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  EVERY OCCASION OF PRESUMPTION
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of avoiding presumption
and adhering to the authority of the Abbess in the monastery.

Topics: "Monastic Discipline", "Christian Authority"

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of avoiding presumption
in the monastery, stating that only the Abbess has the authority to
excommunicate or discipline sisters. Offenders in this matter are to be
rebuked publicly to instill fear among the community. Children under 15
should be supervised with moderation and discretion, and anyone who acts
without the Abbess' approval in disciplining older children will face
consequences as per the Rule's discipline, guided by the principle of
treating others as you would like to be treated.

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CONTENT
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Every occasion of presumption

shall be avoided in the monastery,

and we decree that no one be allowed

to excommunicate or to strike any of her sisters

unless the Abbess has given her the authority.

Those who offend in this matter

shall be rebuked in the presence of all,

that the rest may have fear.

But children up to 15 years of age

shall be carefully controlled and watched by all,

yet this too with all moderation and discretion.

All, therefore, who presume

without the Abbess' instructions

to punish those above that age

or who lose their temper with them,

shall undergo the discipline of the Rule;

for it is written,

"Do not to another what you would not want done to yourself" (Tobias
4:16).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/every-occasion-of-presumption/
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