THE RULE OF LIFE
• Introduction • Chapter I • Chapter II • Chapter III • Chapter IV • Chapter V •
• Chapter VI • Chapter VII • Chapter VIII • Chapter IX •
Chapter VIII
On the Reception and Administration of the Sacraments
1. Both clerics and brother-helpers will receive Holy Communion with utmost reverence on each Sunday and on feasts, and as frequently as the Superior wishes (the domestic family will receive once a month). It should be preceded by sacramental Confession and some prayerful recollection. In the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament — which we wish to be done very seldom — the greatest care both in decoration and lighting should be observed. At least one member should be engaged in continual prayer.
2. The priests, as far as they are allowed to do so, will offer the Sacrifice of the Mass each day for the sacristy intention, not being forgetful of the dead who lack assistance. They should be aware that on the basis of a pontifical decree, only two [personal] Masses are granted them each month. So that for their part, they may perform their duty worthily, let the priests never approach the altar with some sin on their conscience, nor without the greatest interior silence nor without sufficient preparation. Let them be exemplary, sober, modest, devoted, expert and observant of the rubrics and rites of the Roman Church. In celebrating Mass, let them neither hurry nor protract it; rather, reading everything distinctly, attentively and with devotion, not protracting this divine work beyond half an hour. Let them recite the canonical hours[34] in common rather than privately. Let them give themselves to spiritual reading and to study of moral theology insistently, and to prayer without ceasing. Thus, by integrity of life and the works of piety they will not only render illustrious support and promotion to the Congregation, but they will, at the very least, be of spiritual help to the whole Catholic Church.
3. The Superior of the whole Congregation will promote only members endowed with solid virtue and sufficiently instructed with doctrine to this royal priesthood. They are to be ordained under the due title[35] with the intention that a more abundant worship of God may flourish among you, and that the help of the dead — to which you have been called — may be more effective and frequent. So that he may appoint to this place and office those who would hold and exercise it worthily and well, the Superior will have a good knowledge of the qualities of all members of his Congregation.
4. It would be expedient for preserving the spirit of humility, if, as much as possible, the priests themselves would sweep out the church, clean the linens and vessels, and attend to the decoration and maintenance of the churches and their furniture. Nor should they pompously push themselves ahead of others whom they surpass in [the] dignity (of their office], even though the greatest esteem is owed them on account of the reverence due to Christ. In hearing Confessions, let them join sweetness to prudence. They should be cautious in examining the consciences of penitents, especially the simple folk. They should be careful in assigning penances, careful about becoming friends with outsiders, and learned in resolving doubts and scruples. They should not be ignorant of those cases reserved to the Apostolic See, or the bishop or the superior; knowing that absolution is not always to be given to all. These laws [this Rule] do not oblige under any pain of sin whatsoever, except for the obligations which come from the simple vows and the oath [of perseverance].
[34] i.e., the Breviary.
[35] No one can be ordained without being "attached" either to a bishop or a religious community; those being ordained are being ordained "under the title" of a Congregation.