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  IF AN ABBOT DESIRE
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of humility and
obedience in the ordained, and warns against the dangers of self-
exaltation and pride.

Topics: "Monastic Life", "Christian Obedience"
Scripture References: Proverbs 11:2, Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:20, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:5

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility and
obedience for priests and deacons ordained in a monastery. He warns
against self-exaltation, pride, and acting beyond what is commanded by
the Abbot, stressing the need for discipline and adherence to the Rule.
The ordained individuals are reminded to maintain their assigned place
in the monastery, except when duties at the altar or community choice
warrant a change. Disobedience and refusal to reform may lead to removal
from the monastery, highlighting the seriousness of submission and
obedience to the Rule.

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CONTENT
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If an Abbot desire

to have a priest or a deacon ordained for his monastery,

let him choose one

who is worthy to exercise the priestly office.

But let the one who is ordained

beware of self-exaltation or pride;

and let him not presume to do anything

except what is commanded him by the Abbot,

knowing that he is so much the more subject

to the discipline of the Rule.

Nor should he by reason of his priesthood forget

the obedience and the discipline required by the Rule,

but make ever more and more progress towards God.

Let him always keep the place which he received

on entering the monastery,

except in his duties at the altar

or in case the choice of the community and the will of the Abbot

should promote him for the worthiness of his life.

Yet he must understand

that he is to observe the rules laid down by deans and Priors.

Should he presume to act otherwise,

let him be judged not as a priest but as a rebel.

And if he does not reform after repeated admonitions,

let even the Bishop be brought in as a witness.

If then he still fails to amend,

and his offenses are notorious,

let him be put out of the monastery,

but only if his contumacy is such

that he refuses to submit or to obey the Rule.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/if-an-abbot-desire/
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