Summary of Obligations

Source: Google Books

The Constitution Misericors of Pope Leo XIII has determined the obligations imposed on the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

These obligations can be classified as follows:

Daily

(1) Before and after meals, they shall invoke God with piety and gratitude. (Chap. 2.3)

(2) If they do not recite either the canonical Office or the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin, they must say twelve Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and Gloria, unless prevented by illness. (Chap. 2.6)

(3) They shall attend Mass every day, if they can do so easily. (Chap. 2.11)

(4) They shall make an examination of conscience in the evening; if they find themselves guilty, they should amend by repentance. (Chap. 2.10)

Monthly

(1) The Brothers and Sisters shall confess their sins and also receive Communion. (Chap. 2.5)

(2) They shall attend the monthly assemblies indicated by their Superior. (Chap. 2.11)

(3) They shall contribute, each according to their means, a sum of money to help the poorest of the Confreres, especially in cases of illness, or for the service and dignity of worship. (Chap. 2.12)

Yearly

The Brothers and Sisters shall fast on the eve of the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the feast of the Patriarch St. Francis. (Chap. 2.4)

At All Times

(1) Members of the Third Order shall wear the scapular as well as the cord. (Chap. 1.3)

(2) They shall observe, according to the promises of their profession, the commandments of God and of the Church; and shall perform the required satisfaction for their faults. (Chap. 2.4)

(3) They shall abstain from all that indicates luxury and pursuit of elegance, and shall observe, each according to their condition, the rules of modesty. (Chap. 2.1)

(4) They must diligently avoid balls, dangerous spectacles, and licentious meals. (Chap. 2.2)

(5) They shall practice frugality in food and drink. (Chap. 2.3)

(6) In their family, the Tertiaries shall strive to set a good example, devote themselves to exercises of piety, and perform good works. They shall not allow books or newspapers that could harm virtue into their home, and shall forbid their reading to their subordinates. (Chap. 2.8)

(7) They shall take care to maintain charity and goodwill among themselves and with others. They shall strive to reconcile disputes wherever possible. (Chap. 2.9)

(8) The Brothers and Sisters shall never take an oath, except in cases of necessity. They shall avoid dishonorable words and buffoonish jokes. (Chap. 2.10)

(9) Local Tertiaries and visiting members shall attend the funerals of deceased Confreres and recite a rosary for the relief of their souls. Priests, during Mass, and laypersons also, in the Holy Communion they can make, shall pray for the eternal rest of the deceased Confrere. (Chap. 2.14)

(10) No one shall refuse responsibilities without just cause, nor perform them negligently. (Chap. 3.1)

(11) All shall be required to attend general assemblies convened by the Visitor. Those at fault, reminded of their duties by the Visitor, must submit humbly and not refuse penance. (Chap. 3.2)

(12) Disobedient Tertiaries who set a bad example shall receive three warnings, and if they do not submit, they shall be expelled from the Order. (Chap. 3.4)

At a Suitable Time

Those who are able to make their testament should do so. (Chap. 2.7)