77 on having meetings greatest esteem is owed them on account of the reverence due to Christ. In hearing confessions, let them join sweetness to prudence. They should be cautious in examining the consciences of penitents, especially the simple folk. They should be careful in assigning penances, careful about becoming friends with outsiders, and learned in resolving doubts and scruples. They should not be ignorant of those cases reserved to the Apostolic See, or the bishop or the Superior, knowing that absolution is not always to be given to all. These laws [this Rule] do not oblige under any pain of sin whatsoever, except for the obligations which come from simple vows and the oath [of perseverance]. CHAPTER NINE On Having Meetings 1. You will gather together one or more [delegates]35 for the following reasons: first, every six years for choosing or confirming a Superior of the whole Congregation, his Assistants, and the Diocesan (Provincial) Superiors. Those who have an active and passive voice — three from each diocese (or Province) — will gather, having been called to one house by the letter of the Superior [General] concluding his term. There, having spent one day of abstinence and having sung the Mass to the Holy Spirit, they will be cloistered until, by secret vote, they have chosen one noted for integrity, prudence, religious discipline and outstanding in learning. The secretary and the discretus36 will sign the certificate of the one elected by the consent of the greater part of the electors. All will kiss the hand of the elect as a sign of reverence and obedience. After the election, they will go to the church to sing the hymn Te Deum laudamus. If anyone [during the election process] will have been noted for his ambition, let him be perpetually declared unfit for all offices. Afterward, the election of Assistants, 35 “Singuli, vel aliqui.” This is a difficult phrase to translate, but this appears to be the sense intended. 36 Probably the one who verifies the vote.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==