Article 9

Not to make provisions without evident need

Saint Francis, having made it known both by example and by words that he wished his Brothers and his Children to rely for their sustenance upon divine Providence, and that they should place all their trust in Him who feeds the birds of the air, which neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns: it does not seem that he intended that they should have barns

or well-filled cellars in the Convents, where they might hope to subsist by means of daily collections.

Therefore, they must not relax in this matter out of a slight fear of falling into want; and they must only make such provisions when there is reason to believe, from past experience, that the necessities of life could not otherwise be obtained.

Now we have judged it appropriate to leave this article to the discretion of the Ministers and the Custodes, who shall regulate it together or separately in their Provinces, with the advice and consent of the Guardian of the Convent, and of two wise and senior Priests of the Order, with which we particularly charge their consciences.