Naturally he was not spared counsel on the subject, but there was one point upon which the curia could not brook delay, and of which it exacted the immediate application--the obligation of a year's novitiate for the postulants.
At the same time a bull was issued not merely for the sake of publishing this ordinance, but especially to mark in a solemn manner the commencement of a new era in the relations of the Church and the Franciscans.

The fraternity of the Umbrian Penitents became an Order in the strictest sense of the word.
Honorius, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to Brother Francis and the other priors or custodes of the Brothers Minor, greeting and the apostolic benediction.
In nearly all religious Orders it has been wisely ordained that those who present themselves with the purpose of observing the regular life shall make trial of it for a certain time, during which they also shall be tested, in order to leave neither place nor pretext for inconsiderate steps.

For these reasons we command you by these presents to admit no one to make profession until after one year of novitiate; we forbid that after profession any brother shall leave the Order, and that any one shall take back again him who has gone out from it.

We also forbid that those wearing your habit shall circulate here and there without obedience, lest the purity of your poverty be corrupted.

If any friars have had this audacity, you will inflict upon them ecclesiastical censures until repentance.[12] It is surely only by a very decided euphemism that such a bull can be considered in the light of a privilege.