Chapter 3

Let the Clerics perform the Divine Office according to the order of the Holy Roman Church, except for the Psalter; consequently, they may have breviaries. Let the Lay Brothers say twenty-four Pater Nosters for Matins; for Lauds, five; for Prime, Terce, Sext, and None, seven for each of these hours; for Vespers, twelve; for Compline, seven; and let them pray for the departed.

Let the Brothers fast from the feast of All Saints until the Nativity of the Lord. As for the holy Lent, which begins at Epiphany and continues for forty consecutive days, and which was consecrated by the Lord’s holy fast, let those who observe it voluntarily be blessed by the Lord; and let those who do not wish to do so not be obliged to observe it. But during the other Lent, until the Resurrection of the Lord, let them fast. At other times, let them not be bound to fast, except on Fridays. Nevertheless, in a time of manifest necessity, let the Brothers not be obliged to observe a bodily fast.

I counsel, admonish, and exhort my Brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ, when they go throughout the world, to avoid quarrelling, disputing with words, and judging others; but to be gentle, peaceful, modest, full of meekness and humility, and to speak honestly to everyone, as is fitting. And they should not ride on horseback, unless they are compelled to do so by manifest necessity or infirmity. Into whatever house they enter, let them first say: Peace be in this house. And, in accordance with the Holy Gospel, let them be permitted to eat of all the foods that are set before them.