Statutes of the Fraternity
Article 1 - Modifying the Statutes
The statutes are not final. They may be modified by mutual agreement.
Article 2 - Name
The Fraternity bears the name: Fraternity of the Holy Cross
Article 3 - Reference Documents
- Rule and Testament of Saint Francis
- Capuchin Constitutions of 1925
- Pope Nicholas III, Exiit qui seminat, 1279
- Pope Clement V, Exivi de Paradiso, 1312
- Canon Law (1917) - Can. 487 to 681 on Religious
- Council of Trent - Session 25
These documents are applied in light of the current situation of widespread apostasy and the vacancy of the Apostolic See.
Article 4 - Location
The Fraternity is not currently living a communal life.
Article 5 - Doctrinal Positions
The Fraternity admits only members who profess the traditional doctrine of the Catholic Church without compromise and who reject the numerous heresies that abound today, including among groups that present themselves as traditional. Below is a non-exhaustive list of positions that must be embraced to become a member of the Fraternity:
- Vatican II is a false council that represents a break from true Catholic doctrine and therefore does not represent the Catholic Church.
- Outside the Catholic Church, there is absolutely no salvation (no exception).
- The concepts of “baptism of desire” and “baptism of blood” are heretical and were never taught by the Church Magisterium; they contradict the defined dogma, Outside the Church no salvation.
- “Natural family planning” is a form of birth control that contradicts the Church’s dogmatic teaching.
- The title “Co-Redemptrix” for the Blessed Virgin Mary is heretical because it directly contradicts the dogma that Jesus Christ alone is the Redeemer of mankind.
- Marriages between people of different countries or races are not a problem as long as the faith is preserved.
You can find more information on these positions by visiting the website apologia.pages.dev/en or the website of the Most Holy Family Monastery, vaticancatholic.com.
Professing and embracing the traditional Catholic faith without compromise is a requirement for being a true religious.
Article 6 - Steps to become a Capuchin
The steps and requirements for becoming a Capuchin can be found in the 1917 Code of Canon Law as well as in the Capuchin Constitutions. These guidelines, however, must be understood in light of the current situation. Here are the steps as we recommend them:
1. Postulancy
Lasts 6 months and is a period in which the candidate becomes acquainted with the Capuchin Order. We recommend that the candidate begin observing the Rule of St. Francis as far as he is able.
Canon Law does not require the renunciation of property at this stage. However, given the current situation, we believe that renouncing all property before beginning the novitiate, as required by the Rule and practiced until the Council of Trent, is the most appropriate path.
2. General Confession
At the end of the 6 months of postulancy, the postulant makes a general Confession.
3. Novitiate
Then begins the one-year novitiate, during which the postulant receives the religious habit, chooses his new religious name, and is called a Brother.
At this point, the novice should strive to fully observe the Rule.
4. Temporary vows
Once the novitiate is over, there is a three-year period during which the novice makes simple vows. The form of profession is as follows:
“I, brother N. of N., make a vow and promise to Almighty God, to the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, to our Seraphic Father Saint Francis, to all the Saints, (if done before the Superior, add: and to you, [his Name],) to observe for three years the Rule of the Friars Minor, confirmed by Lord Pope Honorius, living in obedience, without property, and in chastity.”
5. Final vows
Then comes the final vows:
“I, brother N. of N., make a vow and promise to Almighty God, to the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, to our Seraphic Father Saint Francis, to all the Saints, (if done before the Superior, add: and to you, [his Name],) to observe for the whole of my life the Rule of the Friars Minor, confirmed by Lord Pope Honorius, living in obedience, without property, and in chastity.”