The Rule of Saint Benedict

How those who are Excommunicated are to make satisfaction

He who has been excluded from the oratory and the table for grievous offences is to prostrate himself before the door of the oratory, in silence, at the time when the Divine Office is being celebrated ; with his face to the ground let him lie at the feet of all who

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT 81i

leave the place. This he shall continue to do until the abbot shall judge that he has made satisfaction. Then, when the abbot ordains, let him cast himself first at the feet of the abbot and then at those of the brethren, that they may pray for him.

Afterwards, if the abbot shall so direct, let him be received into the choir and into the place he shall appoint him. Even so he may not presume to intone a psalm or to read a lesson, or to do anything else in the oratory, unless the abbot again orders it. Moreover, after each Hour, when the Divine Office is ended, let him cast himself on the ground in his place, and in this way make satisfaction until such time as the abbot tells him to cease. Those who are excluded from the table only shall make satisfaction in the oratory, as long as the abbot shall direct, and shall continue to do this till he blesses them and

declares it to be sufficient.

82 THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT