97. Since delight in worldly feasts brings spiritual defilement to the Friar Minor, we ordain that the Friars shall not go to festivals (wedding receptions and the like), unless it is to preach the Word of God, after the example of Christ, Who, being invited to a feast, desired rather to preach (cf. Jn. 7:16-31). Let them remember that according to the Apostle Paul, they are made a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men (cf. 1Cor. 1:18-24); and they should strive to live such exemplary lives that through men, God may be glorified and not blasphemed.

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98. When traveling outside the Friary, for whatever purpose, the Friars shall make it their constant effort to maintain our life of prayer, poverty, penance and austerity. In doing this, we shall give greater witness to the Gospel.

 

99. Since abstinence, austerity and mortification are highly recommended by the Saints, and since we have chosen a severe life, after the example of Christ Our Lord and Saint Francis, the Friars shall keep the Holy Lents prescribed by the Rule (cf. R.B. 4). The Friars are encouraged to keep the other Lents that Saint Francis was wont to keep. The Friars shall not delight in excessive or superfluous collations. On Wednesdays they shall abstain from meat and Fridays are a day of fast and abstinence (Norms III: 10).

 

100. As Franciscan Brothers Minor we have, as an essential part of our

Franciscan Capuchin Charism, the obligation to do penance. For us, our penance takes on a particular direction with the Marian Vow. In response to Our Lady’s request at Fatima, the aim of our penance is to make reparation for sins committed against the Most Holy Eucharist and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 

101. To safeguard the spirit of mortification not more than one meal shall be served at table. The meals are to be simple, plain and common. They shall not serve at table anything that would be considered food of the wealthy. Let all the Friars remember that whereas little is needed to satisfy necessity, nothing can content sensuality (Norms III: 10a).

 

102. In order that, according to the teaching of Our Most Holy Savior, our hearts may not be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness (cf. Lk. 21:34), but that our minds may be clear and our senses mortified, we ordain that beer and liqueurs not be served at table or accepted or drunk at any time. As is the ancient custom of our Order, the Friars may drink wine mixed with water.(Norm III:11d) Let the Friars recall that according to the Seraphic Doctor Saint Bonaventure our Father Saint Francis hardly ventured to quench his thirst, and used to say that it is difficult to satisfy necessity without yielding to sensuality. It will appear sweet to the Friars if they recall that water was denied Christ on the Cross and vinegar given Him instead (cf. Jn. 19:29, Ps. 69). In the same vein, we do not use tobacco in any form.

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103. When charity demands, especially for the sick, travelers or the elderly, the Guardian may dispense certain abstinence and fasts (Norms III: 11). When a Friar seeks to go beyond the communal penances the Guardian shall not prevent him, provided that he sees that it will not prove injurious to his health, rather he shall encourage him to do so provided he takes his meals with the other Friars. During meals a spiritual book shall be read, so that not only the body, but much more the soul, be nourished (Norms I: 1, 2, and 4).

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104. Always trusting in Divine Providence, the Friars shall not beg for sweets or delicacies. Sweets may only be eaten on Sundays outside of the two Lents, solemnities and certain prescribed Franciscan Feasts (Norms III 12a). All superfluous food should be distributed to the poor. Friars shall not eat in-between meals, excepting water. The Guardians, or Vicars in their absence, may give permission for Friars to eat between meals in certain circumstances (Norms III: 12). Guardians under certain circumstances can dispense the ban on sweets.

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105. In order that our bodies may not rebel against the spirit, but in all things be subject to it, and in memory of the sweet passion and especially of the cruel scourging of Our Most Sweet Savior, it is ordained that the customary discipline be taken daily after night prayer.(Norm III: 16) While the Friars chastise themselves, they shall think with compassionate hearts of the Sweet Christ, Son of God, bound to the pillar, and endeavor to feel within themselves a little of His cruel sufferings (Norms III:16).

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106. There are penances imposed upon us by the Rule and traditions of religious life. There are penances that we freely and personally take upon ourselves and there are penances that naturally come to us, which we can neither avoid nor reject. Such penances as sickness, infirmity or disabilities are to be joyfully embraced. We must see in these sufferings of life an opportunity to offer them in reparation.