Chapter VIII On the Reception and Administration of the Sacraments 1. Both clerics and brother-helpers will receive Holy Communion with the utmost reverence on each Sunday and on feasts, and as frequently as the Superior wishes (the domestic family will receive once a month). It should be preceded by sacramental confession and some prayerful recollection. In the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament — which we wish to be done very seldom — the greatest care both in decoration and lighting should be observed. At least one member should be engaged in continual prayer. 2. The priests, as far as they are allowed to do so, will offer the Sacrifice of the Mass each day for the sacristy intention, not being forgetful of the dead who lack assistance. They should be aware that, on the basis of a pontifical decree, only two [personal] Masses are granted them each month. So that for their part, they may perform their duty worthily, let the priests never approach the altar with some sin on their conscience, nor without the greatest interior silence or sufficient preparation. Let them be exemplary, sober, modest, devoted, expert and observant of the rubrics and rites of the Roman Church. In celebrating Mass, let them neither hurry nor protract it; rather, reading everything distinctly, attentively and with devotion, not protract this divine work beyond half an hour. Let them recite the canonical hours33 in common rather than privately. Let them give themselves to spiritual reading and the study of moral theology insistently, and to pray without ceasing. Thus, by integrity of life and the works of piety, they will not only render illustrious support and promotion to the Congregation but they will, at the very least, be of spiritual help to the whole Catholic Church. 3. The Superior of the whole Congregation will promote only members endowed with solid virtue and sufficiently instructed with doctrine to this royal priesthood. They are to be 33 i.e., the Breviary. The Rule of Life 299
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