How Pilgrim Monks Are To Be Received
Apr. 15—Aug. 15—Dec. 15
If a pilgrim monk coming from a distant region wants to live as a guest
of the monastery, let him be received for as long a time as he desires,
provided he is content with the customs of the place as he finds them
and does not disturb the monastery by superfluous demands, but is simply
content with what he finds. If, however, he censures or points out
anything reasonably and with the humility of charity, let the Abbot
consider prudently whether perhaps it was for that very purpose that the
Lord sent him.
If afterwards he should want to bind himself to stability, his wish
should not be denied him, especially since there has been opportunity
during his stay as a guest to discover his character.
Apr. 16—Aug. 16—Dec. 16
But if as a guest he was found exacting or prone to vice, not only
should he be denied membership in the community, but he should even be
politely requested to leave, lest others be corrupted by his evil life.
If, however, he has not proved to be the kind who deserves to be put
out, he should not only on his own application be received as a member
of the community, but he should even be persuaded to stay, that the
others may be instructed by his example, and because in every place it
is the same Lord who is served, the same King for whom the battle is
fought.
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.”