Chapter Sixty-Six
CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX
On the Porter of the Monastery
LET A wise old man be placed at the gate of the monastery, one versed in how to listen and give an reply, and whose mature age does not permit him to wander about.
The porter should have his cell near the gate so that those come will always find someone on hand who will respond to their requests. As soon as anyone knocks or a poor person calls out, let him answer, “Deo gratias,” or invoke a blessing; and with gentleness born from the fear of God let him return his reply speedily in the fervor of charity. If the porter should need an assistant, let him have a younger brother.
If it is possible the monastery should be so constructed that all the necessaries—such as water, the mill, the garden, the bakery—are enclosed, and the various arts may be plied inside of the monastery. In that way, there will be no need for the monks to go about outside, because this would have no advantage to their souls. Furthermore, we desire that this Rule be read in the community quite often so that none of the brethren can excuse himself on grounds of ignorance.