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THE

CONSTITUTION AND RULES

OF THE

SISTERS

OF THE

THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS

TOGETHER WITH THE

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS,

AND

CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION,

AND

PROFESSION.

APPROVED BY HIS GRACE,

MOST KEY. M. A. CORRIGAN,

Archbishop of New York.

PRESS OF THE

MISSION OF THE IMMACULATE VIRGIN,
Mount Loretto, Staten Island, N. Y.

1894.



I

PmMiid



PART I.





CONSTITUTION.

Part First.

CHAPTER I.

AY Gocl grant that no one enter this house of
God, and gate of heaven, except with the

following pure and firm intentions :

1. Of seeking to save her own soul, cost what it may.

2. Of seeking to save that precious soul by the only

w&y of salvation, pointed out by Jesus: “Take up

your Cross and follow me.”

3. Of laboring for her sanctification and perfection by

striving to imitate the virtues which our divine Lord

has taught us by His sacred words and holy examples.

4. Of striving, daily, to enter into the spirit of this

prayer from the “Imitation of Christ:”—Third Book,
Chap. xv. “ Grant that I may die to all things of

this world, and for Thy sake, love to be despised and

unknown in this world.”

5. Of striving daily to become more and more con-

vinced that the teachings and maxims of Christ must

ever be true and can never deceive, whilst those of

this world are ever deceitful and dangerous. He that

builds upon them, being like one who built his house

upon sand, “ And the rain fell, and the floods came,
and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house : and

it fell
;
and great was the fall thereof.” Matt. vii. 27.



6 CONSTITUTION.

CHAPTER II.

Our Lord and Saviour came into the world to

deliver us from the threefold concupiscence which

ruins so many. “ For all that is in the world is the

concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence of

the eyes and the pride of life, which is not of the

Father, but is of the world.” John xi. 16.

In boundless mercy to make His doctrine more

efficacious, He willed, first to do, and then to teach.

Besides condemning this threefold concupiscence in

words, He was content to be born poor, to live poor,

to die poor. His most bitter enemies never dared

utter a word against His heavenly chastity.

So wonderfully perfect in Him was modesty, that

St. Paul, when he demands something great from his

people, beseeches them by the Modesty of Christ.

He was born under obedience. He died obedient

even to the death of the cross.

To obey the Gospel precept: “Let this mind be in

you which was in Christ,” the daughters of St.

Francis will imitate their great saint, who so well

imitated his divine Lord, by making simple vows,

according to their Rules.

CHAPTER III.

1. Our Saviour has said : u Seek first the kingdom

of God and His justice, and these things (necessary

for you) shall be added unto you.”

Hence, each Sister should esteem spiritual things

much more highly than temporal ones, seeking much

more the sanctification of her soul than the gratification

of her senses
;
esteeming the glory of God more than



CONSTITUTION. 7

all earthly grandeur and profit. Hence, too, she

will strive in all things to do the holy will of God

rather than her own, and often say with the pious

author of the “ Imitation of Christ,” u Let me always

will or not will the same with Thee
;
and let me not be

able to will or not will otherwise than as Thou wiliest

or wiliest not.” Book Third, Chap. 15.

2. Our Saviour requires of us the simplicity of the

dove and the prudence of the serpent. This holy sim-

plicity must be shown by a blessed purity of intention,

by a horror of all duplicity, and by a candid truthful-

ness of work and action.

The prudence of the serpent teaches us never to

speak of anything wrong or painful to our neighbor

that might cause division, lead to the breaking of the

Rule, excite pride and vain glory or offend Almighty

God.

3. Each Sister will, from the beginning, apply her-

self to learn these divine lessons of our Lord and

Master : “ Learn of Me because I am meek and humble
of heart, ” and, “ Blessed are the meek, for they shall

possess the land.” This humility requires that each

one, with sincerity of heart, strive, first, to think her-

self worthy only of contempt
;
second, to rejoice when

others see her faults
;
third, to try to hide her part in

any great things which God may work either in her or

by her, and if this be not possible, to attribute all the

good to God’s mercy, and to the merits and prayers

of others.

St. Paul says : “If you live according to the flesh

you shall die
;
but if by the spirit you mortify the

deeds of the flesh, you shall live.” Hence, let each

Sister apply herself to the renouncing of her own will

and judgment, to self-denial and mortification.



8 CONSTITUTION.

CHAPTER IV.

1. Our Sisters shall have the greatest veneration and
filial love for our Holy Father, the Vicar of Christ, and

Organ of the Holy Ghost. They shall faithfully obey

his decrees and ordinances, and pray daily for him and

for the exaltation of Holy Church.

2. Since the Most Rev. Archbishop of the Diocese,

in which the Mother-house is situated, is the lawful

ecclesiastical Superior of our Institute, the Sisters shall

always sincerely revere and love him, obey his mandates

with childlike simplicity, daily recommend him to God
in their prayers, and as often as he or his representive

shall hold visitation in the Convent, the Sisters shall

answer sincerely, exactly, and in a spirit of obedience,

every question he asks. For, as Superior of the Insti-

tute, he must, occasionally, obtain a knowledge of the

moral and physical condition of every Convent of our

Institute, in order to make his regulations accordingly.

His permission must be obtained :

(a) For every Reception.

(b) For every Profession.

(c) For the dismissal of a Professed Sister.

(d) For changing or introducing a constitution,

and for every other important affair.

(e) For founding or abandoning a Mission house.

(f) For every purchase of a piece of land or the

erection of a new convent.

8. The Sisters shall always show the same esteem

and love for the Confessor and Spiritual Director of the

convent, for he is, in truth, the soul of the Com-

munity. Upon him, that is upon his wise, firm, and

pious direction, depend, in a great measure, the peace of

soul, the harmony, and the religious zeal of those

entrusted to his care. When any important affair is to



CONSTITUTION. 9

be decided by the Council, the Spiritual Director must

be consulted.

CHAPTER Y.

RECEPTION.

1. Only the General Superior and her Councilors

(who have in this a decisive vote) can receive Postu-

lants.

2. Young ladies, from sixteen to thirty years, having

a vocation, and the spirit of penance, may be received
;

but no one, either younger or older, or who had received

the Habit in any other Order, can be received without

the consent of the Most Rev. Archbishop.

3. When a Postulant has been received she must be

treated with great kindness ar.d charity. She should

not be expected to be what she wishes to become. She

should be induced to love the religious life and instruct-

ed in prayer and the practice of obedience
;
therefore,

she should be loved, and no trouble spared to gain her

to God. Her faults (and who is without faults?)

should be borne with patience, and she should be taught,

more by example than by words, how to overcome them.

4. On the day following her reception, every Postulant

must sign the following declaration : I, N , do here-
by declare that in case I leave or be sent away by the

Sisters, whose community I now join, I will ask for no

wages, except the money and clothes I brought.

5. The clothes that a Postulant brings should be

placed on a separate shelf, in the wardrobe, and given

to no one but the same Postulant. The money she

brings with her must be returned to her on leaving.

6. Postulants, who have means, must pay two hundred

dollars for the two years of their Novitiate, and only

poverty or other serious reasons can dispense them from

this. Whether a Postulant has sufficient cause not to



10 CONSTITUTION.

pay the full sum must be decided by the Superior and
her Council.

7. If a young girl has a vocation, and be well-behaved

otherwise, those in authorit}7 should consider the salva-

tion of her soul, and the honor of God, and not refuse

to receive her on account of her poverty.

8. The Postulants are not to pass their recreation

with the Community.

9. If by her manner or conduct a Postulant manifest

a disobedient or negligent spirit, or show a want of

piety or vocation, the Mother Superior, with the approval

of her Council, shall dismiss her in all charity.

10. The Postulant shall pass a probation of at least

five months before being allowed to receive the Habit.

CHAPTER VL

DRESS.

1. The dress worn by the Sisters consists of a black

serge Habit, three and one-half yards wide, with

twent}’-four plaits. The sleeves should be long enough

to cover the hands and fourteen inches wide, when

finished. They should, also, wear black undersleeves,

a white cord, containing three knots, a fifteen decade

rosary, and a crucifix.

2. The veils of the Professed Sisters are to be white

and black
;
the first of muslin, the second of merino or

delaine, and should be two inches below the waist, when

finished. They shall, also, wear a coif, head-band, and

guimpe, made of linen.

3. The dress of the Novices is the same as that of

the Professed Sisters, except their veil, which is white,

but similar in length to the black veil of the Professed

Sisters, and their cord must be plain. They will

receive a Crucifix at the time of Profession.

The street dress, for both professed sisters and

novices, shall consist of a Black Veil and Cloak.



CONSTITUTION. 11
4.

The dress worn by the Postulants, is as follows :

(a) A plain black dress, (b) A black cape and
bonnet, (c) A white collar, and cuffs.

CHAPTER VII.

FURNITURE OF THE SISTERS’ CELLS.

The furniture of the Cells shall be plain, neat, and

in accordance with the spirit of holy poverty.

Each Sister is allowed the use of the following articles :

1. A bed consisting of one straw tick or mattress,
a pillow, a counterpane, and other covering, suitable

to the season.

2. A Crucifix.
3. Two Pictures.
4. A Chair.
5. A Washstand.
6. A Wardrobe.

CHAPTER VIII.

ORDER OF THE DAY.

5 : 00. A.M. Rising and silent prayer while dressing.

5: 20. 4

4

Morning Prayers, and Hours in Com-

mon.

6 : 00.
(4

Meditation in common.

6 : 30.
4 4 Mass 4

'

4 44

7 : 00.
4 4 Breakfast—then occupation in each

one's allotted sphere.

11 : 55.
4 4

Particular examen in common.



12 CONSTITUTION.

L2 : 00. M. Dinner—spiritual reading at the same
time, and afterwards recreation in

common.

1 : 30. P.M. Vespers and complin.

2: 00. 1.

4

Visitation of the Blessed Sacrament and

Blessed Virgin,—then occupation.
5 : 30.

4 4 Meditation in common.

6 : 00. 4
4

Supper, and half an hour free time.

7 : 00.
4 4 Recreation in common.

8 : 15. 4
4

Spiritual reading.

8 : 30.
t 4 General examination of conscience,

Evening Prayers, followed by Matins

and Lauds.

9 : 30.
4 4 Lights out. Repose.

CHAPTER IX.

THE OFFICE AND PRAYER IN GENERAL.

1. All the Sisters, excepting the sick, and those

whose occupations cannot be postponed, must be present

at the office. Those who cannot attend or who come

late must accuse themselves of it at Chapter, where the

Superior will reprimand them, and impose the usual

penance upon them. Those Sisters, who cannot recite

the office of the Blessed Virgin, shall say twelve Our

Fathers for Matins, and seven Our Fathers and seven

Glorias for each of the hours. At Prime, and also at

Complin, they shall first say the Creed and the Psalm,
44 Miserere.”

2. During the office no one is allowed to speak or do

anything else unseemly. No Sister should be called

away without permission from the Superior, for she

alone can distinguish whether the affair is important or

not.



CONSTITUTION. ia8.

Those who are appointed to read
the lessons or

responses must prepare themselves
beforehand, and

should they make a mistake they
must be reprimanded

for their 'neglect. On Saturdays,
Sundays, Sacred

Heart Fridays, and from
Christmas till New Year s

Day, Matins and Lauds shall
be said privately.

4 The trace which is said by
those Sisters, who

attend the general table at
dinner and supper, should

not be neglected by anyone
without important cause,

nor without having permission
from the Superior, who

will grant it only through
necessity.

5 The De Profundis is to be
said every day after

dinner and supper, for the repose
of the souls of the

deceased Sisters. After dinner,
three Hail Marys,

and Salve Regina, for a spirit
of charity.

6. The Sisters shall hear Mass
daily when it can be

so arranged. ... ,, „
7, On Fridays, at three o’clock in

the afternoon, the

Sisters shall say five Our Fathers,
five Hail Marys,

and five Glorias, with extended
aims.

8. Each Sister shall say a Chaplet
of the Rosary,

9. Novenas for the following
feasts will be made by

the Sisters in common: the
feasts of St. Joseph,

Annunciation, Easter, Pentecost,
Sacred Heart,

Nativity of the Blessed
Virgin, St. Francis, All

Saints, Immaculate Conception,
and Christmas. On

the last day of the year,
each Sister will draw a

patron, a virtue and a prayer by
lot: a patron sha

also be drawn on the first of each
month. Devotion

to the Infant Jesus shall be
practised on the twenty-

fifth of each month.

10. In regard to vocal
prayers, which are not

prescribed, it is forbidden to increase
their number, and

there is no obligation to recite
them. Ihe Superior

should even make it a matter of
conscience, if'she

oblige the Sisters to recite
more prayers than those



14 CONSTITUTION.

called for by the Rule. Only in time of great need or

trouble, can the Superior appoint any special prayer to

be said, and that for a definite period only.

CHAPTER X. •

HOW THE SISTERS SHOULD CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN

AND OUT OF THE CONVENT.

1. The bell must be punctually rung by the Sister in

charge thereof. All are required to be present, if

possible, at the Community exercises. The Superior

must see that the Sisters are punctual in attending

these exercises, for if they be not attended, the

religious spirit is lost. Therefore, the Superior should

be the first to give good example in this regard.

2. When sent out on business no Sister is allowed to

go alone
;
she must always try to have a Sister accom-

pany her. They should observe the strictest decorum,

neither looking around or talking on the streets

without necessity. And they are not allowed to eat or

drink, out of their own house, without permission.

3. Sisters who are sent out to visit the sick, must

not separate. They should go directly where they are

sent. If they have or receive money, they should be

mindful of holy poverty, and careful not to spend any

unnecessarily. Should circumstances, however, require

it, they may do so
;

but, after returning, they must

immediately inform the Superior.



CONSTITUTION. 15

CHAPTER XI.

THE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OF THE SISTERS.

1. They may be teachers for the girls an4 little boys

of parochial schools and orphan asylums.

2. They may have private schools near the convents.

3. They should prefer parochial schools to acade-

mies.

4. They may, also, have charge of asylums.

5. They may have hospitals for the sick and aged of

both sexes, particularly for the poorer classes.

CHAPTER XII.

THE SCHOOLS.

1. As it pertains to the salvation of the Sisters to

take charge of schools, and as there is scarcely a rpore

holy occupation than that of instructing children, the

Superior should be careful to appoint as teachers only

those Sisters who are really capable, that the pupils

may advance both spiritually and temporally.

2. She should take charge of only as many schools

as she can supply with the necessary number of teachers,

and these Sisters shduld employ as much time in study

as possible, when it can be so arranged, that they may

become thorough instructors.

3. The Sisters should be very careful to have the

children practice all the necessary branches, and should

give special attention to the correction of written

exercises. They should be impartial towards their

pupils, never punish too severely, and pray daily for

their salvation.



16 CONSTITUTION.

4 . The Sisters should use in school those books

which the Pastor may direct. If the Sisters have any
complaints against the Pastor, the Superior should

examine matters, and if the Council deem it necessary

or advisable, make it known to the Most Rev. Arch-

bishop, butuiot do anything of her own accord.

5. The Superior is at liberty to take any of the

Sisters from the occupation of teaching, but this should

not be done frequently during the school year, as it

greatly retards the progrsss of the pupils.

(See note at end of Kule, p. 64.)

CHAPTER XIII.

THE HOSPITALS.

1.

As it is one of the objects of the Institute to take

charge of hospitals and care lor the sick, the Superior

is obliged, in conscience, to do everything possible to

have this work of charity performed in a proper spirit.

She would see that cleanliness pervails in the wards of

the sick
;
that the linens be changed regularly, so that

all who visit these apartments may be edified.

2. The wards and rooms of the men must be sepa-

rated from those of the women, and the apartments of

both must be entirely separated from those used in

common b}7 the Community.

3. The Superior should go through the wards daily,

to see how the sick are. Should anything prevent her

doing this, or if the number of sick be too great to

visit daily, she must arrange it so as to fulfil this

sacred dut\7
,

at least twice a week, remembering the

words of our Saviour. “ Whatsoever ye do to the

least of my brethren, that have
}

7e done to me.”



CONSTITUTION. 17

4. She should set a good example to the Sisters in

taking care of the sick, encouraging self- sacrifice and

zeal to such a degree as even to expose their lives

(when an occasion may require it) for those poor

suffering members of Christ. Those Sisters who,

through carelessness, are guilty of faults in attending

the sick, should be reprimanded.

5. The Superior should see that all regulations,

regarding the sick, are observed carefully
;
and should

any of the inmates persist in transgressing these rules,

they must be dismissed. If any of the sick desire the

presence of a priest, or be in danger of death, the

Sister in charge must hasten to prepare that person

for the reception of the Last Sacraments
;
and if she

be unable to do this, she should appoint another Sister

to perform this duty, and then notify the Priest

immediately.

6. An elderly Sister must always have charge of the
men, but never remain with them, unless obliged by

duty to do so. Useless conversations with the sick

are strictly forbidden, and the Superior should insist on

the exact observance of this rule.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE PORTRESS.

1. The Portress should be a discreet and reserved
Sister. She should avoid familiarit}7 with seculars, be

friendly, but prudent and short. She should not keep

persons waiting too long at the door
;
but immediately,

after their entrance, conduct them to the parlor. If

the presence of a Sister be required there, she will not

remain more than half an hour. Should anything of

importance require her to remain longer, the Superior

will decide what is to be done.

2



18 CONSTITUTION.

2. The Portress should not communieate to the

other Sisters anything that happens at the door. It

is also the duty of the Portress to convey to the

Superior all letters (except those marked soli) coming

through the mail. She must never give to a Sister, for

whom letters have been received, any that have come
for her, nor should she tell the Sister that such letters

have been received. An action of this kind deserves a
severe rebuke. Still, letters written by the General-

Superior to any Sister or vice versa, are not to be

read by the Local Superior.

That the Portress may know, on receiving a letter,

whether it comes from the General Superior or not,

the Superior should write the Latin word (Soli) on

the envelope so that the Portress may know it is a

personal communication, and consequently convey it to

the Sister to whom it is addressed.

3. The Portress should be very careful not to make

known to the Local Superior that a letter of this kind

has been received by any Sister, nor has the Superior

any right to read such letters, even if an opportunity

presents itself.

CHAPTER XV.

THE INFIRMARIAN

.

1. This charge is one of great importance and if

faithfully fulfilled of great merit. In order to do this,

the Infirmarian must be careful to recognize, in the sick,

the person of Jesus Christ Who says, that He accepts
the aid which we give the sick, as given to Himself.

In the first place an Infirmarian requires great charity.

She should not be uneasy if she cannot attend to all

her devotions, because her merit will be far greater

by attending, faithfully, to her important charge.



CONSTITUTION. 19

2. She should sympathize with her sick, especially

when they are in pain, and offer them as many

bodily comforts as she can. She should see that no

unnecessary noise be allowed in the Infirmary.

3. The Infirmarian should be punctual in giving, at

the proper time, the medicine prescribed, and never

show, by her manner, that she feels weary of serving

the sick.

4. Since the Rule* commands that the sick should

be treated with tenderness, how much more ought this

to be observed, if the sick person be a Sister, Novice,

or Postulant? If one of these be sick, the Superior

must pay particular attention to her, comforting her

with motherly care, giving her all the nourishment and

other necessaries required on account of her sickness,

as far as the Convent can afford it, and thereby show

herself a
u mother.”

5. It is, also, required that when the sick Sister does

not receive all she desires, she should suffer patiently,

remembering the holy poverty which Jesus endured for

us. Therefore, it is forbidden for any sick Sister to

receive or ask for anything, no matter how small, from

persons living outside the Convent, without having first

obtained permission from the Superior.

6. In sickness, relatives may be permitted to

visit the sick Sister. But the Sisters should not forget

that frequent visits of relatives are not advisable, but

rather full of danger. To leave all things, and to live

for God and for God alone is the first and holiest duty

of a religious. Hence, visits of relatives should be made

as seldom and as short as possible. Far from feeling

offended, the Sisters should be convinced that the more

they avoid the parlor and visits, the more their rela-

tives will be edified. The Superior will have a strict

* See page 16.



20 CONSTITUTION.

account to render to God, if the Sisters are not most

particular on this point.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE SACRISTAN.

1 . The Sacristan should entertain a great esteem for

her charge, all the duties of which ought to remind her

of her Spouse. She should work with devotion and

recollection, frequently renewing her intention of

honoring the most Holy Sacrament.

2. In passing before the Holy Eucharist, she should

never neglect to genuflect reverently
;
and in her

dealings with the chaplain she should be reserved,

speaking to him only when necessary.

8. If the Sacristan has an assistant, she should treat

her wdth charity and respect, asking help of her when

necessary, but always in a meek manner.

CHAPTER XVII.

SILENCE.

1. The Sisters, whilst employed in their respective

duties, should observe silence as much as possible.

2. All are required to keep strict silence during the

time in which recreation is not permitted, unless

necessity obliges them to speak, and all unnecessary

bustle and noise must be avoided.

3. Silence must be strictly observed in the chapel,

sacristy, dormitories, and corridors
;
but, particulary, in

the choir, and at table. Any Sister who breaks silence



CONSTITUTION. 21

at meal time should be corrected, and if it occur often

she should be punished by being sent out of the re-

fectory.

4. The silence prescribed after evening recreation

must be kept most strictly, and any Sister who violates

this rule, should receive a penance.

5. Every month the Sisters should make a retreat of

one day, and once a year of six entire da}rs.

6. No one should reveal, either to religious or secu-
lars (except the Director) any failing in the convent or

the fault of any Sister. If a Sister trangress this rule,

she will receive a penance from the Superior, and she

must also reveal the matter to the Father Confessor.

CHAPTER XVIII.

RECREATION DAYS.

1. Sundays, Thursdays, feasts of obligation, the

feasts of SS. Francis, Clare, Anthony of Padua,

Elizabeth of Hungary, Bonaventure, Peter of Alcan-

tara, Coletta, Margaret of Cortona, Portiuncula, Stig-

mata of St. Francis, and various others should be

observed as recreation days, but in such a manner that

none of the spiritual exercises or Works of Mercy be

neglected.

CHAPTER XIX.

MEALS.

1. When the signal for meals is given, the Sisters
should hasten to be present at the table. All must

meet in the refector
3

T

,
except those who are occupied

in duties which require attention at that special

time, and who have received therefore permission from

the Superior.



22 CONSTITUTION.

2. After grace has been said, the Sisters shall quietly

take their places, according to order of profession.

While food is given to the body, the soul, also, should

be nourished by listening to the reading of a spiritual

book (usually the life of some saint) . For this reading

a Sister should be appointed daily. If there be only

three or four Sisters, the reading should be begun by

the Superior and continued by the Sisters in turn.

3. Each Sister, in turn, should serve at table for a

week, at the end of which time another Sister shall

relieve her.

4. On silence days a Sister may request anything

she needs, at table, by a sign or in a low voice.

5. After all have finished eating, the Superior should

give a signal, when all will arise to say grace. Those

who have no occupation after meals will go to the

place where recreation is held, during which time they

will entertain themselves by spiritual or at least in-

different subjects, as topics of a pleasant nature should

be introduced, that the Sisters may derive the benefit

which recreation is intended to produce. It must be

borne in mind that recreation is a common exercise

—

the same as meditation
;
therefore, all must assemble

at it with the same punctuality as at any other exercise

of the Community. Those Sisters, employed in the

kitchen or refectory, should try to have their work

finished, so as to be at recreation in time.

CHAPTER XX.

FASTS, ABSTINENCE, PENANCE, AND CORRECTION OF

FAULTS.

1. Fridays, throughout the year, and Wednesdays,

from All Saint’s day, until Easter, are fast days.

2. The vigils of the feasts of St. Francis, St. Clare,



CONSTITUTION. 23

and also those appointed as fast days by the Church,

are to be observed as days of fasting, also eveiw day in

Advent.

3. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the use

of flesh meat is prohibited.

4. Those Sisters occupied in teaching are not

obliged to observe the fasts of the Church or the Rule
;

but, instead, they should perform two acts of mortifi-

cation*of the senses daily.

5. On Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, the dis-

cipline must be taken; during which five Our Fathers,

five Hail Marys, and five Glorias are to be recited
;

this is done privately.

6. At least once a week Chapter must be held at

which each Sister shall accuse herself of whatever faults

she has committed against the Rules and Constitution.

For these she will receive a penance, which, she must

humbly accept with thanks, and dutifully perform.

7. In order that the Chapter may be properly

understood the decree of our Holy Father, Pope Leo

XIII., is placed here, and must be read by all.

DECREE.

( Official Translation.)

Just as it is the fate of human things how praise-

worthy and holy so ever they may be in themselves, even

so is it of laws wisely enacted, to be liable to be mis-

used and perverted to purposes opposed and foreign to

their nature. Wherefore, it sometimes happens, that

they no longer serve the purpose which the lawmakers

had in view
;
nay, they sometimes even produce quite a

contrary result.

Much it is to be deplored that such has proved to be
the case with the laws of several Congregations,

Societies, and Institutes, both of women who emit



24 CONSTITUTION.

simple or solemn vows, and of men who, by their pro-

fession and discipline, are merely laymen. For, inas-

much as occasionally their Constitutions permitted the

making a manifestation of conscience, in order that

thereby the members might the more easily learn, in

their doubts, from experienced Superiors how to walk

in the path of perfection, it has happened, on the

contrary, that some of the latter have introduced the

practice of thoroughly inquiring into the state of their

subjects’ conscience, which is a thing reserved exclu-

sively to the Sacrament of Penance.

In liae manner, and in conformity with the prescrip-

tions of the Sacred Canons, it was ordered that Sacra-

mental Confessions in all such communities should be

made to the respective Ordinary and Extraordinary

confessors
;

while, on the other hand, the arbitrary

conduct of some Superiors has gone so far as to refuse

to their subjects an Extraordinary Confessor, even in

cases when the conscience of the persons so refused

stood greatly in need of such a privilege.

These Superiors were given a rule of discretion and

prudence for the purpose of enabling them to direct

their subjects in a proper and right use of peculiar pen-

itential exercises and other practices of piety
;
but this

very rule, also, was so perverted by abuse that they

(the Superiors) took it on themselves to permit, at

their pleasure, their subjects to approach the Holy Table,

or even sometimes to forbid them Communion altogether.

Hence, it has happened that such regulations as these,

established for the salutary and wise purpose of promo-

ting the spiritual progress of the members and fostering

in communities the union growing out of peace and con-

cord, have not un frequently resulted in imperilling the

salvation of souls, in deeply disturbing consciences, and,

moreover, in the disturbance of exterior peace,- -as is

most evidently proved by the appeals and complaints

frequently made to the Holy See.



CONSTITUTION. 25

Wherefore, oar Most Holy Father, Leo XIII., impell-

ed by the peculiar solicitude for which he is distinguished

toward this most select portion of his flock, in the

audience which he gave me, the Cardinal-Prefect of the

Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars
;
on the

14th. day of December, 1890, after carefully and dili-

gently considering everything has willed, determined,

and decreed as follows :

1. His Holiness annuls, abrogates, and declares of

no force whatever hereafter, all regulations, whatsoever,

in the Constitutions of Pious Societies and Institutes of

women who emit either simple or solemn vows, as well

as in those of men of the purely lay order (even

though the said Constitutions should have received

from the Holy See approbation in any form soever,

even that which is termed most special)
,

in this one

point, in which these Constitutions regard the secret

manifestation of conscience in whatsoever manner or

under what name soever.

He, therefore, seriously enjoins on all the Superiors,

male and female, of such Institutes, Congregations,

and Societies, to absolutely cancel and expunge

altogether from their respective Constitutions,

Di rectories, and Manuals all the aforesaid regulations.

2. He, moreover, forbids such Superiors, male and

female, no matter what may be their rank and eminence

from endeavoring directly or indirectly, by command,

counsel, fear, threats, or blandishments, to induce their

subjects, to make to them any such manifestations of

conscience
;
and he commands these subjects, on their

part, to denounce to the higher Superiors such as dare

to induce them to make such manifestation
;
and if the

guilty one be the Superior-General, the denunciations

should by them be made to this Sacred Congregation.

3. This, however, in nowise hinders subjects from

freely and of their own accord opening their hearts to

their Superiors, for the purpose of obtaining from their



26 CONSTITUTION.

prudence counsel and direction in doubts and per-

plexities, in order to aid them in acquiring virtues and

advancing in perfection.

4. Moreover, while the prescriptions of the Holy

Council of Trent, Sess. 25, Cap. 10, de Regul., retain

their full vigor, as well as the decrees of Benedict XIV.,

of holy memory, in the Constitution Pastoralis Curae
,

His Holiness admonishes Prelates and Superiors not

to deny their subjects an Extraordinary Confessor as

often as the need of their conscience requires it, and

without seeking to find out in any way the reason why

their subjects make such a demand, or without showing

that they resent ir. And, lest so provident a disposi-

tion as this should be made illusory, he exhorts the

Ordinaries to name, in all localities of their dioceses in

which there are Communities of women well qualified

priests with the necessary faculties, to whom such
Religious may easily have recourse to receive the

Sacrament of Penance.

5. As to what regards either permission or prohibi-

tion to receive Holy Communion, His Holiness also

decrees that such permission or prohibition belongs

solely to the Ordinary or Extraordinary Confessor, the

Superiors having no right whatever to interfere in the

matter, save only the case in which anyone of their sub-

jects had given scandal to the Community since his or

her last Confession, or had been guilty of some grievous

public fault, and this only until the guilty one had once

more received the Sacrament of Penance.

6. All are hereby admonished to prepare themselves

diligently and to approach Holj’ Communion on the

days prescribed in their respective Rules
;
and when the

Confessor may judge conducive to the spiritual

advancement of any member to receive more frequently,

he may give the needful permission.

But whoever receives from the Confessor the per-

mission to receive more frequently or daily Communion



CONSTITUTION. 27

is bound to inform the Superior of the same. Should the

latter think that he has just and serious reasons to oppose

such frequent Communion, he is bound to make them

known to the Confessor, in whose judgment he must

absolutely acquiesce.

7. His Holiness, furthermore, commands all Superiors,

General, Provincial, and Local Superiors of the

Institutes aforementioned, whether of men or of women,

to observe zealously and accurately the regulations

prescribed in this Decree, under pain of incurring ipso

facto the penalties decreed against Superiors who

violate the mandates of the Holy See.

8. He, lastl}T
,
commands that copies of this present

Decree, translated into the vernacular, shall be inserted

in the Constitutions of the said pious Institutes, and

that, at least, once in the twelve month, at a stated time

in each House, either in the public Refectory, or in

chapter assembled for this special purpose, this Decree

shall be read in a loud and intelligible voice.

And thus hath His Holiness determined and decreed,
notwithstanding all things to the contrary, even such

as are worthy of special and individual mention.

Given at Rome from the Secretareate of the said

Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars, on the

17th of December, 1890.

1. Cardinal Yerga,

Prefect.

Father Aloysius, Bishop of Callinicum ,
Secretary.

CHAPTER XXI.

CONFESSION AND COMMUNION.

1. Every member of the Community shall confess

weekly, and communicate four times a week, should

the Father Confessor not forbid it.



28 CONSTITUTION.

2. At least four times a year, during Ember Days, the

Sisters may have an extraordinary Confessor, who

must be appointed by the Bishop of the diocese, in

which the Convent is situated.

3. Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays,

are communion days for the professed Sisters
;

the

Novices communicate on Fridays and Sundays; the

Postulants on Sundays
;
besides this, all the Novices

and Postulants may receive Holy Communion on the

seven principal feasts of the Blessed Virgin, and the

principal feasts of the Order, and the professed Sisters

on the following feast days during the year

:

January.

Feast of the Circumcision, -------- 1
44 44 Epiphany of Our Lord, ----- 6
44 ‘ v

St. Agnes, - - - - 21
4 4 4 * Espousals of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 23
44 ‘ 4

St. Francis of Sales, ------ 29
February.

Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2
4 4 4 4

St. Margaret of Cortona, - - - - 22

March.

Feast of St. John Joseph of the Cross, - - - - 5
4 4 4 4 Coletta, ---------- 6
44 44 Patrick, - -- -- -- -- -17
44 44

Gabriel, ---------- 18
4 4 4 4 Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, - -- -- -- -- -19
Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, ---------- 25
April.

Feast of St. Fidelis, - - - - - 24



CONSTITUTION. 29

May .

Feast of SS. Philip and James, - 1
44 44

St. Paschal Bayion, ------- 17
u 44 44 Bernardine of Sienna, ----- 20
44 4 4 4 4 Angela Merici, ------- 31

June

.

Feast of Corpus Christi,
44 46 the Sacred Heart,
4w 44

St. Anthony of Padua, ------ 13
4 4 4 4 4 4 Aloysius Gonzaga, - - - - - - 21
4 4 4 4

the Nativity of St. John Baptist, - - - 24
4 4 4 4

SS. Peter and Paul, ------ - 29
July

.

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin

Maiy, ---------- 2"
Feast of St. Veronica Juliani, ------- 9

4 4 4 4 4 4 Bonaventure, - -- -- -- -14
4k 44 Our Lady of Mount Carmel, - - - - 16
4 4 4 4

St. Francis Solanus, ------- 24
August.

Feast of the Portiuncula, or Our Lady of Angels, 2
4 4 4 4

St. Dominic, --------- 4
4 4 4 4 4 4

Clare, - - - - - 12
4 4 4 4

the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, - 15

Feast of St. Louis, - -- -- -- -- - 25
4 4 4 4 4 4 Rose of Lima, 30

September.

Feast of the Holy name of Mary,
4 4 4 4 Stigmata of St. Francis, - - - - 17
44

of St. Joseph of Cupertino, - ----- 18
4 4 4 4 Our Lady of Mercy, ------- 24
4 4 4 4

St. Michael, ---------- 29



30 CONSTITUTION.

October

.

Feast of the Holy Rosary,
44 u 44 Guardian Angels, ----- 2
1,4

of St. Francis, ---------- 4
44 44

the Octave of St. Francis, - - - - - 11
4w 4-4 44 Maternity of the Blessed Virgin

Mary,

Feast of Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque, - - - 17
44 44

St. Peter of Alcantara, - - - - - - 19
4 • 44 4

4

John Capistran, ------- 23
44 4 - 4 4 Raphael,- - - ------- 24

November.

Feast of All Saints, ---------- 1
4 4 4 4 4 4 Souls, - ___2
4 4 4 4

the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
4 4 4 4

St. Stanislas Kostka, - -- -- --13
4 4 4 4 “ Elizabeth of Hungary, ----- 19
4 4 4 4

the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, ---------- 21
4 4 4 4

All the Saints of the Three Orders of St.

Francis, - -- -- -- --29

December.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed

Virgin Mary, 8

Feast of the Finding of the body of St. Francis - 12
4 4 4 4 Christmas, - 25

4 4 4 4

St. John the Evangelist, ------ 27
4 4 4 4

the Holy Innocents, ------- 28



CONSTITUTION. 31

CHAPTER XXII.

CHARITY TOWARDS OUR NEIGHBOR.

1. No Sister should prevent another from attending

to her regular occupations. Neither should she repri-

mand, or interfere in the affairs of any Sister, without

permission from the Superior, who should watch closely

that an offence of this kind be not overlooked. To the

Superior alone belongs the right to reprimand, and she

should do this with mildness
;
never when in anger

;
so

that the Sister, who deserves correction, may receive it

with humility. Each one, on whom a penance is im-

posed, should accept and perform it without complaining

or justifying herself. Whoever Goes the contrary must

be corrected for it at Chapter.

2. The Mother should be careful not to reprimand a

Sister in presence of a secular, unless the fault was

committed in presence of that person.

3. Charity must be exercised towards all our Sisters

without exception, and each one should manifest the

same charity and mercy towards others, which she

would wish to have shown to herself.

4. No Sister should even say a word that might grieve
or offend another

;
consequently, she must be very care-

ful to avoid the use of all names given in contempt, or

sarcastic reflections of any kind. Whoever offends in

this way must, either privately or publicly, accordingly as

the offence was private or public, ask pardon of the one

whom she offended. And if the one of whom pardon

has been asked, fails to forgive the offence, then the

Superior will reprimand, and, if necessary, impose on her

the deserved penance.

5. In order to practice charity towards the deceased

Sisters, it is decreed that the entire Rosary should be



32 CONSTITUTION.

said once, and each house should have five Masses said

for the repose of each departed Sister. During eight

days the Sisters should offer all their prayers and good

works for the same intention.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE VOW OF POYERTY.

Poverty is to be Observed in the following
•

Manner :

1. No Sister shall be permitted to appropriate any-
thing to herself. Neither shall she be allowed to give

anything away or keep anything she received from

others, without permission.

2. The diet must correspond in its simplicity with

the dress, showing the spirit of poverty, and both food

and dress must be alike for all. St. Francis requires

that the Superior, and all those under her charge, are in

duty bound not to have an}^ estate, legacy, or inheri-

tance, except what is necessary for the wants and

repairs of the Convent.

3. Attached to the Convent they may have a large

garden, to be cultivated only for the benefit of the

Sisters. All that belongs to the Convent is common

property, of which the Superior is the Administratrix,

but not the owner.

4. They should serve God as strangers and pilgrims

upon earth, in poverty and humility, seeking for alms

with confidence. They should not be ashamed to do

this, as our Lord was poor, in this world for our sake.
*

This is the excellence of holy poverty, that teaches you,

O blessed Sisters ! O inheritors of the heavenly king-
dom ! which, in making you poor in temporal con-



CONSTITUTION. 33

veniences, enriches you with heavenly virtues. It

should be the treasure and inheritance to guide you into

the land of the living, where you will enter only by con-

tempt of all things for the love of our Lord Jesus

Christ.

5. In regard to fortune, goods, or other possessions

of the Sisters, it is to be understood that a Novice

must give all her property to the Superior, and, after

profession, no Sister can claim anything as her own.

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE VOW OF CHASTITY.

Since this virtue is the most pleasing to the Son of

God, the Sisters should be exceedingly careful to

remain pure.

1. Those Sisters, having charge of the sick, should be

very careful in their behavior, particularly with persons

of the opposite sex.

2. No Sister is allowed to enter the cell of another
without permission from the Superior. The cells are

to be separated from one another either by a wall, or in

dormitories by curtains.

3. Particular friendship, and too great attachment of

one Sister for another must be avoided, for such attach-

ments may be the cause of disputes and numerous

other evils. Woe to the Convent where such disorder
is allowed !

3



34 C0S6T1TUTJUS.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE.

Holy Obedience is a virtue by which we, for the love

of God, submit our will and judgment to a person, who,

towards us, takes the place of God.

1. The Sisters must be exact in observing their Rules

and Constitutions. They should, also, execute the

commands and orders of the Superior in such a way

that it may be said of them, that they no longer have a

will of their own, but that their will is entirely subject

to those who guide them.

They should show their Superior great respect, and

when reprimanded by the latter, they should neither

excuse nor justify themselves, but receive the admoni-

tion with humility.

2. The Sisters must not write any letters* without

permission, nor should the}^ send or receive any that

have not first been read by the Superior.

3. As the epistolary intercourse, between Superiors

and those intrusted to their care, should be perfectly

unrestrained, the necessary paper, stamps, etc., are to

be kept in the procuratory, that each Sister may write

to the Mother, or to any of the General Councilors,

whenever she wishes to do so. It is, also, declared

that the Rules do not bind under pain of sin but,

nevertheless, it is commanded that all these regulations

should be strictly observed. Therefore, those who

wilfully violate them can scarcely be guilty of less than

a venial sin.

These Rules must be read at least once a month.

4. Should any Sister wish to return to the world,

after her profession, or should her conduct be such that

* Except such as the Rule permits.



CONSTITUTION. 35

it is the cause of scandal to others by continual disobe,

dience, contempt of rules, great failing in Poverty or

Chasity, it is decreed that the Most Rev. Archbishop

of the diocese, in which the Mother-house is situated

shall, in the first case, give her the dispensation of her

vows
;
and in the second case, he can dismiss her from

the Order, even against her will. A dismissal of this
kind includes, also, the dispensation of the vows. Since

experience has shown that many disorders arise on

account of the laxity of some after profession, it is de-

creed, that when the time alloted for their Novitiate

expires the Sisters, admitted to profession, shall make

their vows for one year only, and these vows are to be

renewed, annually, for the following five years. If,

during this time, anything serious should occur, concern-

ing these Sisters, it is left to the Mother, her Council,

and the Most Rev. Archbishop to decide, whether or

not they are to renew their vows.

At the end of five years, they may be allowed to

make Perpetual Vows, if the Mother Superior, her

Council, and the Most Rev. Archbishop approve of it.





PAET II.





CONSTITUTION.

Part Second .

CHAPTER I.

THE GENERAL CHAPTER.

1. A General Chapter shall be held every three
years in the Mother house, at which the election of the

Mother Superior and the General Councilors shall take

place, and various other affairs of the Community

be transacted. At this Chapter the Most Rev. Arch-

bishop of the diocese, or his representative (assisted

by one or two witnesses of the Secular or regular

clergy) shall preside.

2. The formal announcing and convoking of the

General Chapter is made by the Mother Superior or her

legal representative, with the consent of the Most

Rev. Archbishop four weeks before her term of office

expires. During this time three Hail Marys and the

Memorare shall be said in common in every house, to

implore God’s grace and blessing on the coming

election.

3. The following Sisters have a place and vote in

the General Chapter :

(a) The Mother Superior, and Mother Assistant.

(b) “ Local Superior.

(c) “ Novice Mistress.

(d) “ Delegates from the Convents of the

Institute.



40 CONSTITUTION.

THE ELECTION OF DELEGATES.

1. When the Superior of each house receives the
proclamation of the General Chapter from the Mother

Superior or from her representative, she shall, oil the

following Sunday, assemble the Sisters, who have the

right of voting, to elect their delegates.

2. Those who have not made perpetual vows, have no

right to vote, nor to be voted for. All the Sisters,

having the right to vote, must be present at this election,

for, if even one were not called upon, she could make

the election of the other Sisters invalid.

3. Communities of four professed Sisters, including

the Superior, will elect only one delegate. Communi-

ties of more than four will elect two.

4. The election takes place in the following manner :

The Superior of the House, although she cannot vote

for a delegate, presides at the election, opening it with

the prayer
u Veni Sancte Spiritus,” and the Litany of

the Saints, in order that God’s blessing may guide the

election. Then each Sister writes, on a slip of paper,

the name of the one, whom, before God, she believes

herself obliged to elect, and folds it. Then the

Assistant of the Superior, or if their be none, the

eldest Sister collects and counts the ballots. If one

ballot be missing, the remainder must be burned in

presence of the Community, and the election resumed.

If the number of ballots be complete, the same Sister

opens them and reads the names aloud. Meanwhile,

the Superior writes on a sheet of paper, in presence of

the other Sisters, the names that are on the ballots.

If a Sister has a simple majority, she is chosen delegate.

If there are two delegates to be elected, the second

election proceeds in the same manner as the first.

These delegates accompany the Local Superior to the

Mother-house for the General Chapter, and vote with the

others. In the Mother-house the election of delegates



CONSTITUTION. 41

shall be conducted in the same manner as in the

Mission house.

The Mother Superior is not allowed to vote at this

election. The Mother Assistant shall preside at it, and

appoint a Sister who is to count, open, and read the

ballots.

CHAPTER II.

THE ELECTION OF THE MOTHER SUPERIOR AND

THE GENERAL COUNCILORS.

1. Since the office of Mother Superior is so very

important, the spiritual and temporal welfare of the

Institute, depending upon it, therefore only such a

Sister is to be elected as possesses a sound judgment,

kind heart, firm character, thorough knowledge and

experience in religious matters, and who has always led

a truly edifying life. She must, also, be thirty-three

years old, and ten years professed.

2. The Sisters, who have a right to vote, must be in

the Mother-house on the eve of the election. On the

following day, the members of the whole Community

should offer Mass and Holy Communion to obtain the

guidance of heaven.

3. The electors are strictly bound, in conscience, to

vote for that Sister whom, before God, they believe to

be truly capable, and worthy of filling this office, and

they must select the Mother Superior and the General

Councilors from the delegates.

4. At the appointed hour, the Sisters who are en-

titled to vote, shall meet either in the Chapel or in the

Community Room. When all are assembled, the
Most Rev. Archbishop, or his representative, will say



CONSTITUTION

.

42

the 44 Veni Sancte Spiritus” and a Hail Mary,

with the Community, after which all are seated.

5. The election then proceeds as follows :

Each Sister shall write, on a slip of paper, the name of

the one whom she wishes to elect. Then a Sister,

appointed by the delegates for that purpose, shall

collect the ballots in an urn, and place them before the

Most Rev. Archbishop or his representative. A
majority of two-thirds determines the election.

6. He who presides counts the votes in presence of

the witnesses, one of whom opens and shows these

votes to the Most Rev. Archbishop, or his representa-

tive who will read them and note the result. When the

ballots have been counted, examined and noted down,

he shall announce the result to the assembly.

7. After this, the votes are immediately burned in

presence of the Chapter, so that their contents may

remain secret.

8. If the number of votes does not correspond to

the number of Sisters present, or if no Sister has a

majority of two-thirds, the ballot shall be immediately

burned, and the election resumed.

9. If, after the ballots have been given three

times, a majority of two-thirds is not obtained, they

proceed to the fourth ballot, but must vote for one or

two Sisters who had the most ballots, and in this case

a simple majority decides.

10. According to a decree of the Council of Trent,

the election of the Mother Superior must be secret;

therefore the Sisters, who have been present, are bound

to observe strict silence about all that took place at it.

11. The Mother Superior shall be elected for three

years, and may, after the expiration of this time, be

elected for another triennium. After this second term

she must resign her office for three years, after which

she may be elected again.

12. Immediately after the election of the Mother



CONSTITUTION. 43

Superior, and in the same manner, four General Coun-

cilors shall be elected. A simple majority of votes
decides for them. The Mother Superior chooses one

of these newly elected Councilors to be her Assistant

in governing the Institute
;
and she proclaims her as

such to the Community.

13. Only those Sisters can be elected as Councilors

who have made the perpetual Vows, possess good re-

ligious principles, a sound judgment, and who have a

sufficient knowledge of the different officers of the

Institute
;
for only such are capable, in every respect,

of affording the Mother efficient assistance, both in

word and deed, in the difficult management of the

Institute.

14. If one of the Councilors die, the other members

shall privately elect, by a simple majority of votes, a

substitute, until the next election.

15. If the Mother Superior, during her term of

administration, die (or in any way become wholly in-

capable of ever fulfilling the duties of her office) , then

the Councilors shall either individually, or conjointly,

within one month afterwards, write to the Most Rev.

Archbishop, humbly requesting him to appoint a Sister

as Superior, until the next election. As soon as the

Most Rev. Archbishop’s appointment has arrived, the

Mother Assistant shall send a copy of it to each

Convent of the Institute.

16. In case the Most Rev. Archbishop cannot per-

sonally preside at the election, his representative will

draw up a document of the election, and have it signed

by all the electors. To this he will affix his own sig-

nature, the names of the two witnesses, and the seal of

the Institute, then present it to the Most Rev. Arch-

bishop for approval, in whose power it is to approve it,

or appoint another Sister, or even a former Superior.



44 CONSTITUTION’.

CHAPTER III.

THE OFFICE OF THE MOTHER SUPERIOR AND OF THE

GENERAL COUNCILORS.

1. The office of the Mother Superior is to govern
the whole Institute, her authority extending over each

community, and foundation, and over the property of

all the Convents. She has, however, no power to make

new laws
;
to change any point of Rule or Constitution

;

or to introduce anything new without the consent of

her qouncil, of all professed Sisters who have made

perpetual vows, and of the Most Rev. Archbishop.

2. She may govern the house personally, or, if

necessary, through an Assistant as Local Superior
;
but

in either case the Mother Superior takes the first

place in the choir, refectory, and in the meetings of

the Community. Out of respect, her place shall re-

main vacant during her absence.

3. As soon as she has entered upon her office, she

shall, within a month, make a retreat of three days, to

implore the assistance and blessing of God. After she

has visited all the houses, and has become acquainted

with the condition of each, she should assemble her

Councilors, and with the aid of their advice, first

appoint the Novice Mistress and her Assistant
;
then

the Local Superiors of the Mission houses and their

Assistants, and announce these appointments at a

convenient time.

4. The Mother Superior shall, every month, assemble

her Councilors for consultation. If, in the meantime,

an urgent necessity require the decision of the Counci-

lors, she must, in this particular instance, hold an extra

council. At each general consultation the u Veni

Sancte Spiritus” and a u Hail Mary// shall be said,

after which the Mother Assistant will read the minutes



CONSTITUTION. 45 >

of the last council, and then give an account of the

financial state of the house to the Councilors.

5. The Mother Superior, or her Assistant, shall pre-

side at each council. After she has proposed a certain

subject for consultation and has explained its circum-

stances without, however, expressing her own views,

each Councilor shall candidly and conscientiously give

her opinion regarding it. In considering a point

requiring the decision of the council, if the voices be

unequal, the majority decides
;
but if they be equally

divided, the Mother decides. If they cannot decide at

the first consultation, the Mother shall appoint another

day on which they are to assemble, and give their

decision. But after the second consultation, if the

Superior cannot conscientiously sanction it, she must

refer it to the Most Rev. Archbishop.

The Council has a decisive voice in the following

cases :

(a) When a Mission house is to be founded or re-
signed.

(b) When a postulant is to be received or invested;
and when a Novice is to be professed or dis-

missed.

(c) When an incorrigible Sister is to be dismissed
from the Community. In this case, however, the

decision must have the approval of the Most Rev.

Archbishop.

(d) When the Mistress of Novices or a Local
Superior is to be deposed. But if the Mother

Superior find it necessary to depose a Local

Superior without dela}', she is not obliged to

wait for the consent of the Councilors, but she

must inform them, immediately, after stating

the reasons for her action.

(e) When there is question of extraordinary pur-
chases or sales, and in unusual expenditures,

which exceed one hundred dollars.



#

46 CONSTITUTION.

6. The members of the council must observe strict

silence regarding all that has been entrusted to them.

If the results must be made known, it is the affair of

the Mother Superior to do so.

7. The Councilors should aid the Mother Superior in

everything
;
offering their assistance, especially, in diffi-

cult matters. They shall promptly obey and execute

her commands, rejoicing to be able to lighten her

heavy burden.

8. Yet, they must guard against assuming more

authority in the Convent than the Constitutions or the

Mother Superior gives them. They have no power

over any of the Sisters, but if they notice that abuses

or serious faults exist in any of the Mission houses,

they shall accurately inform the Mother Superior about

everything.

9. When a Sister has been elected she should not be
changed inside of three years, without weighty reason.

10. The Visitation—At least once a year the
Mother Superior, or her representative, shall visit each

Mission house, to ascertain its moral and physical

condition.

11. In order that the Visitation may be productive of

good, it is necessary that the Superior, as well as the

Sisters, invoke the Holy Ghost to obtain His Divine

assistance. At the appointed time the Mother shall

assemble the Community, and open the Visitation by

reciting a short prayer.

12. She will call each Sister to her, so that all may

have an opportunity of manifesting their personal wants,

and informing her if abuses have crept in. Each one,

however, should mention only what she knows to be

true, without exaggerating, lessening, or concealing any

point through human respect.

13. She will see if order and cleanliness prevail in

the house, visit the cells, remove what is superfluous,

and have necessaries supplied.



COA'S TlTUTIOm 47

14. She shall particulary examine:

(a) Whether the Rule and Constitutions be

read as prescribed
;

especially if the one

on silence be conscientiously observed.

(b) Whether harmony, charity, and peace,

reign among the Sisters.

(c) Whether frequent dispensations from the

Rule be granted without sufficient reason.

15. Foundations—When a new Mission house is
accepted, the Mother Superior should have a written

contract drawn up and signed, first by the Pastor of

the parish
;
next, by her councilors

;
and lastly she should

affix her own signature to it, so that if difficulty arise,

the conditions on which the house was accepted, may

be known. This contract should include a free resi-

dence, and a yearly stipend.

16. The Mother Superior should see that there are,

at least, four Sisters in each house, as otherwise, the

spirit of the Order and the common life can not well be

maintained. She should, therefore, never found a new

Mission if the other houses cannot easily spare the

Sisters necessary for it.

17. The consent of the Most Rev. Archbishop must

be obtained to found or resign a mission.

18. Possessions are the common property of the

Institute. The Mother Superior should be careful that

all legal titles are kept in order, and according to the

laws of the country. She must be particular that no

unnecessary expenditures be made for buildings
;
that

every new structure, as well as the furniture of the

rooms, be without elegance or ornament, and strictly in

conformity with holy poverty
;

that they, however, be

suitable for the purpose, according to the express wish

of our holy founder. Not only should the cells of the

Sisters be furnished in a simple manner, but, also, the

parlors and rooms for strangers.



48 CONSTITUTION.

CHAPTER IV.

THE OFFICE OF MOTHER ASSISTANT.

1. The Assistant of the Mother Superior bears the

title of u Mother Assistant/’and should be called so by

all.

2. In case of absence, or incapacity of the Mother,

the Assistant will take her place governing the Institute

according to her directions, and presiding at all the

consultations.

3. Not only is it the duty of the Mother Assistant

to aid the Mother Superior, in words and deeds, in the

government of the Institute, but, also, respectfully and

charitably, to admonish her if she disregard a point of

Rule, tolerate abuses and frequent transgressions, or if

she repeatedljydispenses from the Rule.

4. She shall, also, defend the Mother Superior against

groundless complaints of Sisters, and by word and

example strive to preserve and to promote among the

Sisters, not only a good understanding, but also a holy

friendship, and mutual esteem between the Mother

Superior and her subjects. The Assistants of every

house have the same obligations towards their Local

Superior, so that the observance of the holy Rule and

Constitutions be constantly maintained.

CHAPTER V.

THE OFFICE OF LOCAL SUPERIOR AND HER ASSISTANTS.

1. The Local Superior shall be called Sister Su-

perior. Her authority extends over all the mem-

bers and also over the administration of property of the



CONSTITUTION. 49

Convent over which she is placed. She should conform

herself to the rules and regulations of the Mother

Superior. That which the Mother is for all the houses,

the Local Superior should be for her particular house.

She should lead the Sisters in the way of perfection,

with motherly love, prudence, and justice, according to

the Rules and Constitutions. No one shall be appoint-

ed Local Superior who has not lived six years in the

Community as a professed Sister.

2. She appoints the Sisters to their different occupa-

tions, and should not allow them to meddle in anything

else. She should leave the Sisters the power which the

Rule gives to their office. She should not change the

Sisters often in their employments, as this only creates

confusion.

3. She has no authority to incur an expense of more

than twenty-five dollars (food and clothing excepted),

without the approval of the Mother Superior.

4. She has the power of correcting the Sisters, both

in and out of chapter.

5. It belongs only to the General Superior to appoint

the teachers to the different schools, but the Local

Superior has the right to arrange these Sisters to take

charge of the classes most suitable to each.

6. The Local Superior is not only allowed, but even

obliged to visit the schools every two weeks to see how

matters progress. She should strictly observe the

discipline, cleanliness, and progress of the children,

also, the adherence to the proper system of teaching.

She should allow the Sisters to make little presents to

the children.

7. If a teacher be careless she must admonish her,

or impose a penance if necessary. If this fails to have

the desired effect, the Superior must then, and only

then, write to the Mother.

8. Should a young girl apply to the Local Superior

for admission into the convent, the latter should notify

4



50 CONSTITUTION.

the Mother, stating, also, all particulars, and then act

as advised. If there be any postulants in a Mission

house, they must follow, in every detail, the Rule which

they observe in the Mother house.

9. She has the right to receive sick persons into her

house (if she be Superior of a hospital), as well as

decent wajffarers who may ask for a night's lodging

—

u
I was sick and ye invited me, I was a stranger, and

ye took me in.”

10. If she be told anything by one of the Sisters, no

matter what it may be, she should not speak of it to

others. If she disagree with any Sister or have any

other difficulty, she should endeavor to arrange such

matters herself, and only after making repeated efforts,

at reconciliation in vain, shall she write to the Mother.

Without express permission from the Mother, no

Superior is allowed to introduce innovations or give up

old customs.

11. The Superior will ask of sick Persons, who desire

to be received into the hospital, and cat pay their

board, whatever the Mother has appointed for all

such houses.

12. For a better administration of the temporal affairs

of the convent, the Superior shall keep, either person-

ally or through her Assistant, the following books :

(a) A catalogue of the Library.
(b) A book of the finances, in which the daily

income and expenditures of the convent, shall

be entered, and which shall be balanced

monthly.

(c) She shall, also, keep an inventory of the

school or institute that is connected with

the convent. In it she shall record the

number of children
;
the names and residence

of those who enter and leave
;
the names of

u
First Communicants,” and of those who



CONSTITUTION. 51

are confirmed
;

the school system, school

books, salary of teachers, and all other

important events of the school and con-

vent.

13. She shall, also, inspect each branch of the Institu-

tion, weekly, to see that it receives the proper care, and

that order and cleanliness be maintained.

14. If there are five Sisters in a community, the

Superior is to have one assistant
;
but if the Com-

munity consists of twelve, she must have two, who, in

word and deed, will aid her in the government of the

convent. The Superior should place great confidence

in this assistant and show her due respect, especially in

the presence of others.

In all important affairs of the house the Superior

should ask her advice, and each assistant is obliged, in

conscience, frankly and respectfully, to state her

opinion, no matter what the views of the Superior may

be.

15. An assistant has only those rights the Constitu-
tions and the Mother Superior give her. She should

always be kind and affable toward her Sisters, and

very respectful towards her Superior
;
especially in the

presence of others. She should observe a strict silence

in regard to everything the Superior communicates

to her as secret, and she should not show displeasure

if the advice she gave the Superior be not carried

out.

16. By virtue of her office, she is obliged to inform

the Superior of any grave faults or irregularities which

she may notice.

17. In case the Superior is sick or absent, the first

Assistant, or if she be prevented, the second, and if

there be no assistant, the eldest professed Sister takes

the Superior’s place, unless the Mother has appointed

another Sister to do it.



52 CONSTITUTION.

18. For every unusual expense of more than twenty-

five dollars (food and clothing excepted) the Local

Superior must have the consent of the Mother.

CHAPTER VI.

THE OFFICE OF PROCURATRIX.

1. The Procuratrix shall have charge of the tem-

poralities of the house, and carefully keep an account

of the finances
;
noting, punctually, each article with date

of its purchase, price, and delivery, so that no mistake

or confusion may occur.

2. She must see that these books are always in

order, so that they may, at any time, be shown to the

Mother Superior or to the ecclesiastical Superiors.

CHATPER VII.

THE OFFICE OF MISTRESS OF NOVICES AND HER

ASSISTANT.

1. The Mistress of Novices is chosen for three years

by the Mother Superior with the advice of her council.

This office is one of importance and great responsibility,

for the spirit of the entire institute, and of each

individual member, depends upon the religious educa-

tion of the Novices and Postulants. The Mistress

must be ten years professed, and, in accordance with a

decree of His Holiness, Pope Clement XIII., she must

have attained the age of thirty-five years.

2. To lighten, however, the burden of her office she

shall have an assistant. Both the Mistress of Novices



CONSTITUTION. 53

and her Assistant should thoroughly understand the

teachings of religious perfection. They should be

devoted to prayer, interior and exterior mortification
;

be prudent, full of charity and kindness
;

grave

and dignified. They should unite holy zeal to

meekness, and try, as much as possible, to be free from

irritable or passionate dispositions. In a word, they

should be models of every virtue, so that those

entrusted to their care may not fear them, but rather

esteem, honor, and love them as mothers.

3. The Mistress is to have entire control of the

Novices, and is dependent on the Mother Superior

alone, in the government of the Novitiate.

4. Since the object of the Novitiate is the study

and practice of the religious virtues, characteristic of a

true Daughter of St. Francis, the Mistress shall con-

stantly imbue each Novice with an exalted idea of, and

a holy esteem and love for her vocation. She shall

instruct her thoroughly in the exact and punctual

observance of the Vows, Rules, and Constitutions
;
how

to practice vocal and mental prayer ; how to make

meditation
;

how to make particular examen, to

guard and mortify her senses
;
how to discover and

eradicate her faults, and conquer her evil inclinations.

She shall accustom her to a certain austerity and make

her familiar with the fasts and penances of the Rule.

She shall, also, direct her how to receive the Sacraments

worthily, and explain to her how useful and salutary it

is, to unreservedly manifest her interior emotions and

temptations to the Spiritual Director. She shall induce

each novice to practice humility, especially in the care

of the sick, or aged, and in the menial works of our

vocation, as our holy Founder requires of us. She

shall, also, teach her to practice reserve and modesty in

all her actions, for in the eyes of the world, these

virtues reflect a supernatural splendor on the Institute.

Lastly, she shall inculcate a love of silence, in



54 CONSTITUTION.

which is hidden the richest treasures of wisdom and

virtue.

5. Not only shall she clearly explain to the Novices

the Rule, Constitutions, and the three vows of Poverty,

Chastity, and Obedience, but she shall also expound

these minutely, and in detail, referring, at the same time,

to the legends of the Saints, especially to those of our

Order. To this end she shall, in all things, teach them

by example as well as by word, for the latter moves

the heart, but the former draws and leads them into the

life of perfection. Whilst she thus instructs the

Novices in all these points, she shall carefully observe

them herself, and test the spirit by which they are ani-

mated. For all exterior practices are worthless, if the

spirit be wanting, which consists in love, holy joy, and

sacrifice in the service of God. She shall, therefore,

examine every Novice on the following points :

(a) If she truly seeks God
;

(b) If she has a real love for the religious life

;

(c) If she possesses the virtues of child-like sim-

plicity, sincerity, and obedience
;

(d) If she is willing to mortify her own will in

everything, and to bear, patiently, every humi-

liation for the love of God.

6. If the Mistress doubts whether a Novice

possesses these dispositions, she should consult the

Spiritual Director, and lay the case before the Mother

Superior for decision.

7. Every four months she shall give an exact account

of the character, ability, and conduct of each Novice to

the Mother Superior.

£ To be able to do this, she must have a thorough

knowledge of each, and must, therefore, always and

everywhere, observe her. She must treat each like a

prudent, just, and loving Mother—often, and confiden-
tially conversing with her, to dertermine the condition

of her health, and to ascertain her needs which she



CONSTITUTION. 55

(the Mistress) will endeavor to satisfy. She should,

however, take special interest in the spiritual welfare

of each Novice, and observe an inviolable silence re-

garding whatever is entrusted to her as secret, for thus

only will she gain the love and confidence of all.

9. In all her instructions, she should adhere to the

counsel of the Apostle, 2 Tim *2. u Entreat, reprove,

rebuke” i.e., as time and circumstances require, she

should show severity at one time
;
the earnestness of a

mistress at another
;
and again, the love and tenderness

of a mother.

10. Although the Mistress has no right to demand of

the Novices an account of conscience, yet, to enable

her to decide, regarding their vocation and ability, she

may, and ought to ask, once a month, the following

questions :

(a) If they be happy in their vocation.

(b) If they have any temptations against their

vocation
;

and if the thought of their rela-

tives gives them trouble.

(c) If they have any special affection or aver-

sion for any one.

(d) If they truly seek God, and if they are

willing to obey blindly, to restrain their

passions, and to endure contradictions and

humiliations.

But the Mistress must be careful not to examine any-

thing that regards confession, and no Novice is obliged

to answer any questions of this kind, even if asked, as

our Holy Father, Leo XIII., has ordained.

11. Should a Novice wish to manifest her interior

sins or temptations, the Mistress should refer her to

the Confessor.

12. The Mistress shall keep two books in the house

for the Novitiate. In one she shall record the names

of the Novices, and the date on which they began their

Novitiate; in the other, the date of their profession.



56 CONS TITUTION.

In the first book she should leave a space, a hand wide,

for remarks, such as—why a Novice was dismissed
;
or

in case of death, her particular virtues, etc. In the

second, she shall write, for each newly professed, the

following

:

“ I, Sister
,
of the Third Order of St. Francis, do

hereby declare, that on the — day of —
,
in the year of

our Lord —
,
I made my religious Vows of said Order

in honor of God, of His blessed Mother and of St.

Francis, and for my own salvation.” This document
must be signed by each newly professed Sister, by the

Mistress, and her assistant.

13. In matters concerning the Novitiate she is per-

fectly independent of the Local Superior of the House,

and neither she, nor any other professed Sister has any

right to employ a Novice in anything without express

permission from the Mistress. She, also, has the sole

privilege of instructing and correcting the Novices, but

she must not introduce new rules or customs, but

practice the old ones. She may permit the Novices all

that the Constitutions allow.

14. If the Mistress be prevented from attending any

Community exercise, she is not obliged to inform the

Superior.

15. When letters or parcels are received for the
Novices, they must be given to the Mistress, for she

is the only one who has the right to open and read

them. The same is to be observed in regard to letters

which the Novices write.

16. She must attend Chapter the same as other

Sisters, and accuse herself in Hie same manner. The

Novices’ Chapter, presided over by the Mistress or her

Assistant, is held at a different time, and must be sepa-

rated from that of the Community. The Mistress shall,

also, recite the office with the professed Sisters and

Novices in common.

17. The Assistant of the Mistress is to be appointed



CONSTITUTION. 57

by the Mother Superior, with the advice of her council.

It is the duty of the Assistant to watch over all the

Novices, and to inform the Mistress of any faults she

may notice in them.

18. When the Mistress is absent, which should be in

unavoidable circumstances only, the Assistant shall take

her place. She has then the same power as the Mistress,

and should conduct the Novitiate in the same manner,

but she should not introduce any innovations. She is

to spend her recreation with the Novices, and some-

times with the professed Sisters.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE NOVITIATE.

1 . With permission of the Bishop, the Novitiate

shall be in the house which the Mother Superior

selects, and remain a separate Community from that

of the professed Sisters.

2. After receiving the Habit, the Novices shall

make a Novitiate for two years, and during that time

the Mother Superior must see that they have all that is

necessary for their state of life.

8. The right of remaining with the Novices belongs

exclusively to the Mistress and her Assistant
;
no other

Sisters are allowed to frequent the Novitiate, or

to speak to any Novice without permission from the

Mother Superior.

The Days on which Novices and postulants are per-

mitted to receive visits from their friends are as follows :

The first Sunday of January and of August.
“ u

after Easter.
•

4. In the Novitiate the following should be observed :

(a) During their Novitiate, the Novices are not to be

sent to other houses, except in case of sickness.



58 CONSTITUTION.

(b) They should never be allowed to visit their

parents, except in case of serious sickness or

death.

(c) Those who are talented should attend school for

at least four hours every day on which school is

held, during the two years of their Novitiate. This

study is to be directed by a competent Sister.

5. They shall make a weekly retreat on Friday,

keeping strict silence. They shall make the way of the

Cross, daily. If a recreation day falls on Friday, the

retreat is withdrawn.

6. On the twenty-fifth of each month they shall per-

form a devotion to the Infant Jesus, and in the afternoon

receive a present.

7. If a Novice be dismissed, all that she brought to

the convent is to be returned to her; but a deduction

should be made according to the number of months she

spent in the Novitiate.

CHAPTER IX.

RANK OF THE SISTERS.

1. The General Superior takes the first place in the

choir, refectory, and in the meetings of the Community.

2. The Mother Assistant, at all times, takes the first

place after the Mother.

3. The general Councilors take their places next to

the Mother Assistant, according to profession.

4. The Local Superior always retains the first place in

the Mission house assigned her, except when the Mother

Superior is present.

5. The Assistants of the Local Superior take the

next places after their Superior, except when older

Sisters from other houses are present.

6. All the other Sisters rank according to the order

of their profession.

7. Postulants who enter on the same day, and at the



CONSTITUTION. 59

same time, rank according to age
;
the elder preceding

the younger ones.

THE DUTIES OF SUPERIORS.

1. To be Superior is, indeed, a great dignity
;
but it is

like-wise burdensome, and a great responsibility. For

a Superior is God’s visible representative, who, in the

spirit of Jesus Christ, should lead the Community, en-

trusted to her care, in the way of perfection. Such a

dignity and authority necessarily presupposes a vocation

from God.

2. When a Sister is lawfully elected or appointed by

ecclesiastical authority' Superior of the whole Institute

or of a mission-house, she should, after the example of

Jesus Christ, govern her Community with charity,

prudence, and justice. Therefore, her most important

duty is to edify the Sisters entrusted to her care. As our

divine Saviour first practised every virtue before He

taught it, so, also, should each Superior fervently

practice every virtue required by her vocation, and

position. She shall, especially, tread the paths of

humility, for the higher her office the more numble

should her mind and conduct be. As Jesus deprived

Himself of all things, so should she renounce herself in

all things
;
seeking only the glory and will of God, and

the salvation of her daughters. For it is her duty to

rear her spiritual family according to the example of

Jesus Christ, and in practice to be to them a guide in

the love of poverty, in the labors of her vocation, and

in bearing patiently the trials of Community life, so that

she can truly say with the Apostle : “ Be ye followers

of Me, as I also am of Christ.” I Cor. iv. 1 6.

3. A Superior must love her Sisters as her children
without exception, without regard to person, character,

or nationality
;
the illiterate as well as the educated,

the imperfect as well as the more perfect. For she

takes the place of Mother to each and all. As such the



60 CONSTITUTION.

dying Redeemer beheld her on the day on which He

entrusted to her the holy office she holds. He addressed
her, ag He did His holy Mother, from the Cross

—

“Mother behold thy children,” consequently it is a

stringent duty of each Superior to love all her subjects,

after the example of Jesus Christ, with a specially

tender and generous love, earnestly endeavoring to

make them very happy in their vocation
;
sincerely

compassionating the weak, patiently bearing the pecu-

liarities of their character, and affectionately admon-

ishing tho erring. When the Sisters come to her for
permissions, counsels or assistance, she should receive

them kindly and cheerfully, granting them all she can.

But especially towards the sick should she show

herself a Mother; visiting them every day, and in-

quiring, minutely, and with tender care, how they feel,

and how they are cared for. By such love and con-

descension a Superior cannot fail to gain the esteem

and child-like confidence of her Sisters.

4. As Mother
,
the Superior should instruct and lead

her Community in the way of salration.—For this reason
there should be a mutual understanding between her-

self and the Spiritual Director of the convent. In her

doubts, she should seek his advice, appreciate his

counsels, and, when possible, faithfully comply with

them. For the Apostle expressly teaches that God in-

structs His people through His annointed.

5. The Superior should see that the Sisters are well

instructed in the truths of our holy religion, and in the

science of the saints
;
therefore, she should request the

Spiritual Director to give them, if possible, a confer-

ence at least once a month. She, herself, should

exhort them to be faithful to the Rule and the Vows and

especially to mutual love and harmony among them-

selves.

6. She should be very prudent, for “ without prudence

the most beautiful virtue becomes a vice”— (St.



CONSTITUTION. 61

Bernard). Consequently, she must do nothing without

mature reflection
;
prudence demands that she seek the

advice of her Councilors in all affairs of importance*

and she can expect the benediction of heaven on her

decisions, only when she is faithful to this Rule. “Do

nothing wuthout counsel—and thou wilt not repent
when thou hast done.” Eccles. xxxi 24.

7. No Superior should ever speak disparagingly of

the ways or methods of her predecessors, nor allow

others to do so.

REFLECTION ON CHARITY.

The Sisters should try to speak well of one another.

To speak of others as they would wish to be spoken of*

and never utter, in the absence of a Sister, what they

would not say in her presence.

If they ever hear a Sister speak ill of others, they

should be careful neither to encourage her lack of

charity, nor appear pleased with her language
;
other-

wise, they partake of her guilt. They should be

careful never to mention to any Sister that another

has spoken of her in an uncharitable manner
;
for tale-

bearing of this kind sometimes occasions disputes and

aversions which last a long time. Oh ! how frightful

the account which tale-bearers must render to God !

The sowers of discord are objects of abomination in His

sight. Six things, there are, that the Lord hateth, and

the seventh his soul detesteth. The seventh is the

man that someth discord among brethren. They should

endeavor, also, to avoid, as much as possible, alldisputes.

Sometimes trifles give occasion to arguments that end

in altercations and injurious language. If they love

charity, they should endeavor to be affable and meek



62 CONSTITUTION.

to all. Meekness is the characteristic virtue of the

Lamb
;

it is the beloved virtue of Jesus Christ, Who,

through a love of meekness, took the appellation of

Lamb. In their conversation and intercourse with

others, the Sisters should try to be agreeable not only

to their Superior and to those who are in office, but to

all, and particularly to those Sisters who have offended

them, or who oppose their wishes, or are displeasing

by roughness of manner. Charity is patient : beareth

all things. Whoever, then, bears not the defects of his

neighbor cannot have true charity. The most perfect

souls are not free from all defects. All are subject to

faults
;
and, notwithstanding her manifold imperfect-

ions, each Sister expects to be treated with charity and

compassion. Therefore, each should, according to the

advice of the Apostle, compassionate the defects of

others. Bear ye one another’s burdens. It is by the

manner in which one Sister bears the burdens of others,

that it is known whether she loves them with true

charity, which, because it is supernatural, should be

stronger than natural affection.

In observing charity, the Sisters should not neglect

the practice of politeness, which is called the garment

of charity. Although politeness, which is ranked

among the little virtues, because it is supposed that

religious supernaturalize it by their motive, is a purely hu-

man virtue, yet, it is essential to the harmony of society.

It is, perhaps, because religious regard it too much as

a human virtue, that they frequently seem to forget to

practice it among themselves. Nevertheless, politeness

is nowhere out of place. It is a desire to please those

with whom we are obliged to live, and to conduct our-

selves in such a manner that we may give satisfaction

to everybody
;
to our Superiors, by our respect ; to

equals, by our esteem
;
to inferiors, by our kindness.

It consists, in saying, and doing to each one

what is suitable, and may please that person. u With



CONS TITUT10N

.

63

honor preventing one another/’ says the Apostle ; these

marks of honor are what we understand by politeness.

We all like one who treats ns with respect, and we feel
obliged to make a similar return. Therefore, in a

Community, where Christian supernatural politeness

reigns, the Sisters will never hear, in conversation, the

least rude word, trite remarks, interruptions, boisterous

laughter, etc.
;
nor will they observe in dress any

negligence or want of neatness; nor any unseemly

haste in going to and fro ; nor any brusque impatience or

hurry which makes the Sisters forget that they must

salute one another, at least interiorly, because of the

dignity of their vocation.

Charity, whatever the nature of its acts, has more

need than all the other virtues to be practised with a

good grace. Gentleness is its flower, amiability its

perfume. Every act of charity, done with an ill grace,

is almost valueless. A service rendered ungraciously,
in a manner which shows that a Sister regrets being

disturbed or troubled, only produces half its effect,

and lacking that which should be its charm, it is hardly

counted by God and men. But to perform every act

of charity with affability, condescension, politeness, and

cheerfulness, requires a strong habit of self-control.

The Sisters should, therefore, watch over themselves,

struggle courageously against their inclinations to self-

ishness, sensuality, and pride. No virtue brings its

own reward in this world more than charity, and the

Holy Spirit desires that all should think of this, for in

praising people of the Old Law, He nearly always says :
“ they were beloved of God and men.”



64 CONSTITUTION-

ADVICE TO SISTERS WHO ARE .
TEACHING.

Since education is the want of the age, those Sisters,

employed in this good work, should rejoice; for it is the

most excellent of all zealous labors. Education forms

men, moulds generations, decides the fate of individuals

in time and eternity, the fate of families and of king-

doms. Good education gives worthy Priests to the sanc-

tuary, legislators and just magistrates to the State
;

it supplies good children to families, and forms those

who are fitted to be the heads of households
;

it gives

protectors to religion and Saints to heaven. There

may be other works of zeal more striking to the eye

than the instruction of children and the education of

youth
;
but there is none more solid, more fruitful, or

more worthy of the esteem of God and men. Therefore,

the Sisters who are engaged in this work, should beg

of God the grace to devote themselves to it with all their

hearts, and be always ready to spend their entire lives in

teaching, should such be the will of God. But to

ensure success they must have more than a good

will
;
they must use the necessary means. They should

try to obtain help from God by an ardent charity, a

profound humility, and a great purity of conscience

and intention
;
they ought to be women of prayer, that

grace may sustain their courage, and enable them to

conquer obstinate, indolent, and passionate natures.

They should try to be closely united to their Superiors,

by childlike obedience, and to their companions by

charity, so that there may be perfect unity in their

ways of judging and acting. They should try to be

exemplary, so that their lives may preach and persuade

more than their words, and thus contribute towards



CONSTITUTION. 65

giving them authority. They should devote themselves

entirely to the special branch that is given them, no

matter what attraction they may feel for other labors

or other studies
;
in a word, they should be women of

abnegation, devotion, and sacrifice. They should beg

of God to assist them, to acquire those virtues in which

they are deficient. The work of education, especially

for those who enter on it while young, is not without its

dangers. Many have fallen victims to these
;
therefore,

to avoid this evil the Sisters should guard :

(a) Against the attraction they may feel for some

pupils in particular
;
there is but one step between that

and misplaced affections and familiarities.

(b) Against dissipation, whence flow lukewarmness

and the loss of a religious spirit.

(c) Against the disgust which various contradictions

will cause, and which, if the Sisters are not careful, will

lead to a great disgust for their vocation.

What they should most especially avoid, in this

important work, is fickleness of temper and conduct,

excessive indulgence in anger, harsh language, humili-

ating remarks, especially in* public
;
want of punctuality

in the hours for assembling
;

want of preparation

for what they have to say or teach
;
routine, pr a want

of ingenuity in exciting emulation. They should beg

our Blessed Lady and the Saints, who were devoted,

in a special manner, to the education of youth, to obtain

for them, and for those associated with them, in the

apostolate of education, the happiness of leading many

souls to God.

5



66 CONS TITUTION.

CIVILITY AND RELIGIOUS DECORUM,
AND ADVICE FOR NOVICES.

As sincere charity, according to the Apostle, u is

kind and patient, seeking not her own, but bearing and

enduring all things” (1. Cor. xiii.), it is, of course,

necessary that religious souls should not undervalue

the principles and practice of that forbearance, civility,

and simple politeness, which are requisite in all

societies, and may be justly termed the exterior of

charity. It consequently follows, that the members of

all religious Orders, particularly those devoted to the

instruction of youth, and obliged to give children not

only a Christian, but also a polite education, should be

habituated to act in every respect, according to the rules

of civility and religious decorum. If, when a resident

in the world, you were. initiated in the principles of

politeness, and accustomed to act conformably thereto,

continue the same line of conduct after your entrance

into the convent, as it is by no means contrary to the

Spirit of religion. This is manifest from the examples

of Saints Paul and Anthony, who so politely ceded to

each other the honor of breaking the bread. Religious

must, however, purify and elevate tLeir motives, acting

from a principle of virtue in the same manner as they

formerly did to avoid being considered impolite or

uncultured. They should let the deference with which

they heretofore treated others, perhaps, through mere

compliment, spring now from sincere esteem for the

persons with whom they are associated, and also from

unfeigned respect for their exalted dignity and sacred

character as Spouses of Jesus Christ. They should

beware, however, of that affected air and deportment,

which denotes a worldy spirit or vain complacency in

self; and abstain from those multiplied compliments



CONSTITUTION. 67

which border on flattery, and cannot fail to be trouble-

some and irksome among persons desirous of living

together in the unaffected simplicity of sincere charity.

As for those who enter the convent uninstructed in

the rules of civility or politeness, they must endeavor,

in the Novitiate, to acquire whatever knowledge may

be necessary on that head, as well as on every other

requisite for the religious life. They must, therefore,

take care to speak politely, gently, and always in

terms of entreaty when it is necessary to ask for any-

thing, never failing to return thanks for whatever has

been given them. When spoken to by any one of the
elder Sisters, who may be standing they should rise

;
and

if they speak to any one in the choir or elsewhere, who

is sitting or kneeling, they should stoop or kneel,

so as to spare her the trouble of rising. They should

never speak from a distance, or make signs to call

another, particularly an elder, that being allowable

only from Superiors to inferiors. At recreation they

may take, indifferently, any unoccupied place,

but Novices should politely cede to the professed

the places near the Mistress, as being the most

honorable
;
however, if refused, the Novices may take

them themselves through condescension. Whenever

they meet the professed Sisters, they should salute them,

and if it be the Superior, Assistant, or Mistress of

Novices, they should stop until she passes. When
they are in the infirmary or elsewhere, and a Religious

of the Community enters, they should rise, give her

their place, and sit below her. There are many other
things relating to civility and politeness, best learned

by custom, and naturally springing from that respect

which religious persons mutually owe to each other,

and which should never be lessened by familiar inter-

course.





PART III.





MORNING PRAYERS. 71

MORNING PRAYERS.

I
N the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of

the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, I Believe.

AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING.

O my God ! I adore Thee, and I love Thee with my
whole heart. I thank Thee for all the benefits which

Thou hast granted me, and especially for having pro-

tected me so mercifully last night.

A GOOD INTENTION.

To Thee, my God, I offer all that I shall do, all that
I may suffer, during the day. I unite all my actions
and sufferings with those of Jesus and Mary, and I

make the intention now, to gain all the indulgences to

which I may be entitled for any good works which I

perform this day.

RESOLUTION.

My God ! I firmly resolve to fly from sin, and I im-
plore Thee for Jesus’ sake to grant me the grace of

perseverance. And especially am [ resolved, in every
trial, to take refuge in Thy holy will. O Lord ! Thy
will be done.

PRAYER FOR GRACE.

O my Jesus ! bear me in Thy hands this day. Mary,
holy Virgin ! may I find shelter under thy protecting

mantle. And do Thou, O heavenly Father ! help me
for the love of Jesus and Mary. My Guardian Angel,



72 MORNING PRA YERiS.

holy Father St. Francis, all my holy patrons, and all
the Saints, pray for me.

Three Hail Marys.

Through thy most holy virginity and Immaculate

Conception, 0 most pure Virgin, purify our hearts, our
bodies, and our souls.

THE MEMORARE.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never
was it known, that any one who fled to tkv protection,

implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left

unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee,

O Virgin of virgins, my mother. • To thee I come,
before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother
of the Word Incarnate ! despise not my petitions, but
in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS IN THANKSGIVING.

For a Religious Vocation.

Benign and merciful God ! how have I merited

the great grace of being called to the Order of our holy

Seraphic Father St. Francis, and for having been with-

drawn from the world and its sinful vanities, that I

may not return to my old ways and state, and instead

of serving God, serve the world?

Inflame my heart with the fire of Thy Divine love,

that I may ever serve Thee with a chaste body and a

pure heart, Thou who livest and reignest, for ever and

ever. Amen.

LITANY OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS.

Kyrie eleison,

Christe eleison,

Kyrie eleison,

Lord, have mercy on us,

Christ, have mercy on us,

Lord, have mercy on us,



MORNING PRA YERS. 73

Jesu audi nos,

Jesu exaudi nos.

Pater de coelis Deus. ]

Fili Redemptor mun-

di Deus,

Spiritus Sancte De-

us,

Sancta Trinitas unus

Deus,

Jesu, Fili Dei vivi,

Jesu, Splendor Pa-

tris,

Jesu, Candor lucis

aeternae,

Jesu, Rex Gloriae.

Jesu, Sol Justitiae,

Jesu, Fili Mariae

Virginis,

Jesu, amabilis,

Jesu, admirabilis,

Jesu, Deus fortis,

Jesu, K Pater futuri

saeculi,

Jesu, Magni Concilii

Angele^

Jesu, potentissime,

OS

SS

o
Cr4

os

Jesu, patientissime,

Jesu, obedientis-

sime,

Jesu, mitis et hu-

milis corde,
j

Jesus, hear ns,

Jesus, graciously hear us,

God, the Father of

Heaven.

God, the Son, Re-

deemer of
.

the

world,

God, the Holy

Ghost,

Holy Trinity, one

God,

Jesus, Son of the

living God,

Jesus, splendor of

the Father,

Jesus, brightness of

Eternal light,

Jesus, King of glory.

Jesus, Son of

Justice,

Jesus, Son of the

Virgin Mary,

Jesus, amiable,

Jesus, admirable,

Jesus, powerful God,

Jesus, Father of the

world to come,

Jesus, Angel of the

Great Council,

Jesus, most power-

ful,

Jesus, most patient,

Jesus, most Obedi-
|

ent, I

Jesus, meek and I

humble of heart,
j

Have

mercy

on

ns.



74 MORNING PRA YERS.

Jesu, Amator casti-

tatis,

Jesu, Amor noster,
Jesu, Deus pacis,

Jesu, Auctor vitae,

Jesu, Exemplar vir-

tutum,
*

Jesu, Zelator ani-

marum,

Jesu, Deus noster,

Jesu, Refugium nos-

trum,

Jesu, Pater pau-

perum,

Jesu, Thesaurus f?.-

delium,

Jesu, bone Pastor,

Jesu, Lux vera,

Jesu, Sapientia ae-

terna,

Jesu, Bonitas infi-

nita,

Jesu, Via et Vita

nostra,

Jesu, Gaudium An-

gelorum,

Jesu, Rex Patriar-

charum,

Jesu, M a g i s t e r
Apostolorum,

Jesu, Doctor Evan-

gelistarum,

Jesu, Fortitudo Mar-

tyrum,

Jesu, Lumen Con-

fessorum,

's’
o
Cr-

J esus, Lover of chas- 1

tity,

Jesus, Lover of us,

Jesus, God of peace,

Jesus, Authorof life,

Jesus, Model of vir-

tues.

Jesus, zealous for

souls,

Jesus, our God,

Jesus, our Refuge,

Jesus, Father of the

poor,

Jesus, Treasure of

the faithful,

Jesus, Good Shep-

herd,

Jesus, True light,

Jesus, Eternal Wis-

dom,

Jesus, Infinite Good-

ness,

Jesus, our Way and
our Life,

Jesus, Joy of

Angels,

Jesus, Kingj of the

Patriarchs,

Jesus, Master of

the Apostles,

Jesus, Teacher of

the Evangelists,

Jesus, Strength of

Martyrs,

Jesus, Light of Con-

fessors,
J

Have

mercy

on

us.



MORNING PRA YERS. 75

num, ! 3

Jesu, Corona Sane-
j

1

torum omnium, J |
Propitius esto, parce nobis

Jesu.

Propitius esto, exaudi nos

Jesu.

Ab omni malo, 1

libera nos Jesu.

Ab omni peccato,

Ab ira tua,
Ab insidiis diaboli,

A spiritu fornicati-
onis,

A morte perpetua,

A neglectu inspira-
tionum tuarum.

Per mysterium sanc-

tae Incarnationis

tuae,

Per Nativitatem tu-

am,

Per Infantiam tuam,

Per divinissimam

Yitam tuam,

Per Labores tuos,

Per Agoniam et

Passionem tuam,

Per Crucem et De-

relictioneir tuam,

Per Languores tuos,

J

! 3 a

r e a

i

f
Ci

J
*

us O

us O

1

Jesus, Purity of Vir- ) tej

gins,
'

Jesus, Crown of all

Saints,

Be merciful : Spare

Jesus.

Be merciful : hear

Jesus.

From all evil, Jesus

deliver us.

From all sin,

From Thy wrath,

From the snares of

the devil,

From the spirit of

fornication,

From everlasting

death,

From the neglect of

Thy inspirations, ^
Through the mys-

tery of Thy Holy

Incarnation,

Through Thy Nati-

vity,

Through

fancy,

Through

Divine Life,

Through Thy

bors,

Through Thy Agony

and Passion,

Through Thy Cross

and Dereliction,

Through Thy Lan-

guors,

Thy In-

Thy most

La-



76 MORNING PRAYERS.

Per Mortem et

Sepulturam tuam,

Per Resurrectionem

tuam,

Per Ascensionem

tuam,

Per Gaudia tua,

Per Gloriam tuam,

Agnus Dei, Qui

peccata mundi,

—

nobis Jesu.

S3
Os

5

o
to

toll is

parce

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis

peccata mundi, exaudi

nos, Jesu.

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis

peccata mundi, miserere

nobis, Jesu.

Jesu, audi nos.

Jesu, exaudi nos.

*

a,

Through Thy Death

and Burial,

Through Thy Resur-

rection
,

Through Thy Ascen-

sion,

Through Thy Joys,

Through Thy Glory,

Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the

world : Spare us, 0
Jesus.

Lamb of God, etc. Hear

us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, etc. Have

mercy on us, O Jesus.

Jesus, hear us.

Jesus, graciously hear us.

OREMUS.

Domine Jesu, qui dixisti petite et accipietis, quae rite

et invenietis, pulsate et aperietur vobis, quaesumus, da

nobis petentibus divinissimi Tui amoris affectum, ut Te

toto corde, ore et opere diligamus, et a Tua nunquam

laude cessemus. Qui vivis et regnas, etc. Amen .

THE ANGELUS.

V. Angelus Domini

nuntiavit Mariae.

R. Et concepit de

Spiritu Sancto. Ave

Maria, etc.

V. Ecce ancilla Do-

mini.

R. Fiat mihi secundum

Y. The Angel of the

Lord declared unto Mary.

R. And she conceived

of the Holy Ghost. Hail

Mary, etc.

y. Behold the hand-

maid of the Lord.

R. Be it done unto me



MORNING PRA YERS. 77

verbum tuum. Ave Maria,

etc.

Y. Et Verbam caro

factum est.

R. Et babitavit in

nobis. Ave Maria, etc.

V. Ora pro nobis.

Sancta Dei Genitrix.

R. Ut digni effi-

ciamur promissionibus
Christi.

according to Thy word.

Hail Mary, etc.

y. And the word was

made flesh.

R. And dwelt among

us. Hail Mary, etc.

y. Pi ay for us 0 Holy

Mother of God.

R. That we may be

made worthy of the prom-

ises of Christ.

oREMUS.

Gratiam tuam, quaesm

mus, Domine, mentibus

nostris infunde, ut qui, an-

gelo nuntiante, Christi

Filii tui, Incarnationem

coguovimus, per Passio-

nem Ejus et Crucem ad

Resurrectionis gloriam

perducamur. Per eum-

dem Christum Dominum

nostrum. Amen .

Gloria Patri, etc.

PRAYER.

Pour forth, we beseech

Thee, O Lord, Thy grace
into our hearts, that we,

to whom the Incarnation

of Christ, Thy Son, was

made known by the mess-

age of an angel, may by

His Passion and Cross, be

brought to the glory of His

resurrection. T hrough
the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Glory be to the Father

(three times.)

y. Ora pro nobis, beatissime Joseph.

R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

oREMUS.

Sanctissimae Genitricis Tuae Sponsi quaesumus

Domine mentis adjuvemur : ut quod possibilitas nostra

non obtinet, ejus nobis intercessione donetur. Qui

vivis, etc.



78 MORNING PRA YERS.

During the Paschal season—that is from Ho.y Saturday, at
noon, to Trinity Eve, at noon—instead of the foregoing, the fol-
lowing is said standing:

Regina Coeli laetare, Alleluia. Quia Quem meruisti
portare, Alleluia. Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia.

Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia.

V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, Alleluia.

R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, Alleluia.

OREMUS.

Deus, qui per Resurrectionem Filii tui Domini nostri,

Jesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es, praesta

quaesumus, ut per ejus Genitricem, Virginem Mariam,

perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem.

The Hail Mary, three times.

Blessed be the Holy and Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed Maty, ever Virgin.

PRAYER BEFORE MEDITATION.

My God, my Creator, my last End, and my All

!

I firmly believe that Thou art here present
;
that I am

in Thee, and that Thou art in me
;
that Thy eyes are

fixed on me, as if I were the only one in the world.

I adore Thee, O my God, with the most profound re-
spect of which I am capable, and unite this adoration

to that which Thou receivest from Thy angels and

saints in heaven and faithful on earth. It is for Thy

glory, and for the sanctification of my soul, O my God,
that I desire to make this meditation. I renounce all

the distractions which I may have through the levity of

my mind and the artifices of the enemy. Adorable
Trinity ! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! I consecrate

to Thee, my memory, understanding, and will. Grant

me, I most humbly beseech Thee, the attention, lights,

and affections necessary to profit by this Meditation.

O my most amiable Saviour
!

permit me to unite my-

self to Tbee, and to pray in Thy name. O my blessed



79NIGHT PRAYERS.

Virgin Mother ! My holy angel, holy patrons and
patronesses, assist me !

V. Tu autem Domine, miserere nobis.

R. Deo gratias.

Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo

et spes nostra, salve ! Ad te clamamus, exules filii

Hevae. Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes in hac
lacrymarum valle. Eja ergo, Advocata nostra, illos

tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum,

benedictum Fructnm ventris tui, nobis post hoc exilium

ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria

!

V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.

R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Defende quaesumus Domine, beata Maria semper

Virgine intercedente, istam ab omni adversitate fami-

liam, et toto corde Tibi prostratam, ab hostium pro-

pitius tuere clementer insidiis. Per Christum Dominum

nostrum. Amen.

GREAT and mighty God ! I prostrate myself
before Thee, to adore Thee with my whole heart.

I believe in Thee, O Eternal Truth ! I hope in Thee,
O infinite Mercy ! I love Thee with all my heart, be-
cause Thou art infinitely worthy of all my love. For
Thy sake, I love my neighbor as myself. O my good
God ! how can I sufficiently thank Thee for all the

favors I have received from Thee? Thou hast thought

of me from all eternit}7
,
created me out of nothing, re-

deemed me by the death of Thy only Son, and bestowest

One Hail Mary.

AFTER MEDITATION.

OREMUS.

NIGHT PRAYERS.

Our Father, Hail Mary.



80 NIGHT PRA YERS.

upon me daily innumerable blessings. O Lord ! how
shall I show myself grateful for so many benefits?

O ye heavenly Spirits ! help me to praise the God
of Mercy, Who still continues to grant me, His most
unworthy child, so many blessings !

O Holy Ghost, Eternal Source of Light, drive away
the darkness of my understanding, that I may see the
wickedness and enormity of my sins, repent of them
with all my heart, detest them above all things, and fear
them more than any other evil—more than death itself !

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE.

Because all my sins displease Thee, O Sovereign
Goodness ! I am heartily sorry for having committed

them
;

I most humbly ask pardon for them, and promise,

by the help of Thy grace, not only to avoid the like

faults for the future, but also to do penance for them.

O most Holy Virgin ! who hast the happiness of
being the Mother of God ! be a mother to me

;
pray for

me now, and at the hour of my death.

O my good angel 1 whom God has appointed to be
my guardian ! enlighten me, and guard me in all my
actions.

PRAYER FOR FINAL PERSEVERANCE.

O Jesus, my Saviour, my God ! by Thy Sacred
Heart, by the most pure Heart of Thy Virgin Mother

;

by whatever is pleasing to Thee in heaven and on

earth, I beg and entreat Thee, grant me perseverance

(say three times), grant me patience. Bestow grace;

add courage
;
that I may efficaciously employ the

means which Thou has given.

Sweet Heart of Mary be my Salvation.

PRAYER FOR HOLY CHURCH.

O Almighty and everlasting God, who hast revealed
Thy glory to all nations in Christ, preserve the works

of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, spread throughout the



mam prayers. 81

world, may persevere with steadfast faith in the

confession of Thy name : through, etc.

FOR THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF.

V. Let us pray for our Pontiff.

R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and

make him blessed upon earth
2

and deliver him not up

to the will of his enemies.

Our Father, and Hail Mary. 300 days’ Indulgence.

FOR OUR BISHOP.

Almighty and everlasting God, who alone dost great

marvels, send down upon Thy servant (N) our Bishop,

the spirit of Thy saving grace
;
and, that he may truly

please Thee, pour upon him continually the dew of Thy

blessing. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jlmen.

Our Father, and Hail Mary.

ACT OF FAITH.

My God ! I firmly believe all that Thou commandest
me to believe through Thy Holy Catholic Church, be-

cause Thou, O Infallible Truth, hast revealed it.

ACT OF HOPE.

My God ! I hope, with a firm confidence, through the
merits of Jesus Christ, to obtain Thy grace in this

world, and if I keep Thy commandments, eternal

happiness in the next
;
because Thou hast promised it,

Who art infinitely faithful to Thy promises.

ACT OF LOVE.

¥My God ! I love Thee with all my heart, and above
all things, because Thou art infinitely worthy of all my
love, and I love my neighbor as myself.

THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.

Sub tuum praesidium We fly to thy patronage,
confugimus, sancta Dei O holy Mother of God.
Genitrix. Nostras depre- Despise not our petitions

6



82 NIGIIT PRA VERS.

cationes ne despicias in

necessitatibus nostris
;
sed

a periculis cunctis libera

nos semper, Virgo gloriosa

et benedicta.

in our necessities : but

deliver us always from all

dangers, O glorious and
Blessed Virgin.

Kyrie eleison,

Christe eleison,

Kyrie eleison,

Christe audi nos,

Christe exaudi nos.

Lord, have mercy,

Christ, have mercy,

Lord, have mercy,

Christ, hear us,

Christ, graciously hear

Pater decoelisDeus, 1
’

i

F i 1 i, R e d e m ptor
mundi Deus,

Spirit us Sancte,

Deus,

SanctaTrinitas, unus

Deus,

Sancta Maria,

Sancta DeiGenitrix,

Sancta Virgo Virgi-

num,

Mater Christ
i,

Mater divinae gra-

tiae,

Mater purissima,

Mater castissima,

Mater inviolata,

Mater intemerata,

Mater amabilis,

Y

i

I

s?

o

Os'

O
5

o

53

o

Mater admirabilis,

Mater Creatoris,

us.

God the Father of

Heaven,

God the Son Redeem-

er of the world,

God the Holy Ghost,

Holy Trinity, one

God,

Holy Mary,

Holy Mother of God,

Holy Virgin of

Virgins,

Mother of Christ,

Mother of divine

&

o
53

grace,

Mother most pure,

Mother most chaste,

Mother inviolate,

Mother undefiled,

Mother most amia-

ble.

Mother most admir-

able,

Mother of our

Creator,

*

i

]



NIGHT PRA YERS. 83

Mater Salvatoris,
j

Virgo prudentissima,
j

Virgo veneranda,

Virgo praedicanda,

Virgo potens,

Virgo clemens,

Virgo fidelis,

Speculum justitiae,

Sedes sapientiae,

Causa nostrae laeti-

tiae,

Vas spirituale,

Vas honorabile,

Vas insigne devo-

tionis,

Rosa mystica,

Turris davidica,

Turris eburnea,

Domus aurea,
' V

Foederis area,

Janua coeli,

Stella matutina,

Salus infirmorum,

Refugium peccator-
|

ura.

Consolatrix afflic-

torum,

Auxilium Christia-

norum,

Regina angelorum,

Regina patriar-
charum,

Regina prophetarum,

Mother of our 1

Saviour,

Virgin most prudent,

Virgin most vener-

able,

Virgin most renown-

ed,

Virgin most power-

ful,

Virgin most merciful,

Virgin most faithful,

Mirror of justice,

Seat of wisdom,

Cause of our joy.

Spiritual vessel,

S* Vessel of honor,

^
Vessel of Singular

devotion,

5
* Mystical rose,

§- Tower of David,
¥' Tower of ivory,

House of gold,

Ark of the covenant,

Gate of heaven,

Morning star,

Health of the sick,

Refuge of sinners,

I

Comfortress of the

afflicted,

Help of Christians,

Queen of angels,

Queen of patriarchs,

Queen of prophets,

Pray

for

us.



84 NIGHT PRAYERS.

Regina apostolorum,

Regina martyrum,

Regina confessorum,

Regina virginum,

Regina sanctorum,

omnium,

Regina sine labe

concepta,

Regina sacratissimi

Rosarii,
j

Agnus Dei, qui tollis etc.,

parce nobis Domine.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis etc.,

exaudi nos Domine.

Agnus Dei. qui tollis etc.,

miserere nobis.

Christe audi nos.

Christe exaudi nos.

V. Ora pro nobis, Sane*

ta Dei Genitrix.

R. Ut digni efficiamur,

promissionibus Christi.

s
o
Cr-*

<S> #

GO

Queen of apostles,

Queen of martyrs,

Queen of confessors,

Queen of virgins,

Queen of all saints,

Queen conceived

without sin.

Queen of the most

holy Rosary.

Lamb of God, who takest
away, etc., spare us, O

Lord.

Lamb of God, who takest
away, etc., hear us, O
Lord,

Lamb of God, who takest
away, etc., have mercy

on us.

Christ hear us,

Christ, graciously hear us.

V. Pray for us, O holy
Mother of God.

R. Ttiat we may be
made worthy of the

promises of Christ.

OREMUS.

Gratiam tuam, quaesu-

mus, Domine, mentibus

nostris infunde
;
ut qui,

Angelo nuntiante, Christi

Filii tui Incarnationem

cognovimus per Passionem

ejus et Crucem ad

Resurrectionisgloriam per-

ducamur. Per eumdem

LET US PRAY.

Pour forth we beseech

Thee, O Lord, Thy grace
into our hearts, that we to

whom the Incarnation of
Christ, Thy Son, has been

made known by the mes-

sage of an angel, may by

His Passion and Cross be

brought to the glory of His



GRACE BEFORE MEALS . 85

Christum Dominum nos-

trum.

R. Amen.

V. Divinum auxilium

maneat semper nobiscum.

R. Amen.

Sub tuum praesidium

confugimus, Sancta Dei

Genitrix, nostras depreca-

tiones ne despicias in

necessitatibus nostris, sed

a periculis cunctis libera

nos semper, Virgo gloriosa

et benedicta.

V. Ora pro nobis bea-

tissime Joseph.

R. Ut digni efficiamur

promissionibus Christi.

Resurrection. Through

the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

V. May the Divine
assistance remain always

with us.

R. Amen.

We fly to thy patronage,
O holy Mother o# God.
Despise not our petitions

in our necessities
;

but

deliver us always from all

dangers, O glorious and
blessed Virgin.

V. Pray for us, O holy
St. Joseph.

R. That we may be made

worthy of the promises of

Christ.

OREMUS.

Sanctissimae Genitricis tuae Sponsi quaesumus

Domine meritis adjuvemur : ut quod possibilitas nostra

non obtinet, ejus nobis intercessione donetur. Qui

vivis et regnas, etc.

Three Hail Marys and the De Profundis. (For our
deceased Sisters.

)

GRACE BEFORE MEALS,

V. Benedicite, R. Benedicite,

V. Oculi omnium, R. In te sperant Do-

mine, et tu das escam illorum in tempore opportuno.

Aperis tu manum tuam, et imples omne animal
benedictione.



86 GRACE BEFORE MEALS .

Y. Gloria Patri, etc., R. Sicut erat, etc.,

Y. Kyrie eleison, R. Christe eleison.

Y. Kyrie eleison, Pater Noster.

Y. Et ne nos in, etc., R. Sed libera, etc.

Y. Oremus : Benedic Domine nos et haec tua dona

quae de tua largitate sum us sumpturi. Per Christum

Dominum nostrum. R. Amen .

[The reader says:] Jube domne benedieere.

[The Blessing.]

V. Mensae coelestis participes faciat nos Rex

aeternae gloriae. R. Amen .

AFTER THE REPAST THE READER SAYS :

Y. Tu autem Domine, miserere nobi$.

R. Deo gratias.

Y. Confiteantur tibi Domine, omnia opera tua.

R. Et sancti tui benedicant tibi.

Y. Gloria Patri, etc.

R. Sicut erat, etc.

Y. Agimus tibi gratias, omnipotens Deus, pro

universis beneficiis tuis
:
Qui vivis et regnas in saecula

ssecluorum. R. Amen.

Psalm Miserere.

Psalm 50.

Miserere mei, Deus,* secundum magnam miseri-

cord iam tuam.

Et secundum multitudinem miserationum tuarum,*

dele iniquitatem meam.

Amplius lava me ab iniquitate mea :* et a peccato

meo munda me.

Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego cognosco :* et pecca-

tum meum contra mea est semper.

Tibi soli peccavi, et malum coram te feci :* ut justi-

ficeris in sermonibus tuis, et vincas cum judicaris.



GRACE BEFORE MEALS. 87

Ecce enim in iniquitatibus conceptus sum :* et in

peccatis concepit me mater mea.

Ecce enim veritatem ailexisti :* incerta et occulta

sapientiae tuae manifestasti mihi.

Asperges me hyssopo, et mundabor :* lavabis me, et

super nivem dealbabor.

Auditui meo dabis gaudium et laetitiam :* et exulta-

bunt ossa humiliata.

Averte faciem tuam a peccatis meis :* et omnes

iniquitates meas dele.

Cor mundum crea in me, Dens :* et spiritum rectum

innova in visceribus meis.

Ne projicias me a facie tua :* et spiritum sanctum

tuum ne auferas a me.

Redde mihi laetitiam salutaris tui :* et spiritu princi-

pali confirma me.

Docebo iniquos vias tuas :* et impii ad te converten-

tur.

Libera me de sanguinibus Deus, Deus salutis meae :*

et exultabit lingua mea justitiam tuam.

Dornine, labia mea aperies :* et os meum anuuntiabit
laudem tuam.

Quoniam si voluisses sacrificium, dedissem utique :*

holocaustis non delectaberis. N

Sacrificium Deo spiritus contribulatus :* cor contritum

et humiliatum Deus non despicies.

Benigne fac, Dornine, in bona voluntate tua Sion :*

ut aedificentur muri Jerusalem.

Tunc acceptabis sacrificium justitiae, oblationes, et

holocausta :* tunc imponent super altare tuum vitulos.

Gloria Patri
,
etc.

V. Dispersit, dedit pauperibus.

R. Justitia ejus manet in saeculum saeculi.

Y. Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore.

R. Semper laus ejus in ore meo.

Y. In Domino laudabitur anima mea.

R. Audiant mansueti et laetentur.



88 GRACE BEFORE MEALS.

Y. Magniticate Dominum raecum.

E. Et exaltemus nomen ejus in idipsum.

Y. Sit nomen Domini benedictum.

R. Ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.

[, V. Retribuere dignare Domine omnibus nobis bona

facientibus propter nomen tuum vitam aeternam.

^ R. Amen.
Y. Benedicamus Do' R. Deo gratias.

mino.

L Y. Fidelium animae per misericordiam Dei requies-

cant in pace. R. Amen.

Pater Noster (in secret.)

Y. Deus det nobis suam pacem. R. Amen.

!H X EVENING REPAST.

Y. Benedicite.

R. Benedicite. Edent pauperes et saturabuntur et

laudabunt Dominum, qui requirunt eum vivent corde

eorum, et in saeculum saeculi. Gloria Patri, etc.

Y. Kyrie eleison, R. Christe eleison,

Y. Kyrie eleison, Pater Noster.

Y. Et ne nos, etc. R. Sed libera nos, etc.

Y. Oremus : Benedic Domine nos et haec tua dona

quae de tua largitate sum us sumpturi. Per Christum,

etc.

R. Amen.

[[The Reader says:] Jube domne benedicere.

[The Blessing.]

Y. Ad coenam vitae aeternae perducat nos Rex

aeternae gloriae. R. Amen.

AFTER THE REPAST.

Y. Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum misericors et

miserator Dominus.



GRACE BEFORE MEALS. 89

R. Escam cledit timentibus se.

Y. Beneclictus Deus in donis suis et sanctus in

omnibus operibus suis.

R. Qui yivit et regnat in, etc.

Psalm Landate.

Y. Dispersit, etc.

From Christmas until the Epiphany, is said:

V
r

. Yerbum caro factum est. Alleluia.

R. Et habitavit in nobis. Alleluia. Gloria Patri, etc.

AFTER THE REPAST.

Y. Notum fecit Dominus. Alleluia.

R. Salutare suum. Alleluia. Gloria Patri, etc.

Psalm 95, or Laudate.

ON THE EPIPHANY, AND THROUGHOUT THE OCTAVE,

IS SAID BEFORE THE MEAL :

Y. Reges Tharsis et insulae munera offerent.

Alleluia.

R. Reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent. Alleluia.

AFTER THE MEAL.

V. Omnes de Saba venient. Alleluia.

R. Aurum et thus deferentes. Alleluia.

Psalm 71.

On Maundy Thursday, is said in an under tone:

Y. Christus factus est pro nobis obediens usque ad

mortem.



90 GRACE BEFORE MEALS.

Pater Nosier ( in secret.

)

After which the Superior silently blesses the table with the

sign of the Cross. Jube domne, is not said. After the

Repast, is said:

Y. Christus factns est pro nobis obediens usque ad

mortem.

Psalm, Miserere, without Gloria Patri. Pater Noster (in

secret). Then the Superior says

:

Y. Respice, quaesumus Domine, super hanc familiam

tuam, pro qua, Dominus noster Jesus Christus, non

dubitavit manibus tradi nocentium, et crucis subire

tormentum.

Pater Noster (in secret.)

On Good Friday, the same prayers as on Maundy Thursday,
except

UY.—Christus factus est pro nobis obediens usque
ad mortem, mortem autem crucis.’

'

On Holy Saturday, before the Repast.

Y. Benedicite. R. Benedicite.

Y. Yespere autem sabbati quae lucescit in prima

sabbati, Alleluia.

R. Yenit Maria Magdalena et altera Maria videre

sepulchrum. Alleluia. Gloria Patri, etc.

AFTER THE REPAST.

Y. Yespere autem, etc.

Gloria Patri.

Psalm Laudat*e.

Gloria Patri, Kyrie eleison, etc.

ON EASTER DAY. BEFORE AND AFTER THE REPAST,

IS SAID :

Y. Hsec dies quam fecit Dominus.

R. Alleluia.



GRACE BEFORE MEALS . 91

On Ascension Day, and until Whitsunday Eve, exclusively,
is said

:

V. Ascendit Deus in jubilatione. Alleluia.

E. Et Dominus in voce tubae, Alleluia.

Gloria Patri, etc.

AFTER THE REPAST.

V. Ascenden s Christus in allum. Alleluia.

R. Captivam duxit captivitatem. Alleluia.

Gloria Patri, etc.

Psalm 46.

From Witsunday Eve till the Evening Repast the Saturday
following.

BEFORE MEALS.

y. Spiritus Domini replevit orbem terrarum. Alle-

luia.

R. Et hoc quod continet omnia scientiam habet

vocis. Alleluia. Gloria Patri.
*

AFTER MEALS.

* y. Repleti sunt ornnes Spiritu Sancto. Alleluia.

R. Et coeperunt loqui. Alleluia. Gloria Patri.

Psalm 47.

During the year.

BEFORE THE REPAST.

y. Hoc donum charitatis benedieat dextera Dei

Patris.

R. Amen .

AFTER THE REPAST.

y. Sit nomen Domini benedictum.

R. Ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.



92 CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION

THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION.

AT the appointed hour all the Sisters will assemblein the Community Room, with lighted candles in
their hands.

The postulant, on her knees, will ask the Superior

for the name to be given her in Religion. Then a signal

is given, and the choir commences the hymn :

—

“O Gloriosa, etc.” The Sisters advance, two by
two. The following order is to be observed in the pro-

cession : First, a cross bearer, next the novices, after

them the professed Sisters, then the postulants who are

to be received, and the Superior last. Having arrived

at the altar, they make a genuflection before the Blessed

Sacrament. The Superior and the Sisters retire to

their places, the postulants remaining on their knees.

THE HYMN.

O Gloriosa Virginum,

Sublimis inter sidera,

Qui te creavit parvulum,

Lactente nutris ubere.

Quod Eva tristis abstulit,

Tu reddis almo germine
;

Intrent ut astra flebiles,

Coeli recludis cardines,

etc.

O thou of Virgins glori-
ous,

Amid the stars of Heaven

sublime,

Thy God, Himself, has

found a rest,

In those maternal arms of

thine.

The grace that Eve in

sadness lost,

Thy fruitful love dost now

repair

;

Thou openest wide the

gate of Heaven,

The weak, through thee,

find entrance there, etc.



CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION. 93

As soon as the Celebrant has arrived at the foot of the Altar,

he intones, kneeling, the Hymn. “ Yeni Creator Spiritus.”

THE HYMN.

Yeni, Creator Spiritus,

Mentes tuorum visita,

Imple superna gratia,

Qnse Tu creasti pectora,

Qui diceris Paraclitus,

Altissimi donum Dei,

Come Holy Ghost, Crea-

tor come,

The souls which are Thine

own invade,

And with supernal grace

inflame.

The hearts which Thou,

Thyself, hast made.

O Thou, that art the Com-
forter,

The gift of God most high,

Fons vivus, ignis, cliaritas, The living font of fire

and love,

Et spiritalis unctio, Celestial unction from

etc. above, etc.

Y. Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur.

R. Et renovabis faciem

OREMUS,

Deus qui corda fidelium

Sancti Spiritus illustra-

tione docuisti, da nobis

in eodem Spiritu recta

sapere, et de Ejus sem-

per consolalione gaudere
;

per Dominum nostrum,

etc.

terrae.

LET US PRAY.

O God, who hast taught
the hearts of the faithful,

by the light of the Holy

Ghost, grant that we may

be truly wise in the same

spirit, and ever rejoice in

His consolation, through,

etc.

The Celebrant then sprinkles the Postulant with holy water,
and giving her his blessing, says

:

Y. Adjutorium nos- Y. Our help is in the

trum in nomine Domini. name of the Lord.



94 CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION.

R. Qui fecit eoelum, et

terrain.

V. Sit nomen Domini

benedictnm.

R. Ex hoc mine et

usque in saeculum.

V. Domine exaudi ora-

tionem meum.

R. Et clamor mens ad

te veniat.

V. Dominus vobiscum,

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

R. Who made the
Heavens and the earth.

y. May the name of
the Lord be blest.

R. From this time forth

and forever more.

y. O Lord hear my
prayer.

R. And let my cry
come unto Thee.

y. The Lord be with

you.

R. And with thy spirit

OREMUS.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui propter Tuam.

solitam bonitatem et per mortem Unigeniti Filii Tui,

Domini nostri Jesu Christi, mundum fractum restaurare

misericorditer dignatus es, ut a morte perpetua nos

liberes et ad gaudia perducas Paradisi
;
respice, humili-

ter quaesumus, pietatis tuae oculo praesentem devotam

familiam tuam, hie hodie in Tuo nomine congregatam,

cujus famulus tuus S. Franciscus, ut tibi augeatur

credentium numerus, exstitit Institutor, ut earn supra

firmam petram, quae Christus est, taliter semper con-

firmes, ut ab omnibus perturbationibus mundi, carnis et

diaboli sit secura, et incedens per tuorum semitam

mandatorum, post ergastulum praesentis vitae, meritis

acerbissimae Passionis Filii tui, et immaculatae ejus

Matris, semper Virginia Mariae, ac ejusdem S. P. N.

Francisci, tuorumque omnium Sanctorum, gaudia vera

possideat. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula, etc.

The Celebrant then ascends the Altar, and at the Epistle side

blesses the Postulant’s candle.

y, Adjutorium nos- y. Our help is in the

trum in nomine Domini. name of the Lord,



CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION . 95

terram.

Y. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Qui fecit coelum, et R. Who made the
Heavens and earth.

Y. The Lord be with

you.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.

OREM us.

Domine Jesu Christe, Fili Dei vivi, bene * die
candelam istam

;
supplicationibus nostris infunde ei,

Domine, per virtutem sanctae * Crucis benedictionem
coelestem, qui earn ad repellendas tenebras humano

generi tribuisti
;

talemque benedictionem signaculo

sanctae * Crucis accipiat, ut quibuscumque locis
accensa sen posita fuerit, discedant principes tene-

brarum, et contremiscant et fugiant pavidi cum omni-

bus ministris suis, ab liabitationibus illis
;
nec prae-

sumunt amplius inquietare, aut molestare servientes

Tibi, omnipotenti Deo
;

qui vivis et regnas cum Deo

Patre in imitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia

saecula saeculorum. R. Amen.

The Celebrant puts incense into the thurible and blesses
it; he sprinkles the candle with holy water and incenses it, then

presents it lighted to the Postulant, saying:

Sit lucerna ardens in manibus tuis, ut abjicias opera

tenebrarum, et induaris arma lucis, in nomine Patris, et

Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Yeni, sponsa Christi
;

accipe coronam, quam tibi

Dominus praeparavit in aeternum. Regnum mundi et

omnem ornatum saeculi contempsi propter amorem

Domini mei, Jesu Christi, quern vidi, quern amavi, in

quern eredidi, quern dilexi.

Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum dico ego opera

meaRegi; quern vidi, quern amavi, in quern eredidi,

quem dilexi.

After this he says

:



96 CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION

The Celebrant now begins Mass.

After the Gospel, the Superior and Assistant conduct the pos-

tulant to the foot of the altar, where the celebrant, sitting, inter-

rogates her as follows:.

Celebrant

.

My child what do you desire ?
Postulant. The mercy of God and the Holy Habit of

Religion.

Celebrant

.

Is it with your own free will you desire

the Holy Habit of Religion ?

Postulant. Yes, my Lord (or Rev. Father).
Celebrant. Mother-Superior, have you made the

necessary inquiries, and are you satisfied?

Superior. Yes, my Lord (or Rev. Father).

Celebrant. My child, have you a firm intention to per-
severe in Religion to the end of your life, and do you

hope to have sufficient strength to carry constantly the

sweet yoke of our Lord Jesus Christ, solely for the love

and fear of God ?

Postulant. Relying on the mercy of God, I hope to be

able to do so.

The Celebrant, rising, says:

Quod Deus in te incepit Ipse perficiat.

Postulant. Amen.

Celebrant. Exuat te Dominus veterem hominem cum

actibus suis.

Postulant. Amen.

The sermon is now preached; after which the celebrant
again asks

:

Celebrant. Are you still firm in your intention?

Postulant. Yes, my Lord (or Rev. Father).

He then says:

Oremus itaque et imploremus devote divinum auxilium

ac Spiritus Sancti gratiam, ut ea mediante hoc ipsum

opus sancte et meritorie perficiatur. In nomine Patris



THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION. 97

et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen

.

Veni, Sancte Spiri-

tus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis

ignem accende.

The Postulant then prostrates herself.

LITANY OF THE SAINTS.

(From the Franciscan Breviary).

Kyrie eieison,

Christe eieison,

Kyrie eieison,

Christe audi nos,

Christe exaudi nos,

Pater de coelis Deus, Mis-

erere nobis,

Lord, have mercy,

Christ, have mercy,

Lord, have mercy,

Christ, hear ns,

Christ, graciously hear us,

God, the Father of heaven,

have mercy on us,

Filii Redemptor
mundi Deus,

Spiritus Sancte De-

us,

SanctaTrinitas, unus

Deus.

Sancta Maria,

Sancta Dei Geni-

trix,

Sancta Virgo Virgi-
ns o

num,

Sancte Michael,

Sancte Gabriel,

Sancte Raphael,

Omnes sancti Angeli

et Archangeli, ora-

te pro nobis.

Omnes sancti beat-

orum Spiritum or-

dines, orate pro

nobis.

7

^ God, the Son, Re-
deemer of the

§
world,

S God, the Holy

| Ghost,

2! Holy Trinity, one
50

God,

Holy Mary,

rs Holy Mother of

g God,

^ Holy Virgin of Vir-
o gins,

§ St. Michael

.

51 St. Gabriel,

St. Raphael,

All ye holy Angels

and Archangels,

All ye Orders of

blessed Spirits,

Have

mercy

,

etc.

Pray

for

us.



98 THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION.

Sancte Joannes Bap-

tista, ora.

Sancte Joseph, ora.

Omnes sancti Patri-

archae et Prophe-

tae, orate.

Sancte Petre,

Sancte Paule,

Sancte Andrea,

Sancte Jacobe,

Sancte Joannes,

Sancte Thom a,
Sancte Jacobe,

Sancte Philippe,

Sancte Bartholo-

msee,

Sancte Matthaee,

Sancte Simon,

Sancte Thaddsee,

Sancte Mathia,

Sancte Barnaba,

Sancte Luca,

Sancte Marce,

Omnes Sancti Apos-

toli et Evangel-

istae, orate.

Omnes sancti Disci-

puli Domini, orate.

Omnes sancti Inno-

centes, orate.

Sancte Stephane,ora.

Sancte Laurenti, u

Sancte Vincenti, “
" "

Sancti Fabiane et 4

Sebastiane, orate.

Sancti Joannes et

Paule, orate.

St. John the Bap-

tist,

St. Joseph,

All ye holy Patri-

archs and Pro-

phets,

St. Peter,

St. Paul,

St. Andrew,

St. James,

St. John,

St. Thomas,

§ St. James,

St. Philip,

^ St. Bartholomew,

g

S! St. Matthew,

St. Simon,

St. Thaddeus,

St. Mathias,

St. Barnaba,

St. Luke,

St. Mark,
j

All ye holy Apos-

tles and Evangel-

ists,

All ye holy Disci-

ples of our Lord,

All ye holy Inno-

cents,

St. Stephen,

St. Lawrence,

St. Vincent,

SS. Fabian and Se-

bastian
,

SS. John and Paul,

Pray

for

us.

Pray

for

us.



THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION. 99

Sancti Cosma et

Damiane, orate.

Sancti Gervasi et

Protasi, orate.

Sancte Bernarde,

Sancte Petre,

Sancte Accursi,

Sancte Adjute,

Sancte Otlio,

Sancte Daniel,

Sancte Angele,

Sancte Samuel,

Sancte Domne,

Sancte Leo,

Sancte Hugoline,

Sancte Nicolae,

Sancte Fidelis,

Ornnes sancti Mar-

tyres, orate.

Sancte Sylvester,
]

Sancte Gregori,

Sancte Ambrcsi,

Sancte Augustine,

Sancte Hieronyme,

Sancte Bon aventura,

Sancte Martine,

Sancte Nicolae',

Sancte Ludovice,

Sancte Benevenute, -

Omnes sancti Ponti-

fices et Confes-

sores, orate pro

nobis,

Sancte Antoni,

Sancte Benedicte,

Sancte Bernarde,

Sancte Dominice,

O

o

S3

©

o^.

Cc

o
*$

d

o
o-

SS. Cosmas and

Damian,

SS. Gervase and

Protase,

St. Bernard,

St. Peter,

St. Accursius,

St. Adjutus,

St. Otho,

St. Daniel,

St. Angelus,

St. Samuel,

St. Domnus,

St. Leo,

St. Hugolinus,

St. Nicolas,

St. Fidelis,

All ye holy Martyrs

,

St. Sylvester,

St. Gregory,

St. Ambrose,

St. Augustine,

St. Jerome,

St. Bonaventure,

St. Martin,

St. Nicholas,

St. Louis,

St. Benevenuto,

All ye holy Bishops

and Confessors,

St. Anthony, )

St. Benedict,
j

St. Bernard,

St. Dominic,
j

Pray

for

us.

Pray

for

us.

Prayfoms.



100 THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION.

Saucte Pater Fran-

chisee,

Sancte Antoni de

Padua,

Sancte Bernardine,

Sancte Joanne a Ca-

pistrano,

Sancte Jacobe de

Marchia,

Sancte Petre de

Alcantara,

Sancte Francisce

Solan e,

Sancte Petre Rega-

late,

Sancte Pacifice,

Sancte Joanne Jos-

eph a Cruce,

Sancte Didace,

Sancte Paschale,

Sancte Benedicte,

Sancte Felix,

Sancte Joseph a Le-

onissa,

Sancte Seraphine,

Sancte Joseph a Cu-

pertino,

Sancte Ludovice,

Sancte Ivo,

Sancte Elzeari,

Sancte Roche,

Sancte Conrade,

Omnes sancti Sac-

erdotes et Levitae,

orate pro nobis.

Omnes sancti Mon-

achi et Eremitae,

orate,

O
a

"2

o

5S

Holy Father Francis,

St. Anthony of

Padua,

St. Bernardine,

St. John Capistran,

St. James of Mar-

chia,

St. Peter of Alcan-

tara,

St. Francis Solano,

St. Peter Regalato,

St. Pacificus,

St. John Joseph of

the Cross,

St. Didacus,

St. Paschal,

St. Benedict,

St. Felix,

St. Joseph of Leon-

issa,

St. Seraphin,

St. Joseph Cuper-

tino,

St. Louis,

St. Ivo,

St. Eleazar

St. Roch,

St. Conrad,

All ye holy Priests

and Levites,

All ye holy Monks

and Hermits.

Pray

for

us.



THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION. 101

Sancta Maria Mag-

dalena,

Sancta Agatha,

Sancta Lucia,

Sancta Agnes,

Sancta Caecilia,

Sancta Catharina,

Sancta Clara,

Sancta Agnes Assi-

sinsis,

Sancta Catharina de

Bononia,

Sancta Coleta,

Sancta Rosa de

Viterbo,

Sancta Hyacintha,

Sancta Angela,

Sancta Veronica,

Sancta Anastasia,

Sancta Elizabeth

Hungariae,

Sancta Elizabeth

Portugalliae,

Sancta Margarita de

Cortona,

Omnes sanctae Vir-

gines et Viduae,

orate pro nobis.

Omnes Sancti et

sanctae trium Or-

dinum Sancti P. N.

Francisci, inter-

cedite, pro nobis,

Propitius esto, Parce

nobis Domine.

Propitius esto, Ex-

audi nos, Domine,

St. Mary Magdalene,

St. Agatha,

St. Lucy,

St. Agnes,

St. Cecilia,

St. Catharine,

St. Clare,

St. Agnes of Assissi,

St. Catharine of

Bologna,

St. Coletta,

St. Rose of Viterbo, .

St. Hyacinth,

St. Angela,

St. Veronica,

St. Anastasia,

St. Elizabeth of

Hungary,

St. Elizabeth of

Portugal,

St. Margaret of

Cortona,

All ye holy Virgins

and Widows,

All ye Saints of the

three Orders of our

holy F. Francis,

intercede for us.

Be merciful : spare

us, O Lord.
Be merciful : hear

us, O Lord.

Pray

for

us.



102 THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION.

Ab omni rnalo,
Ab omni peccato,
Ab ira tua,
A subitanea et im-

provisa morte,

Ab insidiis diaboli,

Ab ira, et odio, et om-
ni mala voluntate,

A spiritu fornica-
tion is,

A fulgure et tem-
pe state,

A morte perpetua,

Per mysterium sanc-

tae Incarnationis

tuae,

Per Adventum tuum

Per Nativitatem tu-

am,

Per Baptismum et

sanctum jejunium

tuum,

Per Crucem et Pas-

sionem tuam,

Per Mortem et

Sepulturam tuam.

Per sanctam Resur-

rectionem tuam,

Per admirabilem As-

censionem tuam,

Per adventum Spiri-

tu s Sancti Para-

cliti,

In die judicii,

<s>.

From all evil,

From all sin,

From thy wrath,

From sudden and

unlooked for death,

From the snares of

the devil,

From anger, hatred,

and ill-will, I

From the spirit of

fornication.

From lightning and

tempest,

From everlasting

death,

Through the mystery

of Thy holy Incar-

nation,

Through ThyComing

Through Thy Nativ- -

ity, I

Through Thy Bap-

tism, and holy

Fasting,

Through Thy Cross

and Passion,

Through Thy Death

and Burial,

Through Thy holy

Resurrection,

Through Thy admir-

able Ascension,

Through the coming

of the Hoi}7 Ghost,

the Paraclete,

In the day of judg-

ment,
j

OLord

,

deliver

us.



THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION. 103

Peccatores,

Te rogamus audi nos.

Ut nobis pareas,

Ut nobis indulgeas,

Ut ad veram poeni-

tentiam nos per-

ducere digneris,

Ut Ecclesiam tuam

sanctam regere et

conservare digne-

ris,

Ut Domnum Apos-
tolicum, et omnes

ecclesiasticos or-

l
dines in sanctare-

ligione conservare

digneris,

Ut inimicos sanctae

Ecclesiae humili-

are digneris,

Ut regibus et prin-

cipibus cliristianis

pacem et veram

concordiam do-

nare digneris,

6

£
Os

a
£
g-

s
O
Os

Ut cuncto populo

christiano pacem

et unitatem largiri

digneris,

Ut nosmetipsos in

tuo sancto ser-

AVe sinners,

We beseech Thee
,
hear us.

thou TThwould st 1
spare us,

That Thou wouldst

pardon us,

That Thou wouldst

bring us to true

penance,

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe to gov-

ern and preserve

Thy Holy Church,

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe to pre-

serve our Apos-

tolic Prelate, and

all orders of the

Church in holy .

religion,

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe to hum-

ble the enemies of

Thy holy Church,

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe to give

peace and true

concord to Christ-
|

ian kings and

princes,

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe to grant

peace and unity to

all Christian peo-

ples,

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe to con-
J

We

beseech

Thee

,

hear

us.



104 THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION.

vitio confortare et ]

conservare dig-
J

neris,

Ut mentes nostras

ad cselestia desi-

deria erigas,

Ut omnibus bene-

factoribus nostris

sempiterna bona

retribuas,

Ut an imas nostras,

fratrum, propin-

quorum, et bene-

factorum nostro-

rum ab aeterna

damnatione eri- -

pias,

Ut fructus terrae

dare et conservare

digneris.

£
o
oj

Ut omnibus fideli-

bus defun ctis re-

quiem aeternam

donare digneris,

Ut nos exaudire

digneris,

Fili Dei,

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis pec-

cata mundi, parce nobis,

Domine.

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis pec-

cata mundi, Exaudi nos,

Domine.

firm and preserve

us in Thy holy

service,

That Thou wouldst

lift up our minds to

heavenly desires,

That Thou wouldst

render eternal

blessings to all

our benefactors,

That Thou wouldst

deliver our souls,

and the souls of

our brethren, rela-

tions and benefac-

tors from eternal

damnation,

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe to give

and preserve the

fruits of the earth,

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe to grant

eternal rest to all

the faithful de-

parted.

That Thou wouldst

vouchsafe gra-

ciously to hear us,

Son of God,

Lamb of God, Who takest
awajT the sins of the

world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the

world, graciously hear

us, O Lord.

3



THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION. 105

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis pec- Lamb of God, Who takest

cata mundi, miserere away the sins of the

nobis.
~ world, have mercy on us.

The Litany being finished, the Celebrant rises and turns

towards the altar, the Postulant remaining prostrate.

Celebrant . Kyrie eleison.

Attendant . Christe eleison.

Celebrant . Kyrie eleison. Pater noster.

V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.

R. Sed libera nos a malo.

V. Domine exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

Y. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

OREMUS.'

Deus, qui per coaeternum tibi Filium cuncta creasti,

quique hunc mundum peccatis inveteratum, per myste-

riurn Incarnationis divinae renovare dignatus es : Te

supplices exoramus, ut ejusdem Filii Tui Domini nostri

Jesu Christi dementia super lianc famulam tuum [has

famulas tuas] respicere digneris quatenus spiritu

mentis suae renovata veterem hominem cum actibus

suis exuat, et novum, qui secundum Deum creatus est,
induere mereatur, per Christum Dominum nostrum.

Amen.

The Celebrant then sprinkles the postulant with holy water,

the Assistant directs her to rise.

BLESSING OF THE HABIT.

Whilst the Habit is being blessed, and the postulant

is being invested, the Psalm, “In Exitu Israel” is

chanted.



106 THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION. -

Psalraus cxiii.

In exitu Israel de iEgj'pto : * domus Jacob de

populo barbaro.

F acta est Judaea sanctificatio Ejus :* Israel potestas

Ejus.

Mare vidit et fugit :* Jordanis conversus est retror-

sum.

Montes exultaverunt ut arietes :* et colies, sicut agni

ovium.

Quid est tibi mare, quod fugisti :* et tu, Jordanis,

quia conversus es retrorsum?

Montes, exultastis sicut arietes:* et colies, sicut

agni ovium.

A facie Domini mota est terra:* a facie Dei Jacob.
Qui convertit petram in stagna aquarum ;* et rupem

in fontes aquarum.

Non nobis Domine, non nobis :* sed nomini Tuo da

gloriam.

Super misericordia Tua, et veritate Tua:* nequando

dicant gentes : ubi es Deus eorum?

Deus autem noster in coelo :* omnia quaecumque

voluit, fecit.

Simulacra gentium argentum et aurum,^ opera

manuuffl hominum.

Os habent, et non loquentur :* oculos habent, et non

videbunt.

Aures habent, et non audient :* nares habent, et non

odorabunt.

Manus habent, et non palpabunt
;
pedes habent, et

non ambulabunt :* non clamabunt in gutture suo.

Similes illis fiant, qui faciunt ea :* et omnes, qui

contidunt in eis.

Domus Israel speravit in Domino :* adjutor eorum,

et protector eorum est.

Domus Aaron speravit in Domino:* adjutor eorum,

et protector eorum est.



THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION. 107

Qui timent Dominum, speraverunt in Domino:* ad-

jutor eorum, et protector eorum est.

Dominus memor fnit nostri :* et benedixit nobis.

Benedixit omnibus, qui timent Dominum :* pusillis,

cum majoribus.

Adjiciat Dominus super vos :* super vos et super

filios vestros.

Benedicti vos a Domino :* qui fecit coelum et terram.

Coelum coeli Domino :* terram autem dedit filiis

hominum.

Non mortui laudabunt Te, Domine :* neque omnes,

qui descendunt in infernum.

Sed nos qui vivimus, benedicimus Domino :* ex hoc

nunc, et usque in saeculum. Gloria Patri, etc.

THE BLESSING OF THE HABIT.

V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.

R. Qui fecit coelum et terram.

V. Sit nomen Domini benedictum.

R. Ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.

y. Domine exaudi oration ein mean).

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

y. Dominus vobiscum,

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

OREMUS.

Domine Jesu Christe, qui tegumen nostrae mortali-

tatis induere dignatus es, quique gloriosum Confessorem

tuum,Beatum Patrem Franciscum tresOrdines instituere

salubriter inspirasti, ac per operis tui yicarios, suramos

Ecclesiae tuae Pontifices, ipsos approbare fecisti, im~

mensam clementiae tuae largitatem suppliciter ex-

oramus, ut haec indumenta, quae idem Beatus Fran-

ciscus ad innocentiae, mortificationis et honestatis in-

dicium, ac pro valicla contra saeculum, carnem et

daemones armatura, commilitones suos fratres de



108 THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION.

poenitentia in Ordine portare decrevit, ita benedicere

et sancti * ficare digneris, ut haec famnla tua (hae
famidae tuae) ea devote suscipiens

(
suscipientes

)
et intra

se taliter induat (indnant) sieut honestam humilemque

vitam indumenta ipsa praetendunt, etiam quolibet vitio,

te adjuvante, subacto veraciter corde, ore ac opere vivere

mereatur (rnereantur) et ate nullis unquarn tentationibus

separetur (separentur)
.

Qui vivis et reguas in saecula

sseculorum. Amen.

THE BLESSING OF THE VEIL.

Supplices Te, Domine, rogamus, ut super hanc vestem,

ancillae tuae capiti imponendam (has vestes ancillarum

capitibus imponendas), bene p dictio Tua benigna
descendat : et sit haec vestis benedicta, consecrata,

immaeulata et sancta [et sint hae vestes benedictae,

consecratae, imaculatae et sanctae]. Per Christum

Dominum nostrum. Amen.

The Veil is then sprinkled with Holy Water.

BLESSING OF THE CORD.

Deus, qui, ut servum redimeres, Filium Tuum per
manus impiorum ligari voluisti : bene J* die quaesumus,

cingulum istud (cingula ista) et praesta, ut famula tua

quae eo velut ligamine poemtentiali sui corporis cingetur,

vinculorum ejusdem Domini nostri Jesu Christi per-

petuo memor existat et benedictionis tuae largitatem

misericorditer conseqnatur. Per eumdem Dominum

nostrum, etc. Amen.

Blessing of the Rosary.

OREMUS.

Omnipotens et misericors Deus, qui propter nos

Filium Tuum Unigenitum, Dominum nostrum Jesum
Christum, de coelis in terram descendere, et de beatis-



THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION 109

simae Virginis Mariae utero, angelo nuntiante carnem

suscipere voluisti, ut nos eriperes cle potestate diaboli

:

obsecramus immensam clementiam tuam, ut haec signa

psalterii iu honorem et laudem ejusdem Genitricis Filii

tui bene^ dicas et sancti * fices, eisque sanctam infun-
das virtutem Spiritus sancti, ut quaecumque horum

quodlibet secum portaverit, idque in domo sua reverentur

habuerit sancta abundet clevotione, et ab omni hoste

visibili semper et ubique in sseculo liberetur, et in

exitu sua Beatissima semper Virgine Maria Tibi plena

bonis operibus praesentari mereatur. Per eumdem

Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen .

The Celebrant next sprinkles the habit, cord, and rosary, with
holy water. Taking the wreath from the Postulant’s head, he

says

:

Exuat te Dominus veterem hominem cum actibus

sms, et eripiat de corde tuo sseculi pompas^ quibus

ab renuntiasti, dum baptismum suscepisti.

The hair is then cut off. Approaching the Novice, the

Celebrant places the Habit upon her, saying:

Induat te Dominus indumento salutis, et circumdet

te vestimento justitiae. Tolle jugum Domini suave

super te ut invenias requiem animae tuae. Per Christum

Dominum nostrum. Amen,

Then, holding the blessed veil over her head, he says:

Accipe vestem candidam, signum internae puritatis,

ut sequaris Agnum sine macula, et ambules cum eo in
albis, in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.

Amen,
He then gives her the Cord, saying:

Praecingat te Dominus, charissima soror, cingulo

Ordinis hujus, ad invccationem Sanctissimi Nominis

ui, et beatissimi Patris nostri Francisci, quo poasis.



1 10 THE CEREMONIES OF RECEPTION.

recordari vinculorum Passionis Domini nostri Jesu

Christi, et servire ad opera poenitentiae et charitatis.

Giving her the Office of the Blessed Virgin, the Book

of Rules, and the Rosary, he says

:

Accipe regulam, quam tibi servandam tradirnus

;

quod si ejus praecepta servaris, ipsa custodiet te, et

addet Dominus vitae tuae benedictionem. Amen .

The Celebrant turns towards the Altar, and prays:

V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

OREMUS.

Majestatem tuam, Domine, suppliciter exoramus ut

famulam tuam (famulas tuas), et sororem nostram

(sorores nostras), cui (quibus) Ordinis nostri vestem

imposuimus digneris inter discipulas tuas virtute ex

alto induere et salutis protegere vestimento, ut sub

humilitatis veste tibi perseveranter deserviens (deservi-

entes) ad stolam immortalitatis et gloriae mereatur

(mereantur) pervenire.

Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et Filii, et

Spiritus Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper.

Amen.

The Mass is then continued, and at its conclusion, the

. Te Deum is chanted.



THE CEREMONY OF PROFESSION. Ill

CEREMONY OF PROFESSION.

ON the clay of Profession all the sisters shall offer their holyCommunion for the novice. She will communicate at the
Mass celebrated for the ceremony. The black veil is left near the

Altar. The procession of the Sisters enter as in the Ceremony

of Reception. 1Arrived at the foot of the altar, and kneeling,

the Celebrant intones the “Veni Creator, Spiritus,” which is
immediately sung by the choir, the Sisters all kneeling.

The Hymn, Yeni Creator Spiritus, etc. (See page 93.)

Y. Emitte spiritum Tuum, et creabuntur.

R. Et renovabis faeiem terrae.

OREMUS.

Deus, Qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione

docuisti, da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de

Ejus semper consolatione gaudere, per Dominum

nostrum. Jesum Christum, Filium Tuum, Qui Tecum,

etc. Amen .

The Celebrant then ascends the Altar, and, at the Epistle side

blesses the Yeil and Crucifix.

Y. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.

R. Qui fecit coelum et terrain.

Y. Ostende nobis Domine, misericordiam Tuam.

R. Et salutare Tuum da nobis.
Y. Domine, Deus virtutum, converte nos.

R. Et ostende faeiem Tuam et salvi erimus,
Y. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad Te veniat.

Y. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

OREMUS.

Suppliciter Te Domine rogamus, ut super hanc vestem

ancillae Tuae capiti imponendam, benedictio Tua



112 THE CEREMONY OF PROFESSION.

benigna descendat
;
ut sit haec vestis ^ benedicta, con-

secrata, immaculata, et sancta, per Christum Dominum

nostrum. Amen .
OREMUS.

Caput omnium fidelium Deus, et totius corporis Sal-

vator, hoc operimentum velaminis, quod famula Tua,

propter Tuum, Tuaeque Genitricis, beatissimae Virgi-

nis Mariae, amorem, suo capiti est impositura, dextera

Tua sanctifica
;

et hoc, quod per illud mystice datur

intelligi, Tua semper custodia, corpore pariter et

anima incontaminata custodiat, ut quando ad perpetuam

sanctorum remunerationem venerit, cum prudentibus et

ipa virginibus praeparata, Te duce, ad sempiternae

felicitatis nuptias introire mereatur. Qui vivis et regnas

cum Deo Patre, in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per

omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

The Celebrant then sprinkles the Veil and Crucifix with

holy water, saying:

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen

•

The Celebrant begins Mass. After the Gospel the Sermon is

preached. Then the Celebrant, seated upon the platform of

the Altar, invites the novice to the foot of the Altar; she kneels,

and he asks the following questions:

Celebrant . My child what do you desire?
Novice. My Lord [or Rev. Father], I most humbly

beg to be received to the Holy Profession.

Celebrant. My child do you consider yourself suffici-
ent^ instructed in regard to the Vows of Religion, and

the Rules and Constitutions of this Institute
;
and do you

know the obligations you contract by the Holy Profes-

sion ?

Novice. Yes, my Lord [or Rev. Father], with the

grace of God.

Celebrant. Det tibi Deus in hoc sancto proposito per-

severantiam, illudque ad optatum effectual perducere,



THE CEREMONY OF PROFESSION. 113

Sua benignitate dignetur. In nomine Patris, ^ et
Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen .

Here the novice will prostrate herself.

LITANY OF THE SAINTS.

(From the Franciscan Breviary. See page 93.)

N. B.—If there be more than one novice to be professed, each
one shall be interrogated separately.

The Litany being finished, the Celebrant sprinkles the novice

with holy water; the Assistant directs her to arise, and the

Mass is continued.

At the Communion, the novice enters the sanctuary, and

kneels on the prie-dieu prepared for her. His Grace, seated at

the altar receives her vows, which she repeats as follows

:

I, Sister N. N., promise Almighty God, Mary, His

Immaculate Mother, our Holy Father St. Francis, all

the Saints, and my most Reverend Archbishop [or Rev-
erend Father], to keep the Commandments of

God as long as I live
;
to give satisfaction for all the

transgressions I may have committed against our Rules
;

to obey our Holy Father the Pope, and His legitimate

successors. And I vow to live in Obedience, Poverty,
and Chastity, according to the Rules and commands of

my Superiors.

Whilst the novice pronounces her vows, one of the assistants

takes her candle, returning it to her after she has received

Communion.

The Confiteor is then said, and the Archbishop gives her Holy
Communion, pronouncing the words:

Quod Deus in te incepit, Ipse perficiat
;
et corpus

Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat animam tuam in

vitam aeternam. Amen.

After the Mass is ended, the newly professed sister, accom-
panied by the Mother-Superior and Mistress of Novices, again

enters the Sanctuary, and, kneeling on the Altar-step, receives

the Crucifix and black Veil from the Celebrant.

8





CONTENTS. 115

CONTENTS.

Part First

PAGE

Chapter v. Reception, - - - - - - - 9
“ vi. Dress, - -- -- -- -- -- -- - 10
44

vii. Furniture of the Sisters’ Cells, ----- li
44

viii. Order of the Day, - - -- -- -- -- n
44

ix. Office and Prayer in General, ----- 12
44

x. How the Sisters should Conduct Them-
selves in and out of the Convent, - - - 14

44
xi. Principal Occupations of the Sisters, - - - 15

14
xii. The Schools, - - - 15

44
xiii. The Hospitals, - - - 16

“ xiv. “ Portress, ---------- 17
44

xv. “ Inhrmarian, 18
44

xvi. “ Sacristan, - - 20
44

xvii. Silence, - - 20
44

xviii. Recreation Days, ---------- 21
44

xix. Meals, - -- -- -- -- -- -- 21
44

xx. Fasts, Abstinence, Penance, and Correc-

tion of Faults, - - - - - 22

Decree, - -- ----- 23
44

xxi. Confession and Communion, ------ 27
44

xxii. Charity Towards our Neighbor, 31
44

xxiii. The Yow of Poverty, - - - 32
44

xxiv.
“ 44

Chastity, - - 33
44

xxv.
“ 44

Obedience, 34

Part Second .

Chapter i. j The General Chapter,
------- 39

The Election of Delegates, ----- 40
ii. The Election of the Mother-Superior and

the General Councilors, ------- 41



116 CONTENTS.

PAGB

Chapter iii. The Office of the Mother-Superior and of
the General Councilors, 44

Matters in which the General Counci-

lors have a decisive voice, ... 45
Visitation and Foundations, - - - 46

“ iv. The Office of Mother-Assistant, - - - - 48
“ v. The Office of Local-Superior and her

Assistants, 48
“ vi. The Office of Procuratrix, 52
“ vii. The Office of Mistress of Novices and her

Assistant, ------ 52
“ viii. The Novitiate, 57
“ ix. Rank of the Sisters, - - - 58

The Duties of Superiors, 59
Reflection on Charity, 61

Advice to Teachers, 64

Civility and Religious Decorum, - - 66

Part Third.

Morning Prayers, - - - 71
Night “ - - - - - - 79

Grace Before Meals, ----- 85
The Ceremonies of Reception, -------- - - 92
The Ceremony of Profession, ----- HI