hours slipping by will not return. In this way, you will work hard to merit continuously as much as possible, with the help of God, expecting the day’s wage, which is infallibly given to faithful servants (cf. Mt 20:2). 3. In church, or as often as you will find yourself in chapel, think that you are in Heaven. As many times as you cross before the Sacrament of the Altar, you will humbly kiss the ground, adoring the Lord of Heaven and Earth really present, and worthily giving thanks for so admirable a memorial. 4. May silence — the custodian of blessed recollection — be continuous among you, especially in the chapel, the sacristy, the dining room and in other places designated for the community. After the evening blessing17 and before the morning blessing, no one is allowed to say anything. If anyone should need to speak to another, let it be done with the Superior’s permission. He should precede his words with, “Blessed be God!” and the other replying, “Forever!” You will speak in a more subdued voice to the bishops or any Superiors — venerating Christ in them — having first asked for their blessing. 5. Each day, you will spend two hours in meditation. Each month, taking turns one after another, you will make a retreat — which we call “Spiritual Exercises.” We do not wish to have the Superiors exempt from this unless they are prevented from doing so by their duties. It will be the Superiors’ duty to be certain that someone is continually on retreat, with all fervor praying the Divine Goodness on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, Christian leaders, the Order, the house, benefactors and the dead. 6. So that you will be mindful of your vocation, and avid for the rewards prepared for those who loyally struggle until death, each day renew your vows privately before the Blessed Sacrament. 17 This is the blessing given by the Superior at the end of Night Prayer. The Rule of Life 291
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