1056

May 15. Velletri. Pope Alexander III grants privileges and confirmation to Rodericus magister domus sancte Marie Montis Gaudii de Jerusalem and his professed brothers. He takes the Order of Montjoie under papal protection and approves a Rule based on that of the Cistercians, with exceptions for those brothers engaged in warfare. He confirms the following possessions: the locus [on] Mons Gaudii where the house of the Order is situated, outside the walls of Jerusalem; Toanasaba given by King Baldwin III, the Turris Puellarum with 3 other towers and a garden adjacent in the city of Ascalon; 100 besants [aurei] drawn annually from the funda of Ascalon; Palmaria given by Guido de Scandalione; 300 besants [aurei] drawn annually from the logia in Acre where bread is sold; 400 besants [aurei] drawn annually from the Gate of David [in Jerusalem] ; and properties in Iberia. [165] The Order is permitted to build oratories in remote places. It is exempted from much episcopal jurisdiction, although its churches should be subject to local bishops and it should show respect to the abbot of Cîteaux. It is freed from the payment of tithes and first fruits on lands cultivated by the brothers themselves or providing animal fodder or on newly established churches and villae in deserted places. It can admit secular priests and laymen.