REGULA NON-BULLATA XXII: 9-18

9. And now that we have left the world, we have nothing else to do except to follow the
will of the Lord and to please Him. 10. Let us take great care not to be earth along the wayside,
or among the rocks, or among thorns, as the Lord says in the Gospel: 11. The seed is the word of
God (Lk 8:12).

12. But that which fell along the wayside and was trampled under foot (cf. Lk 8:5) are
those who hear (Lk 8:12) the word and do not understand it (cf. Mk 13-19). 13. And immediately
(Mk 4:15) the devil comes (Lk 8:12) and snatches up (Mt 13:19) what was planted in their
hearts (Mk 4:15) and takes the word out of their hearts, otherwise believing they might be saved
(Lk 8:12).

14. But that which fell upon stony ground (cf. Mt 13:20) are those who, once they have
heard the word, at the outset receive it with joy (Mk 4:16). 15. But when tribulation and
persecution overtake them because of the word, they falter at once (Mt 13:21) and they have no
roots in them, but last only for a time (cf. Mk 4:17), because they believe for a time and in time
of temptation they fail (Lk 8:13).

16. That which fell among thorns are those (Lk 8:14) who hear the word of God (cf. Mk
4:18) yet anxiety (Mt 13:22) and the worries (Mk 4:19) of this world and the lure of riches (Mt
13:22) and other desires come in to choke the word and they remain without fruit (cf. Mk 4:19).

17. But that which is sown on good soil are those who hear the word with a good and
noble heart (Lk 8:15) and understand it and (cf. Mt 13:23) keep it and bear fruit in patience (Lk
8:15).

18. And so we brothers, as the Lord says, should leave the dead to bury their own dead
(Mt 8:22).

ARTICLE IV
INITIATION INTO OUR LIFE

26

1
Those who are admitted to the Order must be initiated and progressively introduced into
the Franciscan Gospel life. In order that this journey of initiation may unfold, candidates, guided
by the formation personnel, shall be given the necessary experiences and knowledge.
 2
During the time of initiation the formation of the candidates, harmoniously blending the
human element with the spiritual, shall be sound, all-embracing, and adapted to the needs of
times and places.
3
Suitable methods of interactive education are to be used. Above all, candidates shall
perform tasks and services that gradually lead them to acquire self-control, as well as
psychological and emotional maturity.
4
With consideration for individual personalities and gifts of grace, candidates shall be
introduced into a spiritual life that is nourished by the reading of the Word of God, active
participation in the liturgy, and reflection and private prayer so that they are drawn more and
more to Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
5
During the time of initiation, the brothers shall acquire a thorough knowledge of the
Capuchin Franciscan Spirit and its practice by studying the life of Saint Francis, his mind
concerning the observance of the Rule, the history and sound traditions of our Order, and most of
all, by assimilating internally and physically the life to which they are called.
6
They are to cultivate in particular living as brothers both in community and with others
and be solicitous to meet their needs, so that, each day, the brothers learn to live ever more
perfectly in active communion with the Church.
7
Let them, therefore, be led to make a generous and total gift of their lives, and to develop
in themselves the availability of a missionary.

30
1
The Postulancy is the first period of initiation when one makes the choice to adopt our
life.
2
During this period, the postulant comes to know our life and makes a further and more
careful discernment of his vocation. For its part, the fraternity comes to know the postulant better
and ascertains the growth of his human maturity, and his ability to discern his life and the signs
of the times according to the Gospel.
3
The Postulant, therefore, must be helped in particular to deepen his life of faith. To this
end, the formation of the postulants is chiefly aimed at completing their catechesis in the faith,
introducing them to the liturgical life, to the methods and experience of prayer, the study of our
Franciscan heritage, to life in brotherhood, and to an initial experience of apostolic work.