensi rationem
suo tempore Capitulo provinciali et novo Guardiano exhibere
tenetur; huiusmodi inventarium et ratio a Capitulo locali vel a
Discretorio subscribantur.
§2 In Capitulo locali et Discretorio rationes oeconomicae
ne subscribantur nisi examinatae sint.
184
the consent of the Discretorium of the House and another for
which he needs the consent of the local Chapter; similarly, it
must determine the amount for which the Guardian, having
obtained the vote of the Discretorium or of the local Chapter,
must also have the permission of the Minister Provincial.
§3 In the building of Houses and Churches, as well as in the
re-structuring of buildings, the Particular Statutes are to de-
termine whether the prior advice or consent of either the local
Chapter or Discretorium or of the Provincial Definitory is to
be sought.
Art. 244
To alienate property or to contract debts, the value of which
exceeds two thirds of the amount beyond which recourse must
be made to the Holy See, the written permission of the Mi-
nister General is required, with the prior consent of both the
General and Provincial Definitory, expressed by secret vote.
Art. 245
The Provincial Chapter is to establish, in accordance with
the diversity of regions or nations, which goods of a value
below the amount calculated according to the preceding arti-
cle can be alienated with the permission of the Minister
Provincial, with the prior consent of the Definitory expressed
by secret vote, or, with the prior deliberative vote of only the
Discretorium or local Chapter similarly expressed by secret
vote. The same holds good for contracting debts, without
prejudice in both cases to universal law.
Art. 246
§1 Each Guardian is obliged to present to the Provincial
Chapter and to the new Guardian an inventory of the move-
able goods of the House and of the sacred furnishings of the
Church, as well as accounts of income and expenditure during
his term of office. This inventory and account is to be signed
by the local Chapter or by the Discretorium.
§2 Financial accounts are not to be signed in the local
Chapter and Discretorium unless they have been examined.
185
 CAPUT VIII
MINISTRI MONEANT ET HUMILITER
ET CARITATIVE FRATRES CORRIGANT
(Cf. Rb 10,1)
Titulus I
De correctione et punitione fratrum
Art. 247
§1 Frater qui etiam reticito vel ficto nomine scripserit vel
scribere fecerit litteras quibus cuidam e fratribus factum ca-
lumniosum tribuitur, privatione officii vel muneris quod
habet, necnon vocis activae et passivae ad tempus pro gravitate
culpae puniatur.
§2 Qui discordias seminaverit vel graves fratrum defectus,
sive intra sive extra Ordinem divulgaverit, aut litteras iniurio-
sas vel diffamatorias contra quemquam scripserit, et de hoc
convictus fuerit, omnibus officiis et muneribus Ordinis prive-
tur atque inhabilis ad eadem declaretur, tempore a Ministro
provinciali cum Definitorio statuto.
Art. 248
§1 Frater qui Visitatori vel Delegato generali non oboedi-
verit aut graves falsas notitias ei praebuerit aut se rebellem
exhibuerit aut eius mandata contempserit, privatione vocis ac-
tivae et passivae ad sexennium vel aliis poenis puniri potest.
§2 Qui proprio Ministro vel Guardiano graviter insultave-
rit vel eius mandata publice contempserit vel adversus eiusdem
auctoritatem conspiraverit, congruis poenis pro gravitate cul-
pae, non exclusa, si casus ferat, temporanea privatione om-
nium officiorum et munerum in Ordine, puniatur et condi-
gnam praestet satisfactionem.
186
CHAPTER VIII
THE MINISTERS SHOULD ADMONISH
THEIR BROTHERS AND HUMBLY
AND CHARITABLY CORRECT THEM
(Cf. Rb 10, 1)
Title I
Correction and Punishment of Friars
Art. 247
§1 A Friar who has secretly or under a false name written,
or has had written by another, letters in which a calumnious
fact is attributed to one of the Friars, is to be punished in pro-
portion to the gravity of the fault by deprivation of office or
the position that he holds, as well as by deprivation of active
and passive voice for a certain time.
§2 Whoever has sown discord or has divulged grave defects
of the Friars, either inside or outside the Order, or has written
injurious or defamatory letters against anyone and has been
convicted of this, is to be deprived of all offices and positions
of the Order and is to be declared unfit for them for a time es-
tablished by the Minister Provincial with his Definitory.
Art. 248
§1 A Friar who has not obeyed the Visitator or Delegate
General, or has given grave and false information to him, or
has shown himself to be rebellious, or has shown contempt for
his orders, can be punished by the deprivation of active and
passive voice for a six-year period or with other penalties.
§2 Whoever has gravely insulted his Minister or Guardian,
or has publicly despised his orders, or has conspired against
his authority, is to be punished with a penalty proportionate to
the gravity of the fault, not excluding, if it should be the case,
the temporary deprivation of all offices and positions in the
Order and he is to make suitable amends.
187
Art. 249
§1 Guardianus, notabiliter neglegens obligationem provi-
dendi necessaria tum fraternitati tum fratribus, post alteram
monitionem a Ministro provinciali eiusque Definitorio ab of-
ficio amoveatur.
§2 Guardianus, qui neglexerit congressus Discretorii vel
Capituli localis convocare, vel in iis rationem administrationis
exhibere et examinare ad normas Constitutionum generalium
et Statutorum, post alteram inutilem monitionem a Ministro
provinciali eiusque Definitorio puniri potest, non exclusa offi-
cii privatione.
Art. 250
§1 Guardianus vel frater qui pecuniis et eleemosynis ad fra-
ternitatis utilitatem destinatis etiam in eisdem illicite admini-
strandis, quovis modo abusus fuerit, vel sibi appropriaverit,
pro fraudis et culpae gravitate puniatur.
§2 Frater qui habitualiter emolumenta pro labore vel quo-
cumque alio titulo accepta in fraternitatis utilitatem non contu-
lerit; itemque qui pertinaciter de acceptis et expensis rationem
praescriptam non reddiderit; vel is qui, cum sit laborandi capax,
labores recusat et suo otio fraternitati grave damnum infert, pro
delicti gravitate puniatur, non exclusa dimissione ab Ordine.
Art. 251
§1 Minister vel Guardianus qui sine debita facultate de-
struxerit aut mutaverit fabricam a praedecessore inchoatam
aut exstructam, vel culpabiliter conservationem aut necessarias
ecclesiae vel aliorum immobilium restaurationes graviter ne-
glexerit, officio privetur.
§2 Minister, Guardianus vel frater qui graviter negligentes
inveniuntur in custodiendis rebus pretiosis artis vel historiae
causa et qui eas illegitime sibi appropriant, alienant vel de-
struunt, pro gravitate culpae congruis poenis puniantur.58
58 Cf. CIC 638 §3.
188
Art. 249
§1 A Guardian who obviously neglects his obligation to
provide what is necessary for both the Fraternity and the Fri-
ars is, after a second warning, to be removed from office by the
Minister Provincial and his Definitory.
§2 A Guardian, who has neglected to convoke meetings of
the Discretorium or local Chapter, or to present and submit to
examination the accounts of administration during them, in ac-
cordance with the General Constitutions and Statutes, can be
punished by the Minister Provincial and his Definitory after a
second ineffective warning, even by removal from office.
Art. 250
§1 A Guardian or Friar who in any way has misused money
and alms destined for the benefit of the Fraternity, even
through its illegal administration, or has appropriated it, is to
be punished in proportion to the gravity of the fraud or fault.
§2 A Friar who has habitually failed to hand over for the
benefit of the Fraternity the recompense received for his work
or under any other title and who has obstinately not given due
account of all the receipts and expenditure, or who, although
capable of working, has refused to do so and has caused grave
damage to the Fraternity through his laziness, is to be pu-
nished according to the gravity of the crime, not excluding
dismissal from the Order.
Art. 251
§1 A Minister or Guardian, who, without the required fa-
culty has destroyed or changed a construction begun or fi-
nished by his predecessor, or who has gravely neglected the
maintenance or necessary repairs of the Church or other
properties, is to be deprived of office.
§2 A Minister, Guardian or Friar who is found to be gravely
negligent in protecting objects that are precious by reason of
their artistic or historical value, or who has illegally appropriated
them for himself, alienated or destroyed them, is to be punished
with a penalty in proportion to the gravity of the fault.58
58 Cf. CIC 638 §3.
189
 §3 Frater qui documenta in archivis servata occultaverit,
subtraxerit vel destruxerit, pro gravitate culpae puniatur.
Art. 252
Ab inflictis poenis recursus in suspensivo conceditur, salvo
iure universali et firmo art. 133 §3 horum Statutorum.
Titulus II
De fratrum transitu et egressu ab Ordine
Art. 253
§1 Frater sollemniter professus nequit ad aliud Institutum
religiosum transire, nisi ex concessione Ministri generalis, de
consensu sui Definitorii, et acceptatione ex parte novi Insti-
tuti, ad normam iuris peracta.59
§2 Ut sodalis a votis perpetuis alterius Instituti ad Ordinem
nostrum transire possit, ad normam iuris procedatur, et saltem
per tres annos in Domo Ordinis, sub moderamine idonei fra-
tris, ante admissionem professionis sollemnis manere debet,
servatis de iure servandis.
Art. 254
§1 Minister generalis de consensu sui Definitorii fratri sol-
lemniter professo gravi de causa concedere potest indultum
exclaustrationis, non tamen ultra triennium, praevio consensu
Ordinarii loci in quo commorari debet, si agatur de clerico.
Indultum prorogare vel illud ultra triennium concedere S.
Sedi reservatur.60
59 Cf. CIC 684 §1.
60 Cf. CIC 686 §1.
190
§3 A Friar who has hidden documents preserved in the
archives, has taken them out or destroyed them, is to be pun-
ished according to the gravity of the fault.
Art. 252
Recourse, with a suspensive effect, against penalties im-
posed is granted, without prejudice to universal law and the
prescription of art. 133 §3 of these Statutes.
Title II
The Transfer of Friars and Departure from the Order
Art. 253
§1 A solemnly professed Friar cannot transfer to another
religious institute except by permission of the Minister Ge-
neral, with the consent of his Definitory, and through accep-
tance granted on the part of the new Institute, in accordance
with the law.59
§2 In order for a professed religious in perpetual vows of
another Institute to be able to transfer to our Order, the
norms of law are to be followed; he must remain in a House of
the Order for at least three years under the direction of a suit-
able Friar before being admitted to solemn profession, the re-
quirements of law being observed.
Art. 254
§1 The Minister General, with the consent of his Defini-
tory, can grant an indult of exclaustration to a solemnly pro-
fessed Friar for a grave reason but not for more than three
years. In the case of a cleric the prior consent of the Ordinary
of the place in which he is to reside is also required. To pro-
long the indult or to grant it for more than three years is re-
served to the Holy See.60
59 Cf. CIC 684 §1.
60 Cf. CIC 686 §1.
191
 §2 Petente Ministro generali, de consensu sui Definitorii,
exclaustratio ob graves causas, servata aequitate et caritate, a S.
Sede fratri imponi potest.61
Art. 255
§1 Frater exclaustratus exoneratus habetur ab obligationi-
bus quae cum nova suae vitae condicione componi nequeunt,
itemque sub dependentia et cura sui Ministri et etiam Ordina-
rii loci manet, praesertim si de clerico agatur. Habitum reli-
giosum deferre potest, nisi aliud in indulto statuatur; voce
tamen activa et passiva caret.62
§2 Si frater exclaustratus quaedam debita et obligationes
contraxerit sine Ministri provincialis licentia, ipse respondere
debet, non autem Provincia aut Domus. Idem valet de fratre e
Domo illegitime absente.63
Art. 256
§1 Frater a votis temporariis, expleta professione, si iustae
causae adfuerint, a Ministro provinciali, audito suo Definito-
rio, a subsequenti professione emittenda excludi potest.64
§2 Infirmitas physica vel psychica, etiam post professionem
contracta, et quae de iudicio peritorum fratrem, de quo in pa-
ragrapho praecedenti, reddit ineptum ad vitam in Ordine du-
cendam, causam sufficientem constituit eum non admittendi
ad professionem renovandam vel ad sollemnem emittendam,
nisi ob neglegentiam Ordinis vel ob laborem in Ordine perac-
tum infirmitas contracta fuerit.65
61 Cf. CIC 686 §3.
62 Cf. CIC 687.
63 Cf. CIC 639 §3.
64 Cf. CIC 689 §1.
65 Cf. CIC 689 §2.
192
§2 Exclaustration can be imposed on a Friar for a grave rea-
son by the Holy See61 at the request of the Minister General,
with the consent of his Definitory, with due regard for equity
and charity.
Art. 255
§1 An exclaustrated Friar is held to be relieved from the ob-
ligations that are incompatible with his new conditions of life.
He also remains dependent on and subject to the care of his
Minister and even of the local Ordinary, especially if it a ques-
tion of a cleric. He can wear the religious habit, unless it is de-
termined otherwise in the indult, but he lacks active and pas-
sive voice.62
§2 If an exclaustrated Friar contracts any debts and obliga-
tions without the permission of the Minister Provincial, he
himself must take responsibility for them and not the Province
or House. The same holds good for a Friar illegally absent
from a House.63
Art. 256
§1 A Friar in temporary vows, when his profession expires,
can be excluded from making subsequent profession by the
Minister Provincial, having consulted his Definitory, if there
are just reasons.64
§2 A physical or psychic illness, even contracted after pro-
fession and which, in the judgement of experts, renders the
Friar mentioned in the preceding paragraph unsuitable for the
life to be led in the Order, constitutes sufficient reason for not
admitting him to the renewal of temporary profession or to
solemn profession, unless the illness has been contracted be-
cause of the negligence of the Order or because of work car-
ried out in the Order.65
61 Cf. CIC 686 §3.
62 Cf. CIC 687.
63 Cf. CIC 639 §3.
64 Cf. CIC 689 §1.
65 Cf. CIC 689 §2.
193
 §3 Si vero frater perdurantibus votis temporariis amens eva-
serit, etsi novam professionem emittere non valeat, ab Ordine
tamen dimitti non potest.66
Art. 257
Qui, expleto novitiatu vel post professionem, legitime ab
Ordine egressus fuerit, a Ministro generali, de consensu Defi-
nitorii, rursus admitti potest sine onere repetendi novitiatum;
Ministri autem generalis erit determinare congruam probatio-
nem praeviam professioni temporariae et spatium temporis
votorum ante professionem sollemnem praemittendum, ad
normam art. 100 horum Statutorum.67
Titulus III
De fratrum dimissione ab Ordine
Art. 258
Minister provincialis, si dimissio ab iure non imponatur,
fratrem qui peccaverit sollicite primum quaerat et etiam plu-
ries caritative moneat, eumque adiuvare conetur et ad emen-
dationem adducat ut in sua vocatione perseveret.
Art. 259
§1 Frater dimitti debet, ad normam iuris universalis, si pa-
traverit delicta de quibus in CIC cann. 1397, 1398 et 1395.
§2 Frater exclaustratus, si intra sex menses post expletum
tempus exclaustrationis non redierit, ab Ordine dimitti potest.
Frater dimitti potest etiam ob alias causas dummodo sint gra-
ves, externae, imputabiles et iuridice comprobatae, uti statu-
tum est in can. 696, et iure universali servato.
66 Cf. CIC 689 §3.
67 Cf. CIC 690 §1.
194
§3 If, however, a Friar becomes mentally deranged during
temporary vows, even though he is not able to make a new
profession, he cannot be dismissed from the Order.66
Art. 257
A Friar, who, after finishing the Novitiate or after profes-
sion, has left the Order legitimately, can be re-admitted by the
Minister General with the consent of his Definitory without
the onus of repeating the Novitiate. It is up to the Minister
General, however, to establish a suitable probation before
temporary profession and the duration of the vows before the
Friar is admitted to solemn profession, in accordance with art
100 of these Statutes.67
Title III
Dismissal of Friars from the Order
Art. 258
If dismissal is not imposed by law, the Minister Provincial is to
carefully seek out the Friar who has sinned, charitably and re-
peatedly admonish him and try to help him and lead him to an
amendment of his ways, so that he may persevere in his vocation.
Art. 259
§1 A Friar must be dismissed, in accordance with universal
law, if he has committed the crimes mentioned in CIC canons
1397, 1398 and 1395.
§2 An exclaustrated Friar can be dismissed from the Order
if he has not returned within six months after the expiration of
the period of exclaustration. A Friar can also be dismissed for
other reasons, provided that they are grave, external, im-
putable and juridically proven, as is established in canon 696,
and universal law being observed.
66 Cf. CIC 689 §3.
67 Cf. CIC 690 §1.
195
 §3 Frater a votis temporaneis etiam ob causas minoris gra-
vitatis quam in can. 696 §1 statutas dimitti potest.
§4 Fratri firmum semper manet ius cum Ministro generali
communicandi et illi directe suas defensiones exhibendi.68
Art. 260
§1 Ad decretum dimissionis fratrum ferendum, Minister
generalis cum suo Definitorio, quod ad validitatem saltem
quattuor membris constare debet, collegialiter procedat ad
probationes, argumenta et defensiones accurate perpendenda,
et si per secretam suffragationem id decisum fuerit, decretum
dimissionis ferat, expressis ad validitatem saltem summarie ra-
tionibus in iure et in facto.69
§2 Decretum dimissionis vim non habet et exsecutioni
mandari nequit, nisi a Sancta Sede confirmatum fuerit. Decre-
tum vero, ut valeat, indicare debet ius, quo frater dimissus
gaudet, recurrendi intra decem dies a recepta notificatione ad
auctoritatem competentem. Recursus effectum habet suspen-
sivum.70
Art. 261
§1 Ministri et fratres curam habeant de bono spirituali, mo-
rali et sociali eorum qui Ordinem derelinquunt vel ab eo di-
mittuntur, iisque subsidia suppeditent, ratione habita aequita-
tis eorumque necessitatis, temporis in religione peracti et be-
neficiorum ab Ordine receptorum.71
§2 In Statutis particularibus determinentur normae concre-
tae de subsidio praestando.
68 Cf. CIC 698.
69 Cf. CIC 699.
70 Cf. CIC 700.
71 Cf. CIC 702 §2.
196
§3 A professed Friar in temporary vows can be dismissed
also for reasons of lesser gravity than those determined in
canon 696 §1.
§4 The Friar always retains the right to communicate with
the Minister General and to present his defence to him di-
rectly.68
Art. 260
§1 To issue a decree of dismissal of Friars, the Minister
General and his Definitory, which for validity must comprise
at least four members, are to proceed in collegial fashion in ac-
curately weighing the evidence, the arguments and the de-
fence. If by a secret vote it is so decided, a decree of dismissal
is to be drawn up, which for validity must express at least in
summary form the reasons in law and fact.69
§2 A decree of dismissal has no effect and cannot be exe-
cuted unless it has been confirmed by the Holy See. The de-
cree, however, for validity must indicate the right of the dis-
missed Friar to have recourse to the competent authority
within ten days of receiving notification of the decree. The re-
course has a suspensive effect.70
Art. 261
§1 The Ministers and the Friars are to have concern for the
spiritual, moral and social well being of those who leave the
Order or who have been dismissed from it, and they are to offer
them help, taking into account equity, their needs, the time
passed in religion and the benefits received by the Order.71
§2 Concrete norms on the help to be given are to be deter-
mined in the Particular Statutes.
68 Cf. CIC 698.
69 Cf. CIC 699.
70 Cf. CIC 700.
71 Cf. CIC 702 §2.
197
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