The Rule of Life

27 and having received the blessing of the Superior, 26 prepare yourself for rest, falling asleep in the Saving Wounds of our Redeemer. 6. The decrees of the Supreme Pontiffs should absolute- ly be read at a prescribed time at meals. The Superiors should not think that they have the right to interpret them. 27 Rather, they should try to keep them with utmost effort, and let the penalties contained in them be applied to transgressors. 7. When the Canonical Hours are said in common, any of the Superiors has the power to change this schedule for the convenience of their house and better order, provided nothing which is prescribed here has been left out. C HAPTER S EVEN S UPERIORS 1. One Superior will govern your whole Congregation for a six year term. At the end of this term – as indicated below 28 – you will either choose another or confirm the same one. It is his office to admit or dismiss members, to approve confessors, preachers and novice masters, moderators of your Confraternity, to approve books to be published, to create or depose Local Superiors, to accept endowments, to make visi- tation of the houses, correct those erring and if it be necessary, also to punish them. It is also up to him to establish, impose and carry out other responsibilities which are proper to the office of General Superiors. 2. Let all of the Superiors remember this warning of the Divine Spirit: “If you are chosen to preside ... be not puffed up, but with (them) be as one of themselves . . .” (cf. Eccl 32:1). 29 Therefore, be not a dictator, but be an example that the flock can follow (cf. 1 Pt 5:3) Let him then first do by example what 26 After night prayer. 27 Evidently, interpret in the sense of relax or ease. 28 Ch.9, no. l.