The Rule of Saint Benedict

Ler the brother who is guilty of some graver fault be excluded both from the common table and from the oratory. None of the brethren shall talk to him or consort with him. Let him be alone at the work which is set him; let him remain in penance and sorrow, and keep before his mind that terrible sentence of the apostle where he says, Such a one is delivered over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved im the day of our Lord.9* Let him take his food alone, in such quantity and at such time as the abbot shall think fit. Let no one bless him as he passes by, nor ask a blessing on the food

that is given him,

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT 57