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.