prescribed by their superiors in the Order or by their confessor.

11. Several indulgences may be gained in the same day, if the necessary conditions be fulfilled (see decree of Con. of Indul. 19th May 1841).

12. The Tertiaries may apply all the indulgences they gain, as well as their good works, to the relief of the souls in purgatory.

13. The recital of the five Paters and Aves, as we have before said, is admitted by all theologians to fulfil the conditions for gaining the indulgence, if to them be added prayers according to the intention of the Holy Father.

14. The plenary indulgence attached to the Feasts of the Immaculate Conception, of St. Francis, of the Stigmata, of St. Louis king of France, and of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, may be transferred to the following Sunday, by a decree of Pope Pius IX. Of course, if obtained on the feast-day itself, they cannot be repeated on the Sunday.

PREFACE

TO THE

RULE AND STATUTES.

THE Rule of the Third Order, written by St. Francis of Assisi himself, is simple and concise, as were all the works of the Saints.

It traces clearly and succinctly the principal duties of Tertiaries, and shows them how they may lead a life of perfection, although in the midst of the world.

But, except in some distinct and formal observances, it does not go into the practical details of everyday life.

It was therefore necessary to supplement the Rule with certain Statutes, which, while not departing from any portion of the spirit of its author, should make it applicable to persons in every position of life.

In virtue of authority received from the Holy See, the General Chapters of the Order of Friars Minor, after long discussion and mature deliberation in their general assemblies, have given an authorised interpretation of these Statutes; and this interpretation has been publicly approved and ratified by the Sovereign Pontiffs.

These Statutes have served as a basis in the

formation and organisation of the different congregations of the Third Order, and are still the powerful lever which guides the wills and directs the proceedings of all Tertiaries in their public meetings.

The Statutes approved by Pope Innocent XI. are here exactly reproduced, as well as those previously sanctioned by Pope Paul III. Tertiaries, therefore, should venerate them greatly. They are the work of men eminent for piety and learning, and it is their duty not only to study them attentively, but to try and be imbued with their spirit.

They are, in fact, a Commentary on the Rule, of which they give the practical application, and develop the whole system of legislation for the Third Order.

As we have said before, the secular Tertiaries form two distinct bodies: those that are isolated, and those that form part of a congregation.

These Statutes, however, apply equally to all, and are drawn up so that all Tertiaries should understand the personal and individual obligations of the Rule. But in the matter of discipline they are addressed chiefly to those who form part of a congregation.

These Statutes, like the Rule, are divided into twenty chapters, bearing the same titles; but we have added a short summary of the contents of each chapter, so as to make it easier to understand any doubtful point in the Rule.