St. Benedict's Rule for MonasteriesBenedict, Saint, Abbot of Monte Cassino
Religion
St. Benedict's Rule for Monasteries
Benedict, Saint, Abbot of Monte Cassino
Benedictines -- Rules
Moreover, if the Abbot perceives that he is a worthy man, he may put him
in a somewhat higher rank. And not only with regard to a monk but also
with regard to those in priestly or clerical orders previously
mentioned, the Abbot may establish them in a higher rank than would be
theirs by date of entrance if he perceives that their life is deserving.
Let the Abbot take care, however, never to receive a monk from another
known monastery as a member of his community without the consent of his
Abbot or a letter of recommendation; for it is written, “Do not to
another what you would not want done to yourself.”
CHAPTER 62
On the Priests of the Monastery
Apr. 17—Aug. 17—Dec. 17
If an Abbot desire to have a priest or a deacon ordained for his
monastery, let him choose one of his monks who is worthy to exercise the
priestly office.
But let the one who is ordained beware of self-exaltation or pride; and
let him not presume to do anything except what is commanded him by the
Abbot, knowing that he is so much the more subject to the discipline of
the Rule. Nor should he by reason of his priesthood forget the obedience
and the discipline required by the Rule, but make ever more and more
progress towards God.
Let him always keep the place which he received on entering the
monastery, except in his duties at the altar or in case the choice of
the community and the will of the Abbot should promote him for the
worthiness of his life. Yet he must understand that he is to observe the
rules laid down by deans and Priors.
Should he presume to act otherwise, let him be judged not as a priest
but as a rebel. And if he does not reform after repeated admonitions,
let even the Bishop be brought in as a witness. If then he still fails
to amend, and his offenses are notorious, let him be put out of the
monastery, but only if his contumacy is such that he refuses to submit
or to obey the Rule.
CHAPTER 63
On the Order of the Community
Apr. 18—Aug. 18—Dec. 18
Let all keep their places in the monastery established by the time of
their entrance, the merit of their lives and the decision of the Abbot.
Yet the Abbot must not disturb the flock committed to him, nor by an
arbitrary use of his power ordain anything unjustly; but let him always
think of the account he will have to render to God for all his decisions
and his deeds.
Therefore in that order which he has established or which they already
had, let the brethren approach to receive the kiss of peace and
Communion, intone the Psalms and stand in choir. And in no place
whatever should age decide the order or be prejudicial to it; for Samuel
and Daniel as mere boys judged priests.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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