On Priests Who May Wish to Live in the Monastery
Apr. 14—Aug. 14—Dec. 14
If anyone of the priestly order should ask to be received into the
monastery, permission shall not be granted him too readily. But if he is
quite persistent in his request, let him know that he will have to
observe the whole discipline of the Rule and that nothing will be
relaxed in his favor, that it may be as it is written: “Friend, for what
have you come?”
It shall be granted him, however, to stand next after the Abbot and to
give blessings and to celebrate Mass, but only by order of the Abbot.
Without such order let him not presume to do anything, knowing that he
is subject to the discipline of the Rule; but rather let him give an
example of humility to all.
If there happens to be question of an appointment or of some business in
the monastery, let him expect the rank due him according to the date of
his entrance into the monastery, and not the place granted him out of
reverence for the priesthood.
If any clerics, moved by the same desire, should wish to join the
monastery, let them be placed in a middle rank. But they too are to be
admitted only if they promise observance of the Rule and their own
stability.