A Look at The Rule

By: Christopher Dalrymple, KTO

This series of articles hopes to revisit the Rule of the Templars for use on our Templar Way in this modern world.

This work takes the Latin Rule of the Templars as presented in the French Rule around 1139 and translated into English and published by Upton-Ward.  The French Rule of the Templars is then paraphrased and interpreted into the modern vernacular in an attempt to provide a contemporary insight into the historic templars.  This work seeks to embody the principle offered by the Templar Rule having more to do with the modern day Templar seeking to live a principled life based upon Templar principles. 

1. 1. We speak firstly to all those who desire with a pure heart to serve, and who desire to permanently wear the very noble armor of obedience.  We admonish you to follow those whom God has chosen, those called by God, and those whom he has ordered to defend the chosen, and that you hasten to join them forever.
   

2. 2.Whoever would be a knight and choose such holy orders must unite pure diligence and firm perseverance so worthy and known to be so noble in character that if it is preserved untainted you will deserve to keep company with those who live forever.  This order has revitalized the order of knighthood.  Unlike the popular knighthoods, this order defends the poor, widows, orphans, and places of worship.  It does not seek to plunder, despoil and kill.
   

3. 3.At the request of Master Huges de Payens, this Council assembled at Troyes, found this knighthood, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, on January 13, 1128, in the ninth year of their existence.  We listened to Master, Brother de Payens relate the experiences of his order.  We praised what, to us, seemed good and beneficial, and what seemed wrong we eschewed.
   

4. 4.We can not relate everything that was told to us, and so not to be taken lightly we, by unanimous decision, left the matter to the discretion of the pope, and to the noble patriarch of Jerusalem, Stephen de la Ferte, who knew the affairs of the East and of the Poor Knights of Christ.
   

5. 5.I, Jean Michel, by order of the council, and the venerable father Bernard, abbot Clairvaux, served as the humble scribe of this document.
   

6. 6.First was Matthew, bishop of Albano, by the grace of God legate of the Holy Church of Rome; Renaud de Martigne, archbishop of Reims;  Henri Sanglier, archbishop of Sens; Geoffroi de Leves, archbishop of Chartres and their suffrigans
   

7. Gocelin de Vierzy, bishop of Soissons; the bishop of Paris, Etienne de Senlis; The bishop of Troyes, Hatton; the bishop of Orleans, Jean II; the bishop of Auxerre, Saint Huges de Montaigu; the bishop of Meaux, Burcard; the bishop of Chalons, Erlebert; the bishop of Laon, Barthelemi de Vir or de Jura; the bishop of Beauvais, Pierre de Dammartin;
   

8. the abbot of Vezelay, Renaud de Saumur (16th abbot of Vezelay), who was later made archbishop of Lyon and legate of the Church of Rome; the abbot of Citeaux, Saint Stephen Harding (3rd abbot of Citeaux); the abbot of Pontigny, Huges, count of Macon (first abbot of Pontigny); the abbot of Toris-Fountaines, Gui (2nd abbot of Trois-Fontaines); the abbot of St. Denis de Reims, Urison (the 2nd abbot of St. Denis de Reims); the abbot of St-Etienne de Dijon, Herbert (16th abbot of St. Etienne de Dijon); the abbot of Molesmes, Gui (3rd abbot of Molesmes); the above named Bernard, first abbot of Clairvaux, whose words the aforementioned praised liberally.
   

9. Also present were master Aubri de Reims; master Fulcher and several others whom it would be tedious to record, but all were lovers of the truth including count Theobald (8th count of Champagne); Guillaume II, the count of Nevers; Andre de Baudemant.
   

7. 7.So it was that Brother Hugues de Payens, Master of the Knighthood, with Brother Roland, Brother Godefroy, Brother Geoffroi Bisot, Brother Payen de Mondidier, and Brother Archambaut de Saint-Amand, related the customs and observances of their humble beginnings as they recalled them.
   

8. 8.The conclusion of the deliberations made in consultation with the Holy Scriptures, the wisdom of the Pope of the Holy Church of Rome, and of the patriarch of Jerusalem, and with the assent of the chapter, and the agreement of the Poor Knights of Christ of the Temple which is in Jerusalem, are set down in writing in this document.  
   

9. They should be steadfastly kept so that by an upright life one may come to his creator; the compassion of the Lord is sweeter than honey from God; whose mercy resembles a precious ointment used for annointing the sacred, and (who) permits us to come to Him whom they desire to serve.
   

9. 9.Those of you who are knights, and those who are members for a fixed term, strive with pure desire to start your day with reverence to your God, and observe all of the religious services of your faith.
   

10. If you will not indulge in the deceitful world; if you hold to the perpetual love of God, and do not listen to the temptations of your physical body; you will be sustained by the nourisment of God and watered and instructed in God's commands.
    

11. Then you will have no fear of any struggle you may face.
    

10. 10.  If it comes about that a Templar is working and is not able to participate in their religious observances, they should take time for private observances as frequently as is desired in order to render to God his due.  If possible, however, the regular religious observances should not be omitted.
    

11. 11. If anyone of worthy character choses to participate in the Templar Order, do not consent to receive them immediately.  Let the Rule be read to them.  If they wish to studiously hold to the Rule, and if it please the Master and the knights, receive them. Let them reveal their wish and desire before the assembled chapter with a pure heart.
    

12. 12.  Gather with non-Templars and let them know of your intentions.  If anyone wishes to join the order of knighthood, carefully consider their intentions and receive them to the benefit of all, not just the order.  If their life is honest and worthy of company, and if it seems good to the Master and knights, let them be received.  If they should die before completion of their knighthood let them be given all the benefits of the order due to one of the Poor Knights of the Temple.
    

13. 13.  Templars should not otherwise share the company of people of poor intention, nor receive their donations.  People of weak intention, but are not of poor intention, may make donations to the order with the permission of their commander.
    

14. 14.  We advise you not to admit children into the order until such time as the child is able to willingly bear the burdens of the Templar.  It is much better not to commit to a vow while one is still a child so that the child will not regret it when he is older.
    

15. 15.  The Council understands from true witnesses that when learning and praying some stand regardless of whether others are sitting or not.  We disapprove of such inconsideration on the part of some and command that for parts of the religious services all should stand, if possible, and all should sit in unity rather than chaotic fashion. And individual prayers should be said in silence, softly and not loudly, so that the proclaimer does not disturb the prayers of the others.
    

16. 16.  The council decides that at particularly moving parts of the religious services all should stand and bow towards the altar in reverence. At the certain points of religious services where standing is in order, all will stand if possible, while the weak and ill will bow their heads.
    

17. 17.  While it was previously the custom for the brothers to wear secular clothing that was donated, the council determines that all of the habits should be of one color: white or black or brown.  
    

18. Knights are granted white cloaks.
    

19. "Chastity is certitude of heart and healthiness of body" the Rule tells us.   Those who have abandoned the life of darkness may thus recognize each other as being reconciled to their creator by the sign of the white habits: which signifies purity and chastity.
    

20. Those who are not of this knighthood should not have a white cloak.
    

18. 18.  These robes should be without any finery or show of pride.  Also there should not be anything used in construction of the robes, unless it is of lambs' wool or sheep's wool.
    

19. The council determines that all the knights of the order will be uniform in dress and outfitting.  The Draper, or the one assigned that task, should take care to insure that robes are not inappropriate for use.  The Draper should distribute robes so that they suitably fit those who must wear them.
    

19. 19.  Should any member wish to have better equipment than what is issued, let them be given the worst, so that their pride might be corrected.
    

20. When a member receives new robes the old ones should be immediately returned to be recycled for use according to the dictates of the office of the Drapier.
    

20. 20.  Despite the rule on wearing wool, because of the environment, more comfortable and suitable wear may be given.
    

21. 21.  Uniformity of clothing extends to bedding and is at the discretion of the Master, but each member should have a suitable place to stay warm and protected when resting. Warriors will at all times rest clothed for action. Where they rest shall be lighted until morning.  The Draper should ensure that members hair, beards and mustaches are well and usefully groomed.
    

22. 22.  Templars should not be concerned with currently pleasing fashion statements when it comes to their appearance. They also should not wear their hair nor their clothing at extreme lengths. For those who serve the sovereign creator must be born on the inside and the outside as God's representative.
    

23. 23.Wherever Templars eat as one, let decorum and respectful quiet prevail so as to not disturb the repast of others. Ask for needs in a quiet and undisturbing voice with all humility and submission.
    

24. 24.  Whenever the members gather for a meal as a private group use the time to share lessons of wisdom. The reader of the lesson will tell you to keep silent before he begins to read.
    

25. 25.  Historic Templars ate in pairs "because of the shortage of bowls." Templars should have a "buddy" so that one may study the other more closely, so that neither austerity nor secret abstinence is introduced without observation. All Templars should have the same ration of wine.
    

26. 26.  It should be sufficient for Templars to eat meat three times a week, except for the festive Holy days.  It is understood that the custom of eating flesh corrupts the body.  If the Templar misses a meat meal because of circumstances, make it up at the next opportunity.  Be flexible, but be consistent.  It was the custom of the historic Templars that on Sundays all the brothers of the Temple, the Chaplains and the clerks shall be given two meat meals that day in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The squires and sergeants were to be content with one meat meal on Sunday.
    

27. 27.  On the other days of the week, that is on Mondays, Wednesdays and even Saturdays the brothers shall have two or three meals of vegetables or other dishes. He who does not eat one of the meals served shall eat the other.
    

28. 28.  One day a week, historically on Friday, Templars should eat seafood [LENTEN MEAT].  Fasting, skipping a meal, is encouraged for Templars during the winter months.  But the weak and sick should continue with their normal diets.  From Spring to Fall eat two meals per day except on the occasional festive observance.
    

29. This will result in a general diet such as this:
    

30. Sunday--Two meat centered meals
    

31. Monday--Vegetables and other protein sources (seafood, legumes, nuts, etc.)
    

32. Tuesday--one Meat centered meal
    

33. Wednesday--Vegetables and other protein sources
    

34. Thursday--One Meat centered meal
    

35. Friday--Vegetables and seafood centered meals
    

36. Saturday--Vegetables and other protein sources
    

37. 
    

38. From November through Spring time skip one meal per day.
    

39. From Spring time through October eat two meals per day.
    

29. 29.  After every meal the Templars should, in silence, give thanks.  The historic Templars would go to a church if it were nearby, but otherwise would give thanks in the place where they eat.  The leftovers of the meal were to be given to those in need.  The unopened, or unused, portions of the meal service are to be served again.  The Templar Order should provide 10% of its provisions to the Almoner for provision to those in need.
    

30. 30.  At the end of the working day and before evening activities, especially during the times when the Templars are only eating one full meal per day, the Templar SHOULD eat a light snack.  When eating as a group the commanding officer of the group governs the composition of this light snack and its menu.  This is to be a very light meal and should not be the same menu as a full meal.  Alcohol, if any, as all components of this meal, should be consumed in moderation.
    

31. 31.  At the end of the day, after the completion of all activities of the day, and while the Templars are going to bed, there shall be quiet. Talking should only be when necessary, and then softly and quietly. The objective is to create a quiet and peaceful place of rest. In case of emergency, however, do what is necessary.
    

32. 32.During this time of quiet there SHALL be no idle words, or bursts of laughter or other playfulness. If in conversations during the quiet time the Templar has said or done what should not be said, reflect on it prayerfully when you go to your bed.
    

33. 33.  Templars who are ill should get more rest. With the permission of their officers in command they may arise later, and spend more time in reflective prayer and meditation.
    

34. 34.  Historic Templars held to the Scripture which said "each was given according to his need." No one was "too good" to take care of the ill. Those who are comparatively "less ill" than others should be thankful rather than troubled that others may receive more attention. And those who are "most ill" should be humbled through their infirmity and not seek to massage their pride with the pity of others. In other words, even illness serves a need. Look to the need of the illness rather than the comparison of infirmities and the seeking pride in infirmity.
    

35. 35.  The commanding officer of the historic Templars, the Master, was the authority of the order and custodian of all its assets. As all of the belongings of all of the brothers belonged to the Order, He could give to whomsoever he pleases the horse and armor and whatever he likes of another brother. From this is demonstrated that the commanding officer is the custodian of the group's assets and may distribute them as seen fit for the good of the group.
    

36. 36.  Only Templars whom the commanding officer knows to give wise and beneficial advice should be called upon to counsel. There shall be a leadership council of these wise leaders to tend to issues to be addressed by the leadership. When a significant issue that affects the whole group arises, if the Master wishes, it is appropriate to assemble the entire group to hear the advice of the whole chapter. The commanding officer should do what seems most beneficial and best.
    

37. 37.  Templars who travel through this world should endeavor to keep to the principals of the Templars according to their ability and live without reproach. Do not sully by deed or word the precepts of the Order. Set an example of good works and wisdom, and so bring honor upon those with whom you associate. Operate in the light at all times, even at night, so that neither temptation nor other enemy may creep upon you in the darkness, and so that others may witness that you operate above reproach.
    

38. 38.  Each Templar should ensure that he does not incite those about him to wrath or anger.
    

39. 39.  The historic Templars professed strictly to obey their Master; and that as soon as something is commanded by the Master, or by those to whom he has given authority, they would do without delay. Templars respect and obey those in authority over them.
    

40. 40.  All historic Templars were restricted in their travels about Jerusalem without the permission of the Master or his authorities. The exception was that they may go to the the Church of the Holy Sepulcher at night, and to the places of prayer within the city of Jerusalem. Templars are mindful of where they go, but may certainly go unto places of prayer within places of peace. Templars may go to these places of prayer in pairs.
    

41. 41.  When stopped while traveling, Templars may not go to another's lodging to see him without permission from their authority, for Templars do not choose for themselves their actions, but rather serve according to the orders of their Master, to whom they submit. The ultimate authority for the Templar is God.
    

42. 42.  Templars shall not exchange or trade their rations without permission from the Master, unless it is a thing of little or no meaning or purpose.
    

43. 43.  The historic Templars were not to have personal lockable containers without the consent of the Master. The commander in authority, however, were not held to this and could secure the possessions of the order. Templars should not seek to posses their material items as personal possessions. The authorities of the group, however, may secure the possessions of the group.
    

For the historic Templars, even letters from relatives or others were not allowed to be in the possession of the Templar, but the information could be read to them if their authority allowed. Templars have no secrets from one another and should be open hearted with each other in all things. Templar leadership, however, may keep the possessions of the group secure.

44. 44.  Donations of items to the Templars should be presented to the appropriate group authority. Donations to the Templars, but intended for an individual Templar, are received only with the permission of the authority in command. The authority in command is not held to this rule as he or she is the authority in command.
    

45. 45.  If any Templar in speaking, in action, or in any other way commits a transgression of Templar principals or rules, he should willingly make the transgression known to the authority in command and make amends with a pure heart. Penalties should be light if transgressions are not the Templar's usual custom. But if the transgression is very serious remove the Templar from fellowship to spend time alone, and be subject to the mercy and judgment of the group.
    

46. 46.  Ensure that no Templar becomes prideful of his transgression, by remaining unpunished in some way. If a Templar does not wish to atone for his transgression let him be given a harsher punishment. If a Templar does not wish to make amends, but rather boasts of their transgression, remove him from membership.
    

47. 47.  Justice is the pervue of the Master, who holds the staff and the rod. The staff being a symbol of supporting weaknesses and strengths, and the rod with which to defend against the assaults of others. The principal of justice for the Templars is that established by the Bishop of Turin--"May the leniency be no greater than the fault; nor excessive punishment cause the sinner to return to evil deeds."
    

48. 48.  Templars are commanded to avoid a plague--envy, rumor, spite, slander--by not accusing or maligning others. Those who disparage others suffer from a terrible blindness. When a Templar knows for certain that a fellow Templar has transgressed in some manner, one should quietly and with mercy, chastise the other between the two of them in private. If the accused does not wish to listen, another Templar should be called to confer. If the accused scorns them both then he should be brought before the whole Chapter.
    

49. 49.  Idle words for self-glorification are generally known to be of malintent, and one should guard against such. Bragging about past deeds is not part of the Templar Way. If a Templar hears them being told by another Templar he should immediately silence him, and if he cannot he should straightaway leave his presence and not give ear.
    

50. 50.  No Templar, for any reason, should explicitly ask for the rations in the possession of another Templar. If there is a NEED, the Templar should make the situation known to the appropriate authority and proceed accordingly.
    

51. 51.  The historic Templars were each allowed three horses and one squire, and no more without the permission of the Master. Squires who serve willingly and voluntarily should be treated with kindness and NOT hostility.
    

52. 52.  No Templar should ornament his equipment that he purchases for himself. Used ornamented equipment that is not for purposes of prideful display is permitted. New equipment donated to a Templar should be dealt with by the Master as he sees fit. A Templar is prepared, not pretty.
    

53. 53.A Templar's equipment should be ever ready for use. Covers for storage, protection, or for "covering" Templar equipment is of no advantage, and could be harmful. A Templar is prepared, not hidden.
    

54. 54.  No Templar may make a food or storage bag made principally of cloth or anything else except of fine chain mail. This will more securely protect the possession and deter the temptation of others.
    

55. 55.  Templars do not participate in hunting and killing animals merely for pleasure and do not go with anyone else who does, except out of love to save him from assault. It is fitting for Templars to go simply and humbly without too much talk or laughter, and with reasonableness and calm demeanor.
    

56. 56.  Templars may hunt animals that are of an immediate threat to humans.
    

57. 57.  The historic Order was known as the knights of the Temple and were permitted to be Lords--have lands and keep men, villeins and fields, and govern them justly, and take their right of them as it was specifically established. The Templars act as a corporate entity.
    

58. 58.The historic Templars "abandoned the pleasant riches of this world" and "willingly subjected" themselves to poverty. Thus they were allowed, as a community, to receive tithes. The Bishop of where the Templars lived could even give give a tithe from the possessions of the church over which he had authority. The Templars were permitted to receive monies set aside for the specific use of God.
    

59. 59.  When anyone asks the judgment of a Templar or the organization they should judge the thing in all faithfulness and love of truth. The same holds when something is stolen from you. Be wise, be faithful, be true.
    

60. 60.  The aging and weak Templars are to be honored with diligence and given consideration according to their frailty. They are to be kept well in the things necessary to their physical welfare by those who are responsible for them. They should in no way be in distress.
    

61. 61.  Templars who are disabled should be treated quietly and with care. The Infirmarer should studiously and faithfully provide those things which are necessary to the wellness of various sick and disabled Templars according to the means of the community.
    

62. 62.  Every Templar passes from life to death. Observances with a pure heart are allowed, as are remembrances in the name of the deceased at the time of his death. However, the indiscriminate "at will" remembrances of the deceased at the observances of feasts for other purposes are not appropriate. In other words the "indiscriminate memorial service" of a Templar or Templars at some time after the fact of the death, and during the observance of another feast, is not appropriate.
    

63. 63.  A Templar is prepared at ANY time to die during service. Being prepared to die for the benefit of others is a suitable offering and a living sacrifice.
    

64. 64.Templars who receive offerings and alms of any manner are to tender such receipts to the chaplains and the clerks (the delegates of the Marshal). The individual Templar is not to presume to receive such charity for self unless the Master authorizes it out of charity.
    

65. 65.The historic Templars had secular knights who served voluntarily for a fixed term. They were considered members of the Knights of the house of God and of the Temple of Solomon. Each was to be properly memorialized at his death.
    

66. 66.  The secular knights provided their own arms and necessary equipment. The Templars and the knight set a price, in writing, on the horse. Everything else that the knight, his squire, and horse needed were to be provided through the charity received by the fraternity, according to the means of the house. If the horse died during the service of the house, and if the house could afford it, the Master replaced the horse. At the end of his contract the knight would leave half the price of the horse to the house. He might receive the other half, if he wished, from the donations to the house. Templars deal fairly with one another.
    

67. 67.  Those who come to serve the Templars as squires, sergeants or in other capacities, should be respected. Their promises to serve should be respectfully received and honored.
    

68. 68.  Any member who is without discretion should be expelled. No member other than a Knight of the Temple is to use the white habit or mantle. Squires, sergeants and others should be given black robes, or brown if black is not available. The reason for this is that when all levels of the order wore the white mantle, the men who were still worldly set bad examples and gave the order as a whole a bad reputation.
    

69. 69.  The Historic Templars had a provision that if a married person wished to be admitted to the Order they were permitted to be admitted, but on condition that they leave a part of their estate and all that they obtained following their admission to the order. If the married member died before the spouse, the Order would take part of the estate and let the spouse have the rest for their support. The Templars had provision for members who were companion members of the order.                                                                        
    

Companion members would not wear white habits or cloaks for such associate members who had not taken the vow of chastity to God could not live in a house with Templars who had.

70. 70.  The historic Templar's Rule 70 stated "...Henceforth, let not ladies be admitted as sisters into the house of the Temple...henceforth it is not fitting to follow this custom...."
    

The author of this book notes "This implies that women were previously involved in the Order, not just as associates..."

Examples of women who took the normal monastic vows and were accepted into the Order are cited by the author of this book.

71. 71.  The historic Templars' Rule 71 stated "we believe it to be a dangerous thing for any religious to look too much upon the face of woman. For this reason none of you may presume to kiss a woman...and henceforth the Knighthood of Jesus Christ should avoid at all costs the embraces of women...so that they may remain eternally before the face of God with a pure conscience and sure life."
    

The historic Templars had, at a point prior to the Rule of Bernard, permitted women in, and had women associated with, the order. With Bernard's rule, it was desired that their focus be upon God and their duty without distractions of any kind.

72. 72.  The historic Templar's Rule 72 stated "We forbid all brothers henceforth to dare to raise children over the font and none should be ashamed to refuse to be godfathers or godmothers..."
    

Again the implication is that there had been "Templar godmothers" at one point in time prior to the Rule of Bernard.

73. 73.  "All the commandments which are mentioned and written above in this present Rule are at the discretion and judgment of the Master."
    

74. 74.  The following are the observed Holy Days of the Templar Order that were celebrated with Catholic rites of fasting and feasting:
    

1. Epiphany                                                January 5
   

2. 
   

3. St. James the lesser and St. Philip        April 30
   

4. 
   

5. Ascension                                              Between April 29 and June 2
   

6.    
   

7. St. Mark                                                  April 25
   

8. 
   

9. Pentecost                                               Between May 9 and June 12
   

10. 
    

11. St. John the Baptist                                June 23
    

12. 
    

13. St. Peter and St. Paul                            June 28
    

14. 
    

15. St. James the Great                              July 24           
    

16. 
    

17. St. Laurence                                          August 9
    

18. 
    

19. Our Lady in mid-August                        August 14
    

20. 
    

21. St. Bartholomew                                   August 23
    

22. 
    

23. St. Matthew                                          September 20
    

24. 
    

25. Sts Simon and Jude                             October 27
    

26. 
    

27. All Saints                                              October 31
    

28. 
    

29. St. Andrew                                           November 29
    

30. 
    

31. St. Thomas                                          December 20
    

32. 
    

33. Nativity of Our Lord                             December 25
    

34. 
    

35. Ember Days    Any of four groups of three days of prayer and fasting on Wed, Fri, and Saturday--1st Sunday in Lent, Whit Sunday, Holy Cross Day (Sept 14) St. Lucia's Day (Dec 13).
    

The specific rules for the observance of the Catholic ritual are listed in the Rule.

Templars observe the Holy Days of their Faith.

75. 75.  The following are the observed feast days of the Templars:
    

1. The eighth day of Christmas               January 1
   

2. Epiphany                                             January 5
   

3. St. Mary Candlemas                           February 2
   

4. St. Mathias the Apostle --
   

5. The Annunciation of Our Lady            March 25
   

6. Easter and 3 days following                Varies
   

7. St. George                                          April 23
   

8. Sts Philip and James                          April 30
   

9. The finding of the Holy Cross             May 3
   

10. The Ascension of Our Lord                Between April 29 and June 2
    

11. Pentecost & the 2 days after              Between May 9 and June 12
    

12. St. John the Baptist                            June 23
    

13. St. Peter and St. Paul                        June 29
    

14. St. Mary Magdalene                          July 22
    

15. St. James the Apostle                       July 24
    

16. St. Laurence                                      August 10
    

17. The Assumption of Our Lady            August 15
    

18. The Nativity of Our Lady                   September 8
    

19. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross      September 14
    

20. St. Matthew                                      September 20
    

21. St. Michael                                       September 29
    

22. Sts Simon and Jude                        October 27
    

23. All Saints                                         October 31
    

24. St. Martin in winter                          November 11
    

25. St. Catherine in winter                    November 25
    

26. St Andrew                                       November 29
    

27. St Nicholas in winter                      December 6
    

28. St Thomas                                     December 20
    

29. St. Stephen                                    December 26
    

30. St. John the Evangelist                 December 27
    

31. The Holy Innocents                       December 28
    

Templars celebrate life.

76. 76.  None of the lesser feasts should be kept by the Order. These rules and dietary guidelines are sufficient. Fasting should occur from the Sunday before St. Martin's (November 11) to the Nativity of Our Lord (December 25), unless illness prevents it.