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The Ceremonial of

Reception and

Profession

Property of the Fraternity





THE

TERTIARY

RITUAL

THE CEREMONIAL OF RECEPTION ^
PROFESSION

Excerpts from the Approved Third

Order Ritual: The Ceremonial for

Public Receptions and Professions

WITH Latin and English Texts— The
Ceremonial for the Reception and

Profession of an Individual

Publication No. 7

Office of the National Secretary

THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS

IN THE UNITED STATES

3200 Meramec Street

St. Louis 18, Missouri



Copyright, 1944 hy

THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS

IN THE UNITED STATES

Printed in the United States

Nihil obstat:

FR. LIBERATUS PRESSER, O. F. M.

FR. CONRADINUS WALLBRAUN, O. F. M.

Censores Librorum

Imprimi potest:

FR. WENCESLAUS KRZYCKL O. F. M.

Minister Provincialis

Nihil obstat:

W. M. DRUMM,
J. C. D.

Censor librorum deputatus

Imprimatur:

^ JOANNES J. GLENNON,
Archiepiscopus Sti. Ludovici

St. Louis, August 29, 1944

DM[Med



INTRODUCTION

This excerpt from the Third Order Ritual

answers a definite need—an aid to the priest
who wishes to accommodate the growing

number of individuals seeking admission into

the Third Order of St. Francis Secular. Exist'

ing manuals prove confusing to all but the

veteran Director because they present the

ritual prayers either in the singular or the

plural form. The present manual obviates

the resulting confusion by offering a separate

version of the ceremonies of reception and

profession of an individual candidate and an-

other in the plural form. The latter is en-

hanced by an English rendition on parallel

pages which, with very little direction, lends

itself to congregational recitation and enables

the assembled Tertiaries to take active part in

the impressive rites. Accordingly, legibility

was the chief aim in the preparation of the

texts.

(
3

)



3

\

•j



CEREMONY OF RECEPTION

For General Receptions

(Plural Form)

Bxquirements: A table covered with a
white cloth, on which are arranged the scap'

ulars and cords to be blessed; holy water; a

lighted wax candle. The officiating priest is

vested in surplice and a white stole.

For impressiveness and by way of mafiing

the assembled Tertiaries acquainted with the

postulants, the officiating priest may summon

the postulants by name to the altar railing.

The priest as\s the postulants fineeling be-

fore him the following question

:

(
5

)



Quae est petitio vestra?

The postulants answer:

Reverende Pater, ego humiliter postulo

habitum Tertii Ordinis de Poenitentia, ut

cum eo salutem aeternam facilius consequi

valeam.

The priest answers Deo Gratias, and ad-

dresses a few words of exhortation to the

postulants; then, facing the altar, he blesses

the habit, saying:

V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Dom-
• •

ini

R. Qui fecit coelum et terram.

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor mens ad te veniat.

V. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

Oremus

:

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui per mor-

tern Unigeniti Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu

Christi mundum restaurare misericorditer

dignatus es, ut a morte perpetua nos liberares,

(
6

)



What is your request?

Rev. Father,* I humbly ask of you* the

habit of the Third Order of Penance,* in

order that with it* I may more easily obtain

eternal salvation.

P. Thanks be to God.

L.f Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made Heaven and earth.

L. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

L. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

L. Let us Fray:

All: Almighty and eternal God,* Who,

by the death of Thy only'begotten Son, Jesus

Christ our Lord,* hast mercifully vouchsafed

to regenerate the world,* in order to deliver

us from eternal death,* and bring us to the

tSymbols: L., leader; R., response by congregation; C , con'

gregation.

(
7

)



et ad gaudia perduceres Paradisi: respice,

quaesumus, pietatis tuae oculo devotam hanc

familiam tuam hie hodie in tuo nomine con^

gregatam, cujus famulus tuus beatus Fran^

ciscus, ut tibi augeatur credentium numerus

extitit institutor. Illam super firmam petram,

quae Christus est, confirma, ut ab omnibus

turbationibus mundi, carnis et diaboli sit

secura, et incedens per tuorum semitam man-^

datorum meritis acerbissimae Filii tui pas"

sionis, et Immaculatae Matris ejus semper Vir-

ginis Mariae, ac beati Patris nostri Francisci,

omniumque Sanctorum, gaudia aeterna pos^

sideat. Per eundem Christum Dominum nos'

trum. Amen.

Oremus

:

Domine Jesu Christe, qui tegumen nostrae

mortalitatis induere, et in praesepio pannis

involvi dignatus es, quique glorioso Confes'

sori tuo beato Patri nostro Francisco tres

Ordines instituere salubriter inspirasti, ac

eosdem per summos Ecclesiae Pontifices, tui

(
8

)



joys of Paradise;* look, we beseech Thee,*

with an eye of clemency upon this Thy de-

voted family assembled here today in Thy

name,* and which Thy servant, blessed Fran-

cis founded to increase the number of Thy

faithful.* Establish it upon that firm rock,

which is Christ,* that it may be safe from all

troubles of the world,* the flesh and the

devil;* and that walking in the way of Thy

commandments,* by the merits of the most

bitter passion of Thy Son,* and of His Im-

maculate Mother Mary ever Virgin,* and

our blessed Father Francis, and all the saints,*

it may come to possess eternal joys. Through

Christ our Lord. Amen.

L. Let us Pray:

All: O Lord Jesus Christ,* Who hast
deigned to put on the garb of our mortality,*

and to be wrapped in swaddling clothes in the

manger,* and Who hast graciously inspired
Thy glorious Confessor, our blessed Father

Francis; to institute three Orders,* and the

Supreme Pontiffs of the Church, Thy Vic-

(
9

)



Vicarios, approbare fecisti, immensam tuae

clementiae largitatem suppliciter exoramus ut

haec indumenta, quae idem beatus Franciscus

ad poenitentiae indicium, ac pro valida contra

saeculum, carnem et daemonem armatura

commilitones suos Fratres de Poenitentia in

Tertio Ordine portare constituit, bene +

dicere et sancti + ficare digneris, ut hi famuli

tui (hae famulae tuae), ea devote suscipien-

tes, te ita induant, ut in spiritu humilitatis

viam mandatorum tuorum ad mortem usque

fideliter percurrant. Qui vivis et regnas in

saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Oremus

:

Deus, qui ut servum redimeres, Filium

tuum per manus impiorum ligari voluisti,

bene + die quaesumus, cingula ista: et praes'
ta, ut famuli tui, qui (famulae tuae, quae)

his poenitentiae ligaminibus praecinguntur,

vinculorum ejusdem Domini nostri Jesu Chris-

ti perpetuo memores existant, tuisque semper

obsequiis alligatos (alligatas) se esse cognos-

cant. Per eundem Christum Dominum nos-

trum.

R. Amen.

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10

)



ars,* to approve them,* we humbly beseech

the abundance of Thy clemency,* that Thou

wouldst deign to bless and sanctify these gar'

ments, which the same blessed Francis enjoin'

ed his fellow'soldiers,* the Brothers of Pen'

ance,* to wear as a badge of penance,* and

as a strong armor against the world, the flesh

and the devil:* that these Thy servants, de'

voutly receiving it,* may so clothe themselves

with Thee* that they may, in the spirit of

humihty,* faithfully walk in the way of Thy

commandments until death. Who livest and
reignest world without end. Amen.

L. Let U5 Pray:

All: O God, Who, in order that the slave
be set free,* wouldst have Thy Son to be

bound by the hands of impious men,* bless,

we beseech Thee, these cinctures* and grant

that Thy servants, who are girded with these

cinctures of penance,* may be always mind'

ful of the cords of our Lord Jesus Christ,*

and ever acknowledge themselves bound to

Thy service.* Through the same Christ our

Lord.

Amen.

(N)



Then the priest sprinkles the habit (scapu'

lar and cord) with holy water. Kneeling

down before the altar, the hymn, “Veni, Cre-

ator Spiritus” is recited or chanted alternately

with the assistants, or the assembly may sing

the familiar hymn, “Come Holy Ghost.”

1. Veni, Creator Spiritus,

Mentes tuorum visita,

Imple superna gratia.

Quae tu creasti pectora.

2. Qui diceris Paraclitus

Altissimi donum Dei.

Fons vivus, ignis, caritas,

Et spiritalis unctio.

3. Tu septiformis munere.

Digitus paternae dexterae,

Tu rite promissum Patris,

Sermone ditans guttura.

4. Accende lumen sensibus,

Infunde amorem cordibus,

Infirma nostri corporis,

Virtute firmans perpeti.

5. Hostem repellas longius,

Pacemque dones protinus;

Ductore sic te praevio,

Vitemus omne noxium.



L. Come, O Creator, Spirit blest.
And in our souls take up Thy rest;

Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid.

To fill the hearts, which Thou hast

made.

R. Great Paraclete, to Thee we cry,

O highest gift of God most high!
O font of life! O fire of love!
And sweet anointment from above!

L. Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts art known.

The finger of God’s hand we own;

The promise of the Father, Thou,

Who dost the tongue with power en-
dow.

R. Kindle our senses from above.

And make our hearts o’erflow with

love;

With patience firm and virtue high.

The weakness of our flesh supply.

L. Far from us drive the foe we dread.

And grant us Thy true peace instead;
So shall we not, with Thee for guide.

Turn from the path of life aside.

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13

)



6. Per te sciamus da Patrem,

Noscamus atque Filium,

Teque utriusque Spiritum,
'

Credamus omni tempore.

7. Deo Patri sit gloria,

Et Filio, qui a mortuis

Surrexit, ac Paraclito,

In saeculorum saecula,

Amen.

L. Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur.

R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.

Oremus

:

Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus

illustratione docuisti,* da nobis in eodem

Spiritu recta sapere et de ejus semper conso-

latione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum

nostrum. Amen.

At the conclusion of the hymn and suh'

sequent oration the priest turns to the postio

lants and says the following formulas.

The asterisk * in an oration indicates a major stop when the

oration is chanted.

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14

)



R. O may Thy grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know;

And Thee, through endless times con^

fessed,

Of both the eternal Spirit blest.

L. All glory while the ages run,

Be to the Father and the Son;

Who rose from death: the same to
Thee,

O Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen.

L. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall

be created.

R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the

earth.

L. Let us Pray

:

All: O God,* Who hast taught the hearts
of the faithful* by the light of the Holy

Ghost;* grant that we may be truly wise in

the same Spirit* and ever rejoice in His con-

solation.* Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(
15

)



/

The formulas “exuat vos” and those em'

ployed when presenting the scapular, cord

and lighted candle may be said once in the

plural form for all the postulants present;

after which the priest proceeds to bestow the

respective articles on each postulant in suc'

cession. If only a few postulants are present,

the priest may deem it more proper to repeat

the formulas for each, employing the singular

form. (See pages 47'48)

.

For the divesting ceremony

Exuat VOS Dominus veterem hominem cum

actibus suis, et cor vestrum avertat a saeculi

pompis, quibus abrenuntiastis, dum Baptis^

mum suscepistis.

R. Amen.

For imposing the scapular

Induat VOS Dominus novum hominem, qui

secundum Deum creatus est in justitia et sane-

titate veritatis.

R. Amen.

For presenting the cord

Praecingat vos Dominus cingulo puritatis,

et extinguat in lumbis vestris humorem libi-

dinis, ut maneat in vobis virtus continentiae

et castitatis.

R. Amen.

(
16

)



May the Lord divest you of the old man

with his acts, and turn away your hearts from

the pomps of the world, which you have re-

nounced when receiving' Baptism.

R. Amen.

May the Lord clothe you with the new

man, who, according to God, is created in

justice and holiness of truth.

R. Amen.

May the Lord gird you with the cincture
of purity, and extinguish in your loins the

passion of lust, that the virtue of continency

and chastity may dwell in you.

R. Amen.



For presenting the candle

Accipite, Fratres carissimi {Sorores caris'

simae), lumen Christi, in signum immortali'

tatis vestrae.

R. Amen.

Turning to the altar, the priest and assist'

ants say:

Psalm 116

Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes; laudate

eum, omnes populi.

Quoniam confirmata est super nos miseri^

cordia ejus, et veritas Domini manet in aeter^

num.

Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto.

Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper,

et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

V. Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es

in nobis.

R. A templo sancto tuo, quod est in Jeru'
Salem.

V. Salvos fac servos tuos (Salvas fac jam'

ulas tuas).

R. Deus meus, sperantes in te.

V. Mitte eis Domine, auxilium de sancto.

R. Et de Sion tuere eos.

(
18

)



Receive, dearest brothers (sisters), the

light of Christ as a sign of your immortality.

R, Amen.

Psalm 116

L. Praise the Lord, all ye gentiles, praise

Him all ye people.

R. For His mercy is confirmed upon us,

and the truth of the Lord endureth forever.

L. Glory be to the Father, and to Son,

and to the Holy Ghost.

R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and

ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

L. Confirm, O God, the work which Thou
hast wrought in us.

R. From Thy holy temple, which is in

Jerusalem.

L. Save Thy servants.

R. Trusting in Thee, O my God.

L. Send them help, O Lord, from Thy
sanctuary.

(
19

)



V. Nihil proficiat inimicus in eis.

R. Et filius inquitatis non apponat nocere

eis,

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor mens ad te veniat.

V. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

Oremus:

Deus misericordiae, Deus pietatis, Deus, a

quo bona cuncta procedunt, sine quo nihil

sanctum inchoatur, nihilque perficitur,* pre-

cibus nostris benignus assiste, et bos famulos

tuos (has famulas tuas) quibus in tuo sancto

nomine sacrum poenitentiae habitum imposu-

imus, ab omnibus periculis mentis et corporis

tua protectione defende, et concede eis in

sancto proposito ad finem usque perseverare,

ut, peccatorum suorum remissione percepta,

ad consortium electorum tuorum pervenire

mereantur.

Deus, qui per Immaculatam Virginis con-

ceptionem dignum Filio tuo habitaculum prae^

parasti; quaesumus, ut, qui ex morte ejusdem

The asterisk * in an oration indicates a major stop when the
oration is chanted.

(
20

)



R. And from Sion protect them.

L. Let not the enemy prevail against them.

R. Nor the son of iniquity approach to

• hurt them.

L. O Lord, hear my prayer.
f

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

L. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

L. Let us Pray:

All: O God of mercy,* God of love,*
God from Whom all good things proceed,*
without Whom no good thing is begun and
none brought to completion,* graciously listen

to our prayers,* and defend with Thy pro'

tection these Thy servants,* on whom we

have placed in Thy holy name the holy habit

of penance,* from all dangers of mind and

body;* grant to them to persevere to the end

in their holy resolution,* that having obtained

the remission of their sins,* they may merit

to attain to the company of Thy saints.

O God, Who by the Immaculate Concept
tion of the Virgin,* didst prepare a worthy

(
21

)



Filii tui praevisa earn ab omni labe praeser'

.

vasti,* nos quoque mundos ejus intercessione

ad te pervenire concedas.

Deus, qui mira crucis mysteria in tuo de^

votissimo confessore beato Francisco multi-
»

formiter demonstrasti,* da famulis tuis, ipsi-

us semper exempla sectari, et assidua ejusdem

crucis meditatione muniri.

Deus, qui beatum Ludovicum Confessorem

tuum de terreno regno ad coelestis regni glor-

iam transtulisti,* ejus, quaesumus, meritis et

intercessione Regis regum Jesu Christi Filii

tui facias nos esse consortes. Qui tecum vivit

et regnat in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

When one or more Sisters have been in-
nested, the prayer to St. Elizabeth is said;

otherwise, omitted.

Tuorum corda fidelium, Deus miserator,

illustra,* et beatae Elisabeth precibus gloriosis

fac nos prospera mundi despicere, et coelesti

semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum

Dominum nostrum. Amen.

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor mens ad te veniat.

V. Benedicamus Domino.

R. Deo gratias.

(
22

)



dwelling for Thy Son,* we beseech Thee*

that, as in view of the death of that Son*

Thou didst preserve her from all stain of

sin,* so Thou wouldst enable us,* being made

pure by her intercession,* to come unto Thee.

O God,* Who in many ways hast mani-
fested the wonderful mysteries of the cross*

in Thy most devoted Confessor, blessed Fran-

cis,* grant to Thy servants that they may

always follow his example,* and be fortified

by assiduous meditation on the same cross.

O God, Who hast translated blessed Louis,
Thy Confessor,* from an earthly realm to the

glory of a heavenly kingdom: grant, we be-

seech Thee,* that, through his merits and in-

tercession,* we may become the companions

of the King of kings, Jesus Christ Thy Son.

Who with Thee liveth and reigneth world
without end. Amen.

O merciful God,* enlighten the hearts of
Thy faithful,* and grant, through the glor-

ious prayers of blessed Elizabeth,* that we

may despise the pleasing things of the world,*

and ever enjoy the consolations of Heaven.*

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

L. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

L. Let us bless the Lord.

R. Thanks be to God.

(
23

)



Turning to the newly invested novices, the

priest says:

Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris et Filii

et Spiritus Sancti, descendat super vos et

maneat semper.

Before dismissing the novices, the priest

may impose on them the name of a Saint by

which they will be \nown in the Order:

Your name in the Order will be

The feast of this saint is kept on

s

One Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory is

recited for gaining the Plenary Indulgence by

the newly invested.

\



May the blessing of the almighty God,
Father, Son* and Holy Ghost, descend upon

you, and remain forever.

R. Amen.

Then the priest bestows upon the newly'

professed the so'called Blessing of St. Francis:

Benedicat + vobis Dominus et custodiat
VOS. Ostendat Dominus faciem suam vobis,

et misereatur vestri. Convertat Dominus vul-

tum suum ad vos et det vobis pacem. Dom-

inus VOS benedicat. + Amen.

Thereupon, the priestly blessing is be'

stowed upon all present:

Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris et Filii

I" et Spiritus Sancti descendat super vos et

maneat semper.

R. Amen.

Finally, the priest presents the crucifix to

the newly professed, who \iss the feet, in

to\en of love for our Lord and as a pledge of

everlasting fidelity.

One Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory

is recited by the newly professed to gain

the Plenary Indulgence.

(
25

)



CEREMONY OF PROFESSION

(Plural Form)

On the day of profession, a solemn meet'

ing of the members is held. The novices, wear'

ing outwardly the scapular and cord, \neel

at the altar railing. The officiating priest is

vested in surplice and white stole.

Unless it has already been chanted or re-

cited, the hymn “'Veni, Creator Spiritus”

opens the ceremony of profession. (See

page 12).

After the last stanza the priest and his as'

sistants say:

V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur.

R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.

Oremus:

Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus

illustratione docuisti,* da nobis in eodem Spir-

itu recta sapere et de ejus semper consol-

atione gaudere.

(
26

)



L. Send forth thy Spirit, and they shall

be created.

R. And Thou wilt renew the face of the

earth.

L. Let us Pray:

All: O God,* Who hast taught the hearts
of the faithful by the hght of the Holy Ghost,

* grant that we may be truly wise in the same

Spirit,* and ever rejoice in His consolations.

'

27)



Da, quaesumus, Domine, his famulis tuis,

quos (quas) Ordinis habitu decorare jam dig^

natus es,* ad inchoati operis perfectionem

feliciter pervenire. Per Christum Dominum

nostrum.

R. Amen.

The priest turning to the novices \neeling

before him puts the following question:

Fratres carissimi (Sorores carissimae),

quae est petitio vestra?

Dearest Brothers (Sisters), What is your

request?

The novices answer:

Reverend Father,* I ask to be admitted to

holy profession* in the Third Order of St.

Francis,* that I may serve God in it till death.

The priest, having answered Deo gratias,

shall address to the novices a few words on

the sanctity of the profession they are about

to ma\e, giving them to understand that the

profession implies no vow or other strict ob'

ligation under pain of sin; and that according

to the Rule itself and the declarations of the

Holy See, Tertiaries are not in conscience

bound to more than the rest of the faithful.

(
28

)



Grant O Lord, we beseech Thee,* that
these Thy servants,* whom Thou hast

deigned to honor with the habit of the Op
der,* may happily attain to the completion

of the work begun.* Through Christ our

Lord.

R. Amen.

Dearest Brothers (Sisters), What is your

request?

Reverend Father,* I ask to be admitted to

holy profession* in the Third Order of St.

Francis,* that I may serve God in it till death.

(
29

)



However, he shall not fail to commend, and

to endeavor to strengthen the novices’ fervor

and devotion, by examples drawn from the

lives of the saints, the salutary effects to be

derived from the profession, or by other re'

flections according as circumstances may dic'

tate.

The novices, \neeling before the priest,

shall pronounce the following formula of prO'

fession in the vernacular appearing on the

opposite page. To safeguard against omis'

sions, the priest may deem it advisable to

prompt the formula of profession phrase by

phrase.

(
30

)



I, in the presence of almighty God,* in

honor of the immaculate Virgin Mary,* of

blessed Father Francis and of all the saints,*

promise to observe, all the time of my life,*

the commandments of God and the Rule of

the Third Order,* instituted by the same

blessed Francis,* according to the form ap-

proved by Nicholas the Fourth and Leo the

Thirteenth* also to satisfy,* at the pleasure

of the Visitor,* for faults committed against

the same Rule.

And I, on the part of God, if you observe

these things, promise you life everlasting. In

the name of the Father, and of the Son, and

of the Holy Ghost.

Amen.



After the novices have pronounced the

profession, the priest replies:

Et ego, ex parte Dei, si haec observaveritis,

promitto vobis vitam aeternam. In nomine

Patris, et Filii, + et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

The priest, assistants and the newly pro'

fessed arise. ' While the priest and assistants

recite the “Te Deum,” the assembly may sing

the hymn, “Holy God, we praise Thy Name"’

or the English version of the “Te Deum” ap-

pearing on the opposite page.

1. Te Deum laudamus, te Dominum con-

fitemur.

2. Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra vener-

atur.

3. Tibi omnes Angeli, tibi coeli et univer-

sae postestates;

4. Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim, incessabili

voce proclamant:

5. Sanctus,

6. Sanctus,

7. Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.

8. Pleni sunt coeli et terra majestatis glor-

iae tuae.

9. Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,

10. Te prophetarum laudabilis numerus,

11. Te martyrum candidatus laudat exer-

citus.

(
32

)



1. We praise Thee, O God; we acknowh
edge Thee to be the Lord.

2. All the earth worships Thee, the Father

everlasting.

3. To Thee all angels, to Thee the heavens

and all the heavenly powers;

4. To Thee the cherubim and seraphim

continually cry:

5. Holy,

6. Holy,

7. Holy Lord God of Sabaoth.

8. Heaven and earth are full of the majesty

of Thy glory.

9. The glorious choir of the Apostles,

10. The admirable company of the proph^-

ets

1 1 . The white-robed army of martyrs
praise Thee.

(
33

)



12. Te per orbem terrarum sancta confite^

tur Ecclesia,

13. Patrem immensae majestatis;

14. Venerandum tuum verum et unicum

Filium;

15. Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.

16. Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.

17. Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.

18. Tu ad liberandum suscepturus horn-

inem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.

19. Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti

credentibus regna coelorum.

20. Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria

Patris.

21. Index crederis esse venturus.

22. Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis sub-

veni, quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.

23. Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria

numerari,

24. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine,

et benedic haereditati tuae.

25. Ft rege eos, et extolle illos usque in

aeternum.

26. Per singulos dies benedicimus te.

27. Ft laudamus nomen tuum in saecub

um, et in saeculum saeculi.

(
34

)



12. The Holy Church throughout the

world acknowledge Thee,

13. The Father of infinite Majesty;

14. Thy adorable, true, and only Son;

15. Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

16. Thou art the King of glory, O Christ.

17. Thou art the everlasting Son of the

Father.

18. When Thou didst take upon Thee to
deliver man. Thou didst not disdain the Vin

gin’s womb.

19. Having overcome the sting of death.

Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to

all believers.

20. Thou sittest on the right hand of God

in the glory of the Father.

21. We believe that Thou shalt come to
be our judge.

22. We therefore pray Thee, to help Thy
servants, whom Thou hast redeemed by Thy

precious blood.

23. Make them to be numbered with Thy

saints in everlasting glory.

24. O Lord, save Thy people, and bless
Thy inheritance.

25. Govern them and lift them up forever.

26. Every day we magnify Thee.

27. And we praise Thy name forever and

ever.

(
35

)



28. Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato

nos custodire.

29. Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nos'

tri.

30. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super

nos; quemadmodum speravimus in te.

31. In te, Domine, speravi, non confundar

in aeternum.

V. Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es

in nobis.

R. A templo sancto tuo, quod est in Jeru^
Salem.

V. Salvos fac servos tuos (Salvas fac jam-

ulas tuas).

R. Deus meus, sperantes in te.

V. Mitte eis, Domine, auxilium de sancto.

R. Et de Sion tuere eos (eas).

V. Nihil proficiat inimicus in eis.

R. Et filius iniquitatis non apponat nocere

eis.

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

V. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

(36)



28. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this
day without sin.

29. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have
mercy on us.

30. Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us; as

our trust is in Thee.

31. In Thee, O Lord, I have trusted; let
me never be confounded.

L. Confirm, O God, the work which Thou
hast wrought in us.

R. From Thy holy temple which is in

Jerusalem.

L. Save Thy servants.

R. Trusting in Thee, O my God.

L. Send them help, O Lord, from Thy
sanctuary

R. And from Sion protect them.

L. Let not the enemy prevail against them.

R. Nor the son of iniquity approach to

hurt them.

L. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

L. The Lord be with you.

R. And with Thy Spirit.

(
37

)



Oremus:

Deus, cujus misericordiae non est numerus,

et bonitatis infinitus est thesaurus,* piissimae

majestati tuae pro collatis donis gratias agi'

mus, tuam semper clementiam exorantes; ut,

qui petentibus postulata concedis, eosdem non

deserens ad praemia futura disponas.

Deus, qui per Immaculatam Virginis Con-

ceptionem dignum Filio tuo habitaculum

praeparasti,* quaesumus: ut, qui ex morte

ejusdem Filii tui praevisa earn ab omni labe

praeservasti, nos quoque mundo ejus inter-

cessione ad te pervenire concedas.

Domine Jesu Christi, qui, frigescente muu'

do, ad inflammandum corda nostra tui amoris

igne in came beatissimi patris nostri Francisci

passionis tuae sacra Stigmata renovasti;* con-

cede propitius, ut ejus meritis et precibus cru-

cem jugiter feramus, et dignos fructus poeni-

tentiae faciamus.

When one or more Brothers have made

profession, the prayer to St. Louis is said;

otherwise, omitted.

(
38

)



L. Let us Pray:

All: O God, Whose mercies are without
number, and the treasure of Whose goodness

is infinite;* we render thanks to Thy most

gracious Majesty for the gifts Thou hast be^

stowed upon us,* evermore beseeching Thy

clemency,* that, as Thou grantest the peti'

tions of them that ask Thee,* Thou wilt

never forsake them,* but wilt prepare them

for the rewards to come.

O God, Who, by the Immaculate Con^
ception of the Virgin,* didst prepare a

worthy dwelling for Thy Son;* we beseech

Thee,* that, as in view of the death of that

Son* Thou didst preserve her from all stain

of sin,* so Thou wouldst enable us,* being

made pure by her intercession,* to come unto

Thee.

O Lord Jesus Christ,* Who, when the
world was growing cold* didst renew the

sacred marks of Thy passion in the most

blessed Francis,* to inflame our hearts with

the fire of Thy love;* mercifully grant that

by his merits and prayers* we may always

carry the cross and bring forth worthy fruits

of penance.

When one or more Brothers have been in'
vested, the prayer to St. Louis is said; other'

wise, omitted.

(
39

)



Deus, qui beatum Ludovicum confessorem

tuum de terreno regno ad coelestis regni glon

iam transtulisti,* ejus quaesumus, mentis et

intercessione Regis regum Jesu Christi, Filii

tui, facias nos esse consortes.

'When one or more Sisters have made pro'

fession, the prayer to St. Elizabeth is said;

otherwise, omitted.

Tuorum corda fidelium, Deus miserator,

illustra,* et beatae Elisabeth precibus glori'

osis, fac nos prospera mundi despicere, et

coelesti semper consolatione gaudere.

The concluding oration is said in every

case:

Deus, qui famulos tuos (famulas tuas) a

vanitate saeculi conversos (conversas) ad

bravium supernae vocationis assequendum ac'

cendis:* pectoribus eorum (earum) illabere,

et gratiam tuam, qua in te perseverent, iUis im

funde; ut protectionis tuae muniti (mimitae)

praesidiis, quod te donante promiserunt adim'

pleant, et sancte vivendi aliis semper exem'

plum praebentes, ad ea, quae perseverantibus

promissa sunt, aeterna praemia perv’eniant.

Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

R. Amen.

(
40

)



O God, Who hast translated blessed Louis,
Thy confessor,* from an earthly reign to the

glory of a heavenly kingdom,* grant, we be-

seech Thee,* that, through his merits and

intercession,* we may become the companions

of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, Thy Son.

When one or more Brothers have been in-

vested, the prayer to St. Elizabeth is said;

otherwise, omitted.

O merciful God, enlighten the hearts of
Thy faithful,* and grant, through the glor-

ious prayers of blessed Elizabeth,* that we

may despise the pleasing things of the world,*

and ever enjoy the consolations of Heaven.

O God who dost inflame Thy servants,*
turned away from the vanity of the world,*

to strive after the reward of a heavenly vo-

cation;* take possession of their hearts,* and

infuse into them Thy grace,* by means of

which they may remain true to Thee,* so

that, fortified by the aid of Thy protection,*

they may fulfill what at Thy inspiration they

promised,* and always giving others a good

example,* they may obtain those eternal re-

wards which are promised to those that per-

severe,* through Jesus Christ, our Lord.-

Amen.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May
He show His face to you, and have mercy on

(
41

)



Benedicat vobis Dominus et custodiat vos.

Ostendat Dominus faciem suam vobis, et

misereatur vestri. Convertat Dominus vub

turn suum ad vos et det vobis pacem. Dom^

inus vos benedicat + Amen.

Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris et Filii

et Spiritus Sancti descendat super vos et man'

eat semper.

R. Amen.

(Continued from page 41)

you. May He turn His countenance to you,
and give you peace. May the Lord bless +

you. Amen.

May the blessing of almighty God, Father,
Son and Holy Ghost, descend upon you, and

remain forever.

R. Amen.

(
42

)



CEREMONY OF RECEPTION

(Singular Form)

Requirements: For the validity of the in'

vestment the proper delegation from a pro'

vincial superior of the First Franciscan

Order or Third Order Regular is required.

The ritual prayers must be said in Latin, ex-

cept the petition profferred by the postulant.

The priest is vested in surplice and white

stole; and has arranged before him the scapw

lar and cord, holy water and a lighted wax

candle.

The priest as\s the postulant \neeling be'

fore him the following question:

Quid postulas?

What do you ask?

The postulant answers:

Rev. Father, I humbly ask of you the habit

of the Third Order of Penance, in order that

\vith it I may more easily obtain eternal sal-

vation.

(
43

)



The priest answers: Deo gratias! and pro'

ceeds to the blessing of the habit (scapular

and cord), saying:

V. Adiutorium nostrum in nomine Dom-

ini

R. Qui fecit coelum et terram.

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

V. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

The prayer immediately following is omit'

ted when the investment is strictly private,

namely, outside of a meeting of the Third

Order.

Oremus :

Omnipotens, sempiterne Deus, qui per mor-

tem Unigeniti Filii tui Domini nostri lesu

Christi mundum restaurare misericorditer dig-

natus es, ut a morte perpetua nos liberares, et

ad gaudia perduceres paradisi: respice, quae-

sumus, pietatis tuae oculo devotam banc fa-

miliam tuam, hie hodie in tuo nomine con-

(
44

)



gregatam, cuius famulus tuus beatus Frau'

ciscus, ut tibi augeatur credentium numerus,

exstitit institutor. Illam super firmam pet-

ram, quae Christus est, confirma, ut ab omni-

bus turbationibus mundi, carnis et diaboli

secura, et incedens per tuorum semitam man-

datorum mentis acerbissimae Filii tui pas-

sionis, et Immaculatae Matris eius semper

Virginis Mariae, ac beati Patris nostri Fran-

cisci, omniumque sanctorum, gaudia aeterna

possideat. Per eundem Christum Dominum

nostrum. Amen.

The blessing of the scapular

Oremus

:

Domine lesu Christe, qui tegumen nostrae

mortalitatis induere, et in praesepio pannis

involvi dignatus es, quique glorioso Confes-

sori tuo beato Patri nostro Francisco tres Ord-

ines instituere salubriter inspirasti, ac eosdem

per summos Ecclesiae Pontifices, tui Vicarios,

approbare fecisti, immensam tuae clementiae

largitatem suppliciter exoramus, ut haec in-

dumenta, quae idem beatus Franciscus ad

poenitentiae indicium, ac pro valida contra

(
45

)



saeculum, carnem et daemonem armatura

commilitones suos fratres de Poenitentia in

Tertio Ordine portare constituit, benefdi'

cere, et sanctififcare digneris, ut hie famulus

tuus (haec famula tua), ea devote suscipiens,

te ita induat, ut in spiritu humilitatis viam

mandatorum tuorum ad mortem usque fideh

iter percurrat. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula

saeculorum. Amen.

The blessing of the cord:

Oremus:

Deus, qui, ut servum redimeres, Filium

tuum per manus impiorum ligari voluisti,

benefdic, quaesumus, cingulum istud, et prae-

sta, ut famulus tuus qui (famula tua, quae)

hoc poenitentiae ligamine praecingitur, vin^

culorum eiusdem Domini nostri lesu Christi

perpetuo memor exsistat, tuisque semper ob'

sequiis alligatum (alligatam) se esse cognos'

cat. Per eundem Dominum nostrum lesum

Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit . . .

Amen.

(
46

)



The priest then sprin\les the scapular and

cord with holy water and, \neeling, recites

the hymn, “Veni, Creator Spiritus” with its

proper versicles and oration as found on

page 12.

The priest rises and turns to the postulant

\neeling before him, and says:

Exuat te Dominus veterem hominem cum

actibus suis, et cor tuum avertat a saeculi

pompis, quibus abrenuntiasti, dum Baptis-

mum suscepisti.

R. Amen.

When imposing the scapular the priest
says:

Induat te Dominus novum hominem, qui

secundum Deum creatus est in iustitia et sanc"

titate veritatis.

R. Amen.

When presenting the cord the priest says:

Praecingat te Dominus cingulo puritatis, et

exstinguat in lumbis tuis humorem libidinis,

ut maneat in te virtus continentiae et castita^

tis.

R. Amen.

(
47

)



When presenting the lighted candle the
priest says:

Accipe, frater carissime, {soror carissima),

lumen Christi, in signum immortalitatis tuae.

V. Amen.

Turning to the altar, the priest says:

Psalm 116

Laudate Dominum omnes gentes: laudate

eum omnes populi.

Quoniam confirmata est super nos miseri-

cordia eius: et veritas Domini manet in aeten

num.

Gloria Patri, etc.

V. Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es

in nobis.

R. A templo sancto tuo, quod est in leru^
Salem.

V. Salvum (salvam) fac servum tuum

(servam tuam).

R. Deus meus, sperantem in te.

V. Mitte ei, Domine, auxilium de sancto.

R. Et de Sion tuere eum (earn)

.

V. Nihil proficiat inimicus in eo (ea).

R. Et filius iniquitatis non apponat no-

cere ei.

(
48

)



V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

V. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

Oremus

:

Deus misericordiae, Deus pietatis, Deus a

quo bona cuncta procedunt, sine quo nihil

sanctum inchoatur, nihilque perficitur: preci-

bus nostris benignus assiste, et hunc famulum

tuum (hanc famulam tuam), cui in tuo sane-

to nomine sacrum poenitentiae habitum im-

posuimus, ab omnibus periculis mentis et

corporis tua protectione defende, et concede

ei in sancto proposito ad finem usque persev-

erare, ut, peccatorum suorum remissione per-

cepta, ad consortium electorum tuorum per^

venire mereatur.

Deus qui per Immaculatam Virginis Con^

ceptionem dignum Filio tuo habitaculum prae'

parasti; quaesumus, ut, qui ex morte eiusdem

Filii tui praevisa earn ab omni labe praeservas-

ti, nos quoque mundos, eius intercessione, ad

te pervenire concedas.

(
49

)



Deus, qui mira crucis mysteria in tuo de-

votissimo Confessore beato Francisco multi'

formiter demonstrasti, da famulis tuis, ipsius

semper exempla sectari, et assidua eiusdem

crucis meditatione muniri.

When the newly invested novice is a Broth-
er, the prayer to St. Louis is said; otherwise,

omitted.

Deus, qui beatum Ludovicum Confesso'

rem tuum de terreno regno ad coelestis regni

gloriam transtulisti: eius, quaesumus, mentis

et intercessione Regis regum lesu Christi Filii

tui facias nos esse consortes. (Qui tecum

vivit et regnat in saecula saeculorum.

R. Amen).

When the newly invested novice is a Sister,
the prayer to St. Elizabeth is said; otherwise,

omitted.

Tuorum corda fidelium, Deus miserator,

illustra et beatae Elisabeth precibus gloriosis

fac nos prospera mundi despicere, et coelesti

semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum

Dominum nostrum, etc.

R. Amen.

(
50

)



V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

V. Benedicamus Domino.

R. Deo gratias.

Turning to the newly invested novice, the

priest says:

Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et

Filii, t et Spiritus Sancti descendat super te,

et maneat semper.

R. Amen.

(
51

)



CEREMONY OF PROFESSION

(Singular Form)

Requirements: For the validity of the pro'

fession a year and a day must have elapsed

since the investment; the officiating priest

must have the proper delegation from the Pro'

vincial superior of the First Franciscan Order

or Third Order Regidar. The ritual prayers

must he said in Latin, except the petition and

the formula of profession pronounced by the

novice. (Can. 573 coll. Can. 34). The priest

is vested in surplice and white stole; the nov'

ice, wearing outwardly the scapular and cord,

\neels before him.

The ceremony of profession opens with

the recitation of the hymn, “Veni, Creator

Spiritus” (See page 12). After the last stam

za the priest and assistants say:

V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur.

R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.

Oremus

:

Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus

illustratione docuisti: da nobis in eodem Spin

itu recta sapere et de eius semper consolatione

gaudere.

(
52

)



Da, quaesumus, Domine, huic famulo tuo

(famulae tuae), quern (quam) Ordinis habitu

decorare iam dignatus es, ad inchoati operis

perfectionem feliciter pervenire. Per Chris-

tum Dominum nostrum.

R. Amen.

The priest turns to the novice \neeling be-

fore him and puts the question:

Prater (vel Soror) N., quid postulas?

Brother (Sister) N., what do you ask?

The novice says

:

Reverend Father, I ask to be admitted to

holy profession in the Third Order of St.

Francis, that I may serve God in it till death.

The priest answers:

Deo gratias!

The novice then pronounces the formula

appearing below. In order to insure against

omissions, the priest may deem it advisable

to prompt the formula of profession phrase by

phrase.

I, in the presence of almighty God, in

honor of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, of

blessed Father Francis and of all the saints,

promise to observe, all the time of my life.

(
53

)



the commandments of God and the Rule of

the Third Order, instituted by the same

blessed Francis, according to the form ap-

proved by Nicholas the Fourth and Leo the

Thirteenth; also to satisfy, at the pleasure of

the Visitor, for transgressions committed

against the same Rule.

The priest says:

Ft ego, ex parte Dei, si haec observaveris,

promitto tibi vitam aeternam. In nomine

Patris, et Filii, f et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

And I, on the part of God, if you observe

these things, promise you life everlasting. In

the name of the Father, and of the Son, f and

of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

At this point the newly professed novice

rises, and the priest recites the hymn, “Te

Deum” with the versicles following it as

found on page 32 and 36 up to: “Dominus

vobiscum.”

V. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

(

54
)



Oremus:

Deus, cujus misericordiae non est numerus,

et bonitatis infinitus est thesaurus,* piissimae

majestati tuae pro collatis donis gratias agi'

mus, tuam semper dementiam exorantes; ut,

qui petentibus postulata concedis, eosdem non

deserens ad praemia futura disponas.

Deus, qui per Immaculatam Virginis Con^

ceptionem dignum Filio tuo habitaculum prae-

parasti,* quaesumus; ut, qui ex morte ejus'

dem Filii tui praevisa earn ab omni labe prae^

servasti, nos quoque mundo ejus intercessione

ad te pervenire concedas.

Domine Jesu Christi, qui, frigescente mun^

do, ad inflammandum corda nostra tui amoris

igne in came beatissimi patris nostri Francisci

passionis tuae sacra Stigmata renovasti;* con-

cede propitius, ut ejus meritis et precibus cru-

cem jugiter feramus, et dignos fructus poeni-

tentiae faciamus.

If the newly professed is a Brother, the

prayer to St. Louis is said; otherwise, omitted.

Deus, qui beatum Ludovicum Confessorem

tuum de terreno regno ad coelestis regni glo-

(

55
)



riam transtulisti; eius, quaesumus, mentis et

intercessione, Regis regum lesu Christi Filii

tui facias nos esse consortes.

If the newly professed is a Sister, the prayer

to St. Elizabeth is said; otherwise, omitted.

Tuorum corda fidelium, Deus miserator, iF

lustra et beatae Elisabeth precibus gloriosis

fac nos prospera mundi despicere, et coelesti

semper consolatione gaudere.

The concluding oration is said in every

case.

Deus qui famulum tuum (famulam tuam)

a vanitate saeculi conversum (conversam) ad

bravium supernae vocationis assequendum ac-

cendis: pectori eius iUabere, et gratiam tuam

qua in te perseveret ilb infunde: ut protec'

tionis tuae munitus (munita) praesidiis, quod

te donante promisit, adimpleat, et sancte viv-

endi aliis semper exemplum praebens ad ca,

quae perseverantibus promissa sunt aeterna

praemia perveniat. Per Dominum nostrum

lesum Christum, Fibum tuum, qui tecum viv-

it et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus.

Per omnia saecula saeculorum.

R. Amen.

(
56

)



The priest bestows the so-called Blessing

of St. Francis:

Benedicat tibi Dominus, et custodiat te.

Ostendat Dominus faciem suam tibi, et mis"

ereatur tui. Convertat Dominus vultum

suum ad te, et det tibi pacem. Dominus te t

benedicat. Amen.

Thereupon, the priestly blessing is be'

stowed upon all present:

Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et Fi^

lii, t Spiritus Sancti, descendat super vos,

et maneat semper.

R. Amen.

Finally, the priest presents the crucifix to

the newly professed, who \isses the feet, in

tofien of love for our Lord and as a pledge of

everlasting fidelity.

One Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory are

recited by the newly professed to gain the

Plenary Indulgence.



THE IHDULGEHCED BLESSIHG—
GEHERAL ABSOLUTION FOR TERTL
ARIES. If given immediately after Sacramem

tal Absolution, the priest uses the following

form

:

Auctoritate a Summis Pontificibus mihi

concessa plenariam omnium peccatorum tu-

orum indulgentiam tibi impertior: In nomine

Patris et Filii + et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Any priest having the faculties of the dio'

cese can impart to individuals in the com

fessional (even without previous sacramental

confession) the Indulgenced Blessing in this

short form.

For the public bestowal of the Indulgenced

Blessing the longer ritual form must he em-

ployed.

(
58

)



Days on which Tertiaries are entitled to

the Indulgenced Blessing:

The Indulgenced Blessing can be given on

any of the' days within the octave of the feasts

indicated below:

Circumcision of Our Lord, Jan. 1.

Epiphany, Jan. 6.

Purification of the B. V. M., Feb. 2.

Way of the Cross, First Friday of Lent.

St. Joseph, March 19.

Annunciation of the B. V. M., March 25.

Every day of Holy Week.

Easter Sunday.

Ascension Thursday.

Pentecost Sunday.

Trinity Sunday.

Corpus Christi.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

St. Peter and St. Paul, June 29.

Visitation of the B. V. M., July 2.

St. Clare, Aug. 12.

Assumption of the B. V. M., Aug. 15.

Seven Joys of the B. V. M., Aug. 22.

St. Louis, King, Aug. 25.

Nativity of the B. V. M., Sept. 8.

Stigmata of St. Francis, Sept. 17.

(
59

)



St. Francis, Oct. 4.

All Saints, Nov. 1.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Nov. 19.

Presentation of the B. V. M., Nov. 21

.

St. Catherine, Nov. 25.

Immaculate Conception of the B. V. M., Dec.

8 .

Nativity of Our Lord, Dec. 25.