THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS RULE OF LIFE
CHAPTER II
Rule of Life
1. In all things let the members of the Third Order avoid extremes of cost and style, observing the golden mean suited to each one's station in life.
2. Let them with the utmost caution keep away from dances and shows, which savor of license, as well as from all forms of dissipation.
3. Let them be temperate in eating and drinking, and devoutly say grace before and after meals.
4. They shall fast on the vigil of the Immaculate Concep-tion and on that of St. Francis (October 4); they are to be highly com-mended who, according to the original rule of the tertiaries, also either fast on Fridays or abstain from fleshmeat on Wednesdays
5. They shall approach the sacraments of penance and of the Holy Eucharist every month.
6. Tertiaries among the clergy, since they recite the divine office daily, shall be under no further obligation in this re-gard. Lay members who recite neither the canonical hours, nor the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, shall say daily twelve Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorys, unless they are prevented by ill health.
7. Let those who are entitled to make a last will and testa-ment, do so in good time.
8. In their daily life let them strive to lead others by good example and to promote practices of piety and good works. Let them not allow books or publications which are a menace to virtue, to be brought into their homes, or to be read by those under their care.
9. Let them earnestly maintain the spirit of charity among themselves and towards others. Let them strive to heal dis-cord wherever they can.
10. Let them never take an oath except when necessary. Let them never use indecent language or vulgar jokes. Let them examine their conscience every night whether they have offended in this regard; if they have, let them repent and correct the fault.
11. Let those who can do so, attend Mass every day. Let them attend the monthly meetings called by the minister prefect.
12. Let them contribute according to their means to a com-mon fund, from which the poorer members may be aided, especially in time of sickness, or provision may be made for the dignity of divine worship.
13. Let the officers either personally visit a sick member, or send some one to perform the services of charity. In case of serious illness let them remind and urge the sick person to arrange in time the affairs of his soul.
14. At the funeral of a deceased member the resident and visiting tertiaries shall assemble and say in common five de-cades of the rosary for the soul of the departed. Moreover, let the priests at the holy Sacrifice and the lay members, if possi-ble, having received Holy Communion, pray with fervent charity for the eternal rest of the deceased.
