Article 9

On Preachers

Since the Rule expressly forbids the Brothers to preach in the Diocese of a Bishop when he opposes it, we, having regard to these words and also wishing to preserve the full extent of Apostolic authority, declare that this article must be observed to the letter, as it is set forth, unless the Apostolic See has granted or ordained, or shall hereafter grant or ordain, something else on this matter for the good of the faithful.

And since in the same Chapter of the Rule it is immediately said that none of the Brothers must in any way undertake to preach to the people unless he has been examined and approved by the Minister General of the Order, and has received from him permission to exercise the office of Preacher, we, taking into consideration the small number of Brothers that formerly existed in the Order and the great number that exists now, and moreover considering what may contribute to the salvation of souls,

Grant that not only the Minister General, but also the Provincial Ministers, together with the Definitors in the Provincial Chapters, shall examine and approve the Brothers who are to preach to the people, shall judge their competence, and shall permit them to exercise the office of Preacher, as is laid down in the Rule. This is what is said to be practiced at present in the Order, and what the privileges of the Brothers provide. Now the said Ministers may revoke, suspend, or restrict this permission to preach, at such time and in such manner as they shall judge appropriate.