Chapter 1

Here begins the rule and form of life of the Order of the Poor Sisters, given by St. Francis.

The rule and form of life, which the Poor Sisters of the Order of Saint Clare are to live by, and which the glorious father Saint Francis hath instituted, is: to observe the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience, without property, and in chastity.

Secondly—Clare, unworthy handmaid of Jesus Christ, and little plant of our most holy father Saint Francis, owes obedience and reverence to Pope Innocent and to his successors, who shall be lawfully and canonically chosen by the Church of Rome.

Thirdly—And as in the beginning of her conversion, she with her sisters vowed obedience to the most holy father Saint Francis, so, in like manner, she vows to observe the same obedience to his successors; and the other sisters are always bound to obey the successors of the holy father Saint Francis, and to obey Sister Clare and all other Abbesses, who being lawfully and canonically chosen, shall succeed her.