65 mortification sparingly, with the exception of vodka, which is absolutely prohibited to you.12 Away from the community meal or outside of the house, it is not allowed for anyone to eat or drink anything without the Superior’s permission. Frequently think: food is destined for the stomach, but the stomach is destined for worms. By limiting yourselves to a small amount of food, you will render your nature satisfied, your spirit — vigorous. Certainly water and bread were the staple food at the beginning of humankind. When man thus feasted, he lived longer. The abundance of meals now brings about sicknesses, shortens life; opens up hell. Certainly, that one who feasted splendidly every day was buried in hell (Cf. Lk 16:19). Be content, therefore, with little and simple food and drink. Do not murmur on this account against anyone. If the Superior would see in the Lord that he can provide something beyond two courses — especially at the time of great celebrations and the monthly recreation13 — then this is left to his prudence, since his authority will be able to mitigate, in the fear of the Lord, this norm in consideration of persons, places and times, both in quantity as in quality. 3. Besides the Church’s fasts and those customary in the region, you will observe the following: the Vigils of the seven Feasts of Our Lady, and of Saints Michael the Archangel, Joseph, Stanislaus14 and Anna, with one meal or by limiting yourselves to bread and water. Also, you will use Lenten foods, according 12 This prohibition was stressed by Fr. Stanislaus also on April 10, 1701 in the first addition to his Testament (cf. Positio, p. 498). Probably shortly after, in Praecepta, he specifies that the use of vodka is forbidden to Marians both at home and outside “under the loss of Divine blessing” (cf. ibid., p. 502, n. 5). This absolute abstinence from strong alcoholic drinks was in striking contrast with the prevalent customs of the Polish society of that time. Fr. Stanislaus saw how much moral, physical and material evil was caused by these customs. Hence, he tried to oppose them at least by the example of his abstinence and that of his religious. 13 By the first half of the 18th century, the practice of weekly recreation was introduced, but the General Chapter of 1754 restored the original observance: one day of recreation per month. 14 This is not a reference to Stanislaus Kostka, SJ, who was only canonized in 1714, but to Stanislaus, bishop and martyr (d. 1079), the principal patron of Poland and patron of the Servant of God. His feast is celebrated in Poland on May 8.
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