the rule of life 76 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 ordained under the due title34 with the intention that a more abundant worship of God may flourish among you, and that the help of the dead — to which you have been called — may be more effective and frequent. So that he may appoint to this place and office those who would hold and exercise it worthily and well, the Superior will have a good knowledge of the qualities of all members of his Congregation. 4. It would be expedient for preserving the spirit of humility if, as much as possible, the priests themselves would sweep out the church, clean the linens and vessels, and attend to the decoration and maintenance of the churches and their furniture. Nor should they pompously push themselves ahead of others whom they surpass in [the] dignity [of their office], even though the 33 i.e., the Breviary. 34 No one can be ordained without being “attached” either to a bishop or a religious community; those being ordained are being ordained “under the title” of a Congregation.
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