The Rule of Life

28 he is about to order others by word. He is equally an observer of the law with others, not only its custodian. Let him be endowed with piety, discretion and prudence, moderating zeal with mildness and moderating mildness with zeal, lest through too much strictness or indulgence he hurts the Institute, rather than contributing to its good. He should not aggravate his own men with rigid penances or commands. Rather, he should bur- den each with what conforms to his strength, talents and abili- ties. Since his subjects are bound to obey without any excuses, the one in command must foresee that he imposes on each such things as they will be able to fulfill for God’s glory and their own merit. 3. For their part, the members should not trouble the Superiors either by their impudence or stubbornness, but they should agreeably acquiesce, in the Lord, to the Superior’s wishes, respecting them rather from love, than being afraid of them out of empty fear. If any one of the Superiors should seem to someone somewhat negligent or less than exemplary, he should not – because of the Lord – on that account cease to honor and obey him. The Lord himself warns, “. . . do everything and observe everything they tell you. But do not follow their example” (Mt 23:3). Indeed, the Superiors are worthy of much compassion, since while they serve all, they are at times forced to neglect themselves. Therefore, the mem- bers will always pray for the Superiors, so that God may enlighten, direct, help and keep them in His grace. 4. The Superior of the entire Congregation will visit the whole congregation every three years; the Provincial, 30 his houses every year; but the Local Superior will visit the rooms of all members almost every single month, lest anything be found in them not according to your vocation and poverty, or neatness. All Superiors will unanimously apply themselves to this, that there may flourish: an ever greater worship of God, 29 The text makes reference mistakenly to Eccl 31. The proper reference is given here; the text was freely altered. 30 The Latin term “Diocesanus“ probably supposes a division of the Congregation into Provinces according to the lines of dioceses, i.e., houses in a diocese form a separate Province.