Article 3

On the habit of the Brothers and their fasts

Besides since it is said the in the rule, that those who have already promised obedience, may have one tunic with a capuche, and another without a capuche if they wish to have it: likewise that every Friar is to wear cheap clothing: and We have declared them to be equipollent in precept by the aforesaid words: wishing these things to be determined more fully, We say as much as regards the number of tunics, that it is not licit to use more, unless in necessities, which can happen in conformity with the rule, according to that which Our predecessor of past memory has clarified more fully.

We however say that the cheapness of the vestments for the habits as well as that for the interior tunics, should be understood to be that which according to the custom or condition of the country ought to be reputed cheep in value as regards both the color and the price of the cloth: for as regards every region one cannot assign one determined measure in such things.

We have also said that the judgment of cheapness of this kind must be committed to the Ministers and Custodes or Guardians, responsible as they are with the consciences of their subjects concerning this matter: however in the same way which they observe cheapness in vestments, We relinquish in the same manner to the judgment of their Ministers, Custodes and Guardians, for what necessity the Friars themselves might wear footwear.

Next since two seasons have been noted in the rule, namely from the Feast of All Saints up to the Nativity of the Lord, and Great Lent, in which they are bound to fast, it may be inferred in the same rule: that at other seasons, however, they are not bound to fast except Fridays: and from this others have wished to say, that the said Friars of the Order are not bound, except from becomingness to other fasts, as to the former:

We declare, that it ought to be understood that they are not bound to fast at other seasons, except on fasts established by the Church: for it does not have the semblance of truth, that either the Institutor of the rule, or even the confirmer intended to absolve them from observing those fasts, to which by the common statute of the Church the rest of Christians are obliged.