On the Clothes and Shoes of the Brethren
Apr. 7—Aug. 7—Dec. 7
Let clothing be given to the brethren according to the nature of the
place in which they dwell and its climate; for in cold regions more will
be needed, and in warm regions less. This is to be taken into
consideration, therefore, by the Abbot.
We believe, however, that in ordinary places the following dress is
sufficient for each monk: a tunic, a cowl (thick and woolly for winter,
thin or worn for summer), a scapular for work, stockings and shoes to
cover the feet.
The monks should not complain about the color or the coarseness of any
of these things, but be content with what can be found in the district
where they live and can be purchased cheaply.
The Abbot shall see to the size of the garments, that they be not too
short for those who wear them, but of the proper fit.
Let those who receive new clothes always give back the old ones at once,
to be put away in the wardrobe for the poor. For it is sufficient if a
monk has two tunics and two cowls, to allow for night wear and for the
washing of these garments; more than that is superfluity and should be
taken away. Let them return their stockings also and anything else that
is old when they receive new ones.
Those who are sent on a journey shall receive drawers from the wardrobe,
which they shall wash and restore on their return. And let their cowls
and tunics be somewhat better than what they usually wear. These they
shall receive from the wardrobe when they set out on a journey, and
restore when they return.
Apr. 8—Aug. 8—Dec. 8
For bedding let this suffice: a mattress, a blanket, a coverlet and a
pillow.
The beds, moreover, are to be examined frequently by the Abbot, to see
if any private property be found in them. If anyone should be found to
have something that he did not receive from the Abbot, let him undergo
the most severe discipline.
And in order that this vice of private ownership may be cut out by the
roots, the Abbot should provide all the necessary articles: cowl, tunic,
stockings, shoes, girdle, knife, pen, needle, handkerchief, tablets;
that all pretext of need may be taken away. Yet the Abbot should always
keep in mind the sentence from the Acts of the Apostles that
“distribution was made to each according as anyone had need.” In this
manner, therefore, let the Abbot consider the weaknesses of the needy
and not the ill-will of the envious. But in all his decisions let him
think about the retribution of God.