Skip to content
The Rule of Saint Benedict

CHAPTER LXXI That the Brethren be obedient to each other · 63 of 65

The Rule of Saint Benedict

English, translated by Cardinal Francis Aidan Gasquet, translator — Cardinal Francis Aidan Gasquet, translator, 1925

Tur excellent virtue of obedience is to be shown by all, not to the abbot only, but to the brethren who shall also mutually obey each other, knowing that by this path of obedience they shall go to God. The commands of the abbot, or other superiors constituted by

him, having the first place (for to these we do not

122 THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

allow any private orders to be preferred) the juniors shall obey their seniors with all charity and diligence. If any one be found contentious let him be punished.

If a brother be rebuked for even the least thing by the abbot, or by any prior (£2. superior), or if he shall perceive that the mind of any superior is, however slightly, moved against him, or in anger with him, let him without delay prostrate himself at his feet, and remain offering satisfaction until the feeling be removed and he receive a blessing. If any one be found too proud to do this let him be expelled from

the monastery.