Article 10

On Buildings, Church Ornaments, and Certain Offerings Made at Funerals

As the holy Founder intended to establish his Brothers in very great poverty and in profound humility—something made evident no less by their actions than by their dispositions, as is clearly marked throughout almost the entire Rule—

it is fitting that henceforth they neither have constructed, nor allow to be constructed for them, churches or any other kinds of buildings in which there might be excess, whether in number or in size, considering the number of Religious who are to enter and dwell there.

Therefore, we desire that throughout the whole Order they be content with modest and lowly houses, so that what appears to the eyes of men does not proclaim the contrary of that strict poverty which they have professed.

Moreover, although church ornaments and sacred vessels are intended to honor the Name of God, for whose glory He Himself has made all things, nevertheless, as He knows what is hidden, He regards more the heart than the hand of those who serve Him, and He does not wish that things contrary to the condition of His servants be employed in His service.

For this reason, the Friars Minor must be content with ornaments and vessels that are fitting and of appropriate size as required; but it is in no way proper to their state to seek in these or in anything else what is superfluous, of excessive cost, or marked by curious distinction of any kind.

For since all such things show an eager concern to accumulate much, there is no one who would not judge that this clearly departs from the vow of very strict poverty. Therefore, we will and order that the Brothers observe all that we have just said.