The Rule of Life

31 C HAPTER E IGHT O N THE R ECEPTION AND A DMINISTRATION OF THE S ACRAMENTS 1. Both clerics and brother-helpers will receive Holy Communion with utmost reverence on each Sunday and on feasts, and as frequently as the Superior wishes (the domes- tic family will receive once a month). It should be preceded by sacramental confession and some prayerful recollection. In the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – which we wish to be done very seldom – the greatest care both in decoration and lighting should be observed. At least one member should be engaged in continual prayer. 2. The priests, as far as they are allowed to do so, will offer the Sacrifice of the Mass each day for the sacristy inten- tion, not being forgetful of the dead who lack assistance. They should be 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 con- science, nor without the greatest interior silence nor without 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 protracting this divine work beyond half an hour. Let them recite the canonical hours 34 in common rather than privately. Let them give themselves to spiritual reading and to study of moral theology insistently, and to prayer without ceasing. Thus, by integrity of life and the works of piety they will not only render illustrious support and pro- motion 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 pro- mote only members endowed with solid virtue and suffi- ciently instructed with doctrine to this royal priesthood. They 34 i.e., the Breviary.