is the last and final, because in it, while we live in this valley of sorrows, consists the perfection of our souls. In order to possess this grace of the Cross, or of compassion for the Crucified and for his Virgin Mother [cf. Eph 4:24], the members should consider that this grace is not found in the land of those who live a carefree life [cf. Jb 28:13]. So the member who wishes to arrive at this virtue of necessity must live a life of abstinence and sobriety, and seek consolation in his Spouse alone; and that he may reflect the death of his Spouse even in his clothing, he should mortify his body, and clothe himself with rough, cheap clothing. As regards abstinence: Members of this Order, besides the usual vigils, the Ember Days, and Lent prescribed in the Church, must fast, for their whole life, every Friday and Saturday, for the Virgin was in mourning and greatest sorrow on these two days. May those who (having first obtained permission) would wish to fast during Advent be blessed by Christ the Lord and His Virgin Mother. Regarding the habit, the following dispositions will be observed: They will be clothed in the same way and form as were Jesus and his mother. Since the devoted souls will conform, in actions and in dress, to their Spouse, Christ, and his Virgin Mother, it is necessary that both Mother and Son be reflected in their clothing, namely: by the white color in their habits and the red in the bands of the scapular of the Immaculate Conception. To this scapular, worn beneath the outer garment, will be attached an image of the Mother of God, adorned in blue. They shall wear publicly on the outside, hanging from the cincture, 10 black prayer beads, i.e., 10 Hail Marys in memory of the 10 virtues of the most pure Virgin. Finally, that those who make the profession of The Rule according to the form given above may serve Christ and His most holy Virgin Mother with joy and peace, with secure conscience, free of any scruples and gloominess of disquiet, they should know that they are obliged under pain of mortal sin only to observe the three vows; those, on the other hand, who have made only simple vows with an oath of perseverance must observe also this oath. They are bound to Appendix 322
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