PART ONE
INSPIRATION AND INSTITUTION
SECTION FOUR
WAY OF LIFE
CUSTOMS OF THE PROVINCE
FORMULARIES
CEREMONIALS
(1536 – 1641)
IV
CAPUCHIN LIFE AS IT WAS DESCRIBED
IN DOCUMENTS GRANTING AN OBEDIENCE,
ASSIGNING WORK TO THE FRIARS,
AND IN LETTERS OF AFFILIATION
VI
OBEDIENCES FOR EXPULSION FROM THE ORDER
from I Frati Cappuccini, a work of Costanzo Cargnoni, Edizioni Frate Indovino, Perugia, 1991, volume I, pages 1735-1738.
Translated by Patrick Colbourne OFM Cap
Table of Contents
Introduction by Costanzo Cargnoni
96-97 Gentle and rigorous formulas of obedience for those expelled from the Order
Introduction by Costanzo Cargnoni
We draw from the forms used by p. Giovan Maria da Tusa two forms of obedience for friars expelled from the Order: one is called the “mild formula” and the other the “rigorous formula”. The difference is only in the harsher or more calm tone in expressing the judgment on the person who, in both cases, is, however, considered unsuitable for Capuchin life and must be expelled so that he can enter some other religious institute, under penalty of be denounced as an apostate and thereby exposing themselves to the penalties established by law, or even being excommunicated. This last clause is typical of the “rigorous formula”.
To understand these documents, which are certainly not exciting, read what was established in this regard in the Capuchin constitutions of 1575 and following, especially the long articles relating to “apostates”, deriving from the general ordinances.
96-97 Gentle and rigorous formulas of obedience for those expelled from the Order
96. Gentle formula
[pages 1736-1737]
1717 Br. Giovanni M. da Tusa, Vicar Provincial (although unworthy) in the Capuchin Order of Friars Minor, to Br N., of the same Order.
After carefully considering of all the needs of the Province and reading some written submissions, I have gained adequate knowledge of your way of life. Because some friars think that the way that you act is quite strange, they say that it is unacceptable for you to remain in our Order. Therefore, by the authority given to me by the Supreme Pontiffs, particularly Alexander VI of happy memory,[1] we dismiss you and as far as we can give you permission to enter the Order of the Discalced Friars or another “family” while begging you not to neglect what you have vowed.
Go in peace and the Lord be in your heart.
Given at etc.
Br. Giovanni Maria as above, in my own hand.
- Cf. Compendium privilegiorum fratrum, onorum et aliorum Mendicantium, Neapoli 1595, 317s (= Eiicere, seu expellere ab Ordine). ↑