Faith Seeking Understanding

Daily Reading from the Rule of St Benedict

CHAPTER 62: THE PRIESTS OF THE MONASTERY
IF an abbot wants to have someone ordained priest or deacon, let him choose from his own monks one who is worthy to exercise the priesthood. The one ordained must be on his guard against elation and pride, and not presume to do anything except what the Abbot commands him, realising that he is now all the more bound to submit to the regular discipline. And let him not by reason of his priesthood forget the obedience and discipline of the Rule, but advance more and more into union with God.
As regards his position, let him always keep the place fixed for him by his entrance into the monastery, except for the service of the altar and if the Community and the Abbot wish to place him higher for the merit of his life. Still he must understand that he will have to keep the rule laid down for the deans and priors.
Should he presume to act otherwise, not the priest but the rebellion must be judged, and if he has not conformed after frequent admonitions, let the bishop be called in to confirm his guilt. If even so he does not amend, now that his faults are clear as daylight, he must be expelled from the monastery, but only if he is so arrogant that he will not submit or obey the Rule.