Becoming a Community of Disciples

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Becoming a Community of Disciples

11 Therefore we regard it expedient for the preservation of peace and charity that the organization of his monastery depend on the will of the Abbot: 12 and, if possible, deans should conduct (as we have already arranged) all the affairs of the monastery according to the disposition of the Abbot; 13 so that, what is committed to several will not cause pride in any single one. 14 But if either the locale requires it or the community reasonably and with humility requests it, and if the Abbot judges it expedient, 15 the Abbot (with the counsel of God-fearing brothers) is to choose whomever he wishes and himself ordain him Prior. 16 But this Prior is to perform with reverence what the Abbot demands of him, doing nothing contrary to the Abbot’s will; 17 for the more he is elevated above the rest, the more solicitously he ought to observe the precepts of the Rule. 18 If this Prior proves to have vices, or is deceived by the haughtiness of pride, or proves to have contempt for the holy Rule, he is to be verbally admonished up to four times; 19 if he does not amend, the discipline of the Rule is to be applied to him. 20 But if even then he does not amend, he is to be deposed from the office of Prior and another who is worthy be substituted in his place. 21 But if afterwards he is not quiet and obedient in the community, he is to be expelled from the monastery. 22 Nevertheless, the Abbot is to bear in mind that he must give an account to God of all his judgments, lest the flame of envy or jealousy be kindled in his soul.