Order of Friar Minor Capuchin
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/ Peter of John Olivi

Profession of faith

F. Peter John Olivi was a famous French Friar Minor who faced significant persecution for defending the original observance of Franciscan poverty. He died in 1298. Some consider him to be the first to formulate the dogma of papal infallibility. His profession of faith remains highly relevant today.

Source : Castet 1680

I confess to God and declare in your presence, my Brothers, that I hold as an article of faith only what is contained in Scripture and what the Catholic and Roman Church, whose legitimate Pastor is Boniface VIII, teaches us. I have never followed the opinion of any Doctor as a point of faith, nor will I ever take it as such unless it is first shown to me clearly and solidly that it is part of the belief of the Roman Church. And I consider it a diabolical error to cling to the private opinion of a man with the firmness that is due only to an article of faith.

I also confess that I do not believe myself obliged to accept as a point of faith anything other than what has been determined as such, either by the Pope or by a general Council, unless reason, the authority of Scripture, or that of the Catholic faith itself compels me to believe it. However, I do not intend to deny that the opinions of Doctors deserve great respect, provided they contain nothing that is evidently contrary to the faith. It is even useful for there to be differing opinions, as long as they are not upheld with obstinacy; for in this way, the truth is better examined, minds are sharpened through debate, and one arrives more securely at the clarification of the mysteries of faith.

But I refer only to those opinions that are below the level of faith, which can serve to defend it and to make it more easily understood.

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