Chapter 2

If some come to our brothers to embrace this way of life, let them be directed to their provincial ministers, who alone, to the exclusion of others, will have the authority to receive novices.

The ministers should then examine them carefully on the Catholic Faith and the Sacraments of the Church. If they believe all these things, if they wish to make a faithful profession and observe them constantly to the end.

Moreover, if they are not married; and if they are married, their wife must already be in a monastery or at least have taken a vow of continence, be of an age that is not suspect, and have allowed her husband, with the consent of the diocesan bishop, to enter religious life.

Then the ministers shall tell them, according to the words of the Holy Gospel, to go sell all that they have and prepare to give it to the poor; and if they cannot do so, their good will shall be sufficient.

Above all, the brothers and their ministers should be careful not to meddle with their temporal goods, so that they have the freedom to dispose of them according to what the Lord inspires them. However, if they seek advice on this, it will be permitted for the ministers to direct them to some pious individuals, whose counsel they may follow to distribute their goods to the poor.

Next, they should be given the habit of probation; namely, a robe without a hood, a tunic, a rope belt, a tunic, and a hood that reaches down to the belt; unless the ministers, at times, deem it appropriate, according to God, to make some changes.

After the year of probation is over, they should be received to make their profession of obedience, promising to always observe this way of life and this Rule, and following the decree of our holy Father the Pope, they will not be allowed to leave this order, because, according to the holy Gospel, no one who puts their hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.

Those who have already promised obedience shall wear a robe with a hood, and if they want, a tunic without a hood; and they will be allowed to wear shoes if necessity requires it.

All the brothers shall be dressed in poor and simple habits, upon which they may place patches from sacks and other types of patches with God’s blessing.

I further warn and exhort them not to despise or judge those whom they see dressed in fine clothing, wearing colorful garments, and eating delicately; but rather, that each person should judge and despise themselves.