Chapter Sixty-Two
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
On the Priests of the Monastery
IF THE Abbot desires to have a priest or a deacon ordained for his monastery, let him select from among his monks one who is worthy to discharge the priestly Office.
The one ordained should be on his guard against arrogance and pride, and should not attempt to do anything except what is commanded him by the Abbot, knowing that he is now all the more subject to the discipline of the Rule. The priesthood should not provide him with an occasion to forget the obedience and discipline of the Rule, rather it should inspire him to advance more and more towards the Lord.
Let him, however, always keep the place which he was given when he entered the monastery, except when performing his duties at the altar, unless the choice of the community and the wish of the Abbot have promoted him in acknowledgment of the merit of his life. Let him know, however, that he must observe the established rule of the Deans and the Priors.
Should he presume to do otherwise, let him be judged not as a priest, but as a rebel; and if after frequent warnings he does not amend, the Bishop should even be brought in, as a witness. If even then he does not amend his ways and his guilt is clearly shown, let him be cast forth from the monastery, provided his obstinacy is such that he will neither submit nor obey the Rule.