Rules of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary

CHAPTER I.

GENERAL RULES.

I. SINCE the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, who is the principal patroness of the Sodality, will surely cherish and defend it, and, since, as Mother of Mercy, she will love those who love her, and protect those who, in their piety, have recourse to her, it is proper that the Sodalists should not only venerate and honor her in a particular manner, but also imitate her most admirable virtues and excite one another to her love. The observance of the following rules will greatly further the attainment of this end. These rules have been written for the purpose of promoting uniformity in all Sodalities united with the Primary Sodality of Rome; each Sodality, however, may frame such additional regulations as its peculiar condition or circumstances may require.

II. The Sodality shall be governed by a Director, a Prefect and two Assistants. There shall be, moreover, twelve Consultors, one of whom may also fulfill the office of Secretary; this number, however, may be reduced to six, when the number of the Sodalists is small. Besides these, there may be other minor officers, according to the necessities of each Sodality. All the Sodalists must endeavor to show that respect to the Father Director, the Prefect, and the subordinate officers, which is due to the position they hold; and obey them in all things regarding the Sodality. If the officers should be prevented from fulfilling their duties, they must, as soon as possible, give notice to the Father Director and the Prefect, that a substitute may be appointed.

III. Since the end of the Sodality is the attainment of virtue and Christian piety, and since the frequentation of the Sacraments is necessary for this purpose, those who wish to be admitted into the Sodality, shall make a general or particular Confession, as their Confessor may judge advisable. All the Sodalists shall receive the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist at least once a month, and, moreover, on certain festivals of our Lord and His Blessed Mother. The officers, however, especially the Prefect, the Assistants, the Secretary, and the Consultors, who are, in a particular manner, bound to give good example to the others, should receive these Sacraments oftener, unless their spiritual Father should direct them otherwise.

IV. Each one should have a fixed and permanent Confessor, who, when once chosen, should not be changed without weighty reasons; and all should open their conscience entirely to their Director, and be guided by him in all things that regard their spiritual welfare.

V. On Sundays, and Holy Days of obligation, all shall assemble in the morning, at the place appointed, where they shall spend about an hour and a half in spiritual exercises, in the manner prescribed by the Father Director and the Prefect. The order may be the following: In the beginning a pious book may be read till all the Sodalists are assembled; then a part of the Office of the Blessed Virgin may be sung or recited; after this, there should be a short exhortation by the Father Director, concerning the spiritual progress of the Sodalists; after the exhortation, the Sodalists may assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which, being finished, some Litanies or other prayers may be said, according to the custom of each Sodality. Those who have received Holy Communion should spend at least a quarter of an hour in thanksgiving. When the Sodality is accustomed to meet in the afternoon, they may perform, as far as possible, the exercises above specified, for the space of half an hour, or a little more.

VI. As the Sodalists are, in a special manner, devoted to the Blessed Virgin, it should be the endeavor of the Father Director and the Prefect of the Sodality to increase and propagate this devotion. Hence, they should provide that the Solemnities of Christ our Lord, and the Festivals of His Virgin Mother be celebrated by the Sodalists with more fervor and greater devotion than by others. This the Sodalists will do, if they prepare and dispose themselves by performing, for nine days previous to such Feasts, proper exercises and meditations; and that this may be done more easily, the points of the meditations and the exercises appointed for each day may be given in writing, or in print, or be read in the Sodality at a convenient time.

VII. Where it is the custom, the Sodalists should write the pious works, performed during these nine days, on a paper, without, however, signing their names, and put it in the place assigned for this purpose. A catalogue of all these pious works shall then be made, and read instead of the usual exhortation. This reading should take place, if possible, on the eves of the Feasts, in order that each one may therefore be excited to greater fervor and devotion. The Sodalists should bear in mind that they will honor and please the Blessed Virgin by performing such works of piety, not only during these Novenas, but likewise at all times during the year.

VIII. Since the reading of pious books is so much recommended by the Holy Fathers, and contributes so much to progress in the spiritual life, it should be a frequent occupation of the Sodalists. Hence, each Sodality should, if possible, have a library consisting of such books, and sufficiently well provided for the number of Sodalists, from which they may take books according to the advice of the Father Director, and read them at home. The books should be distributed by the one appointed by the Father Director for this duty.

IX. Every year the Father Director may appoint a time for the Sodalists to perform the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius. The manner in which these exercises are to be performed should be explained, and the distribution of time for the retreat made known to all that they may diligently observe it. The one who gives them these exercises should, especially exhort them to a good Confession. Hence, the points proposed to them should have reference to the frequent use of the Sacraments, the obligation of their present, and the choice of their future state of life, and other things useful to them for the time being. The following order of exercises is recommended: At first, a book should be read, treating of such matters as they will have to meditate on. The one who gives the retreat, should then make together with them some reflections on the subjects mentioned above. Next, a meditation should be proposed to them, which being finished, all should attend at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Then the Psalm Miserere might be sung, but so as to excite compunction of heart. The same order of exercises, with the exception of Mass, should be observed in the afternoon. The holy season of Lent seems to be the most suitable time for these exercises, but the Father Director may choose any other time, which he may judge more convenient. Having spent in this manner three or four, or even more days, according to the order of the Father Director, all the Sodalists should assemble on the following morning, and receive the Sacred Body of our Lord. The Sodalists should take great care not to lose the least part of this precious time; they should reflect at home on what they have heard in the Sodality, and give more time to spiritual reading and meditation than they are otherwise accustomed to do.

X. Care must be had, that the meetings of the Sodality be not omitted, unless there be a grave reason, and, in such cases, it belongs to the Father Director to decide upon the sufficiency of the cause, after having attentively considered the matter. The days on which meetings should be held are, all Sundays, and the Festivals of the Nativity, the Circumcision, and Ascension of our Lord, Pentecost, Corpus Christi; likewise, all Feasts of the Blessed Virgin, those of the Holy Apostles, of St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist, St. Lawrence and St. Aloysius, in places where these feasts are of obligation.

XI. When Sodalists have been prevented from attending the meetings on the appointed days, they shall, as soon as possible, inform the Father Director of the reason of their absence. Should the Father Director consider the cause insufficient, he will admonish the delinquent, and, should the case require it, he may, on account of repeated absence, or of some other fault, exclude any member, for a time, from the meetings, as he may judge conducive to the good of the Sodality, and the greater glory of God. In order that the absence of members may be easily and surely discovered, there should be a book containing the date of the meeting and the names of the Sodalists, arranged in such a manner as to denote by some sign the names of the absentees. All, however, should be so fervent in their service of the Blessed Virgin, and so solicitous about their own progress in spiritual life, as not to need such or other incentives to regularity.

XII. In regard to festivities and decorations of the chapel and altar, during the course of the year, as well as other expenses, it is proper that each Sodality, according to the number of its members, consider maturely what is expedient. They should be moderate in their expenses, and not exhaust their means in unnecessary decorations, but use them rather in a manner more conducive to the greater glory of God and of His Blessed Mother. Therefore, each Sodality, with the advice and approval of the Father Director, shall make rules on this subject, which will cause the funds to be expended for the purchase of those things which are most recommended in these constitutions.

XIII. As soon as they have risen in the morning, and have given thanks to God for all the benefits received from His divine Majesty, especially during the past night, they shall make the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, and recite three times the Our Father and Hail Mary, in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, and once the Apostles' Creed and the antiphon, Hail, O Queen, Mother of Mercy, besides other prayers, which each one may say as directed by his Confessor. They should not be satisfied with these prayers, but they should endeavor to spend at least a quarter of an hour in mental prayer or meditation, and assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. At night, before retiring to rest, they should spend another quarter of an hour in examining their conscience, and exciting in themselves a sincere sorrow for all their sins, particularly for those committed during the day; after this they shall say once the Our Father and Hail Mary, and once the Psalm, Out of the Depths, for the souls in Purgatory.

XIV. Since the Sodalists make profession of more perfect virtue than others, it is their duty to exhibit greater fervor in the performance of works of Christian piety. Hence, they should more frequently confess their sins, and receive the Sacred Body of our Lord; they should recite the Office and the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin; likewise, if the circumstances of place and persons allow it, they might visit prisons and hospitals; and they should practise such works, especially, on the eves of the Festivals of our Saviour and of the Blessed Virgin. These, and similar works of piety, are recommended to all, to be performed either in private, according to one's condition and devotion, or in common, according to the appointment of the Father Director.

XV. When Sodalists are seriously sick, the Father Director and the Prefect shall provide that they be visited, and strengthened with the Sacraments of the Church; and all the Sodalists shall recommend the sick to God in their prayers. When a member dies in a place where the praiseworthy custom exists of accompanying the remains to their last resting-place, this work of Christian piety ought not to be omitted. As soon as convenient, after this, all should, either in common, or at least in private, recite the Office for the Dead, and they should say the Psalm, Out of the Depths, with the prayer for the departed, during eight days. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass should likewise be offered up for the repose of the deceased, at the Altar of the Sodality, which is enriched with the privilege of a Plenary Indulgence, applicable to the souls of departed Sodalists, whenever Mass is offered for them at the said Altar.

XVI. When members of the Sodality travel to another place, they should ask the Father Director and the Prefect for a certificate of membership, that they may have access to the Sodalities in those places whither they may go. And, since absence does not deprive them of the privileges of the Sodality, they should occasionally write to the Prefect, and recommend themselves to the prayers of the Sodalists. But, wherever they may be, they should endeavor to conduct themselves as true children of the Blessed Virgin, and by their good example and purity of life, edify others, and draw them to the practice of virtue and piety.

XVII. The Sodalists should love one another with true and sincere charity, and endeavor to preserve among themselves peace and concord, and to advance daily in true Christian virtue. That they may do this the more easily, they should be diligent in attending the meetings of the Sodality, and exact in the performance of their pious exercises; they should seek the company of those by whom they may be helped, and avoid familiarity with others whose ways are wicked, or who are quarrelsome and inclined to uncharitable discourses. They should shun all dangerous amusements, and all occasions of sin; in short, they should not do anything that may be injurious to the good name of the Sodality; but, on the contrary, conduct themselves in all things in such a manner, that they may be worthy of the protection of the Blessed Virgin.

XVIII. These rules should be read after each election of officers, to remind the members of their duty, and the Sodalists should try to observe them most carefully, without neglecting the observance of such other rules and customs as may have been adopted by the Sodality to which they belong. The officers, however, should read their rules more frequently, and be zealous in the discharge of the duties therein prescribed or recommended.

CHAPTER II.

RULES FOR THE ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES.

I. Whoever desires to become a member of the Sodality, should speak to the Father Director and the Prefect. Information having been taken as to the age, virtues, and other qualities of the applicants, the Prefect should propose them in a meeting of the Consultors, that they may be admitted on trial for a certain time, as will now be explained.

II. As soon as they shall be judged sufficiently qualified, the Father Director and the Prefect should commend them to the care of one of the most virtuous Sodalists, whose duty it shall be, for two or three months, to instruct them in the rules and customs of the Sodality, and to explain difficulties, if any arise, so that the candidates may obtain the fulfillment of their wish, and understand everything concerning it.

III. Before candidates are admitted as members, they must again be proposed to the Consultors; that from them, and from the one to whose care they were committed, it may be known how they conducted themselves during the time of probation. If they have not given entire satisfaction, it will be the duty of these officers to decide by a plurality of votes, whether the applicants are to be rejected, or whether the time of probation should be prolonged. If, however, a good account is given, they may be admitted in the usual manner, provided the Father Director, without whose knowledge nothing is valid, gives his consent.

IV. At the approach of the time when they are to be admitted as members, the candidates should be admonished to prepare themselves for the reception of the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, in order that they may gain the Plenary Indulgence, which has been granted among the privileges of the Sodality.

FORMULA FOR THE ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES.

“Holy Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, I, ———, anxious to become one of thy privileged children, resolve, on this day, with the divine assistance and aided by thy powerful intercession, to amend my life and imitate thy virtues, so as to deserve to be received as a member of this holy Sodality erected to thy honor, and to the greater glory of thy divine Son Amen.”

CHAPTER III.

RULES FOR THE ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.

I. Festive days of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially the days of the Annunciation, Assumption and Immaculate Conception, appear to be the most suitable for admitting new members into the Sodality. Those to be admitted as such should approach the altar; pray for a short time, asking their most benign Mother that she would vouchsafe to receive them among her children Then, the one under whose care they were while candidates, shall give them the formula to read, or, if the number be too large, read it for them, pausing always after a few words, that those who are to be admitted may easily repeat the same.

FORMULA FOR THE ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.

“Most holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, I, N. N, although most unworthy, yet moved by the sincerest love, and impelled by the desire of serving thee, do this day choose thee, in presence of my Guardian Angel, and the whole heavenly Court, for my Queen, my Advocate, and my Mother; and I firmly resolve, henceforth faithfully to serve thee, and to do all in my power to increase the number of thy servants. I therefore pray and beseech thee, O most affectionate Mother, through the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for my sake, to guard and protect me, and to receive me as thy servant forever. Assist me in all my undertakings, and obtain for me, that I may so regulate my thoughts, words, and actions, as never to displease either thee or thy most holy Son. Remember me, O dearest Mother, and forsake me not at the hour of my death. Amen.”

II. After this, all shall rise, and the instructor of the candidates shall present them to the Father Director, who will declare to them that they are received into the Sodality, and exhort them, in a few words, to observe the rules, and be devout children of Mary, under whose special protection they have placed themselves. He may then give them the book of rules, which they should read frequently to remind themselves of their duty as Sodalists. They may also be presented to the Prefect, who may also address them briefly on the same subjects.

After the final Act of Consecration, read aloud by each candidate for admission, the Father Director gives to each newly-received member the badge of membership, after which he imparts his blessing in the following manner:

“Giving thanks to the God three times Holy, for what he has done on this day to the glory of his holy Name, and the honor of his Blessed Mother, and for the increase of her holy Sodality, we, its Director and Prefect, by the authority which has been granted to us, receive you into this our Sodality, duly erected in ———, under the title of the ——— of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the patronage of St. ———, and we admit you to a share of all the good works, spiritual favors, indulgences and privileges, which have been granted to its members by the Holy Apostolic See. In the name of the most august Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

After this the Te Deum is said or sung.

ANOTHER METHOD OCCASIONALLY OBSERVED IN THE ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.

At the appointed time, the Secretary invites the candidates to leave their seats, saying aloud:

“Let those who are to be promoted to the degree of Sodalist, come forward.”

The candidates immediately proceed and form themselves, if convenient, in a line, standing before the Director and the Prefect. The Secretary, addressing the Director and the Prefect, says:

“Respected Father and worthy Prefect, the candidates here present beg admission into the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During the time of their probation, their deportment has been edifying, and the whole Sodality is willing that they should be received; hence we earnestly request you to acquiesce in their anxious desires.”

The Director answers—“If so, let their names be read.”

The Secretary reads aloud the names. The Director then speaks to the future Sodalists:

“Pious and beloved friends, as you are now to be promoted to the holy degree of Sodalist, and enjoy all the spiritual advantages granted by the Holy Apostolic See, it is meet that your dispositions should be manifested to us; hence, answer candidly to the questions, which our Secretary will propose to you.”

The Secretary then speaks in the following words:

“The Sodality asks, whether you are disposed to cherish with special devotion the Blessed Virgin Mary and our holy Patron, St. ———?”

The Candidates answer in a loud and distinct voice:

“Yes, we wish it most earnestly.”

Secretary—“The Sodality asks whether you are resolved faithfully to observe all its rules and regulations?”

Candidates—“Yes, we wish it most earnestly.”

Secretary—“The Sodality asks, whether you will, according to your power and the spirit of our Society, promote by word and example, the glory of God and a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary?”

Candidates—“Yes, we wish it most earnestly.”

The Director then says: “Since you are resolved ever to remain faithful, you are now allowed to recite the act of the consecration of yourselves to God and his Holy Mother. And now we invite all the Sodalists here present to invoke with us the assistance of the Holy Spirit, on those who are soon to be united to us by a holy and spiritual tie.”

All kneel; the hymn of the Holy Ghost is sung, and one of the antiphons of the Blessed Virgin, according to the season. Each candidate is then called, reads the formula of admission, as given below, and receives the medal of the Sodality:

FORMULA FOR ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.

“Holy Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, I, ———, choose thee this day for my Mother, Queen, Patroness, and Advocate, and I firmly resolve never to depart, either in word or action, from the duty which I owe to thee, nor suffer those, who are committed to my charge, to say or do anything against thy honor, and the respect which thou deservest. Receive me, therefore, as thy devoted servant forever, assist me in all the actions of my life, and forsake me not at the hour of my death. Amen.”

After the reading of the formula and the reception of the medal, the FATHER DIRECTOR concludes the ceremony, saying:

“Giving thanks to the God three times Holy, for what he has done on this day to the glory of his holy Name, and the honor of his Blessed Mother, and for the increase of her holy Sodality, we, its Director and Prefect, by the authority which has been granted to us, receive you into this our Sodality, duly erected in ———, under the title of the ——— of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the patronage of St. ———, and we admit you to a share of all the good works, spiritual favors, indulgences and privileges, which have been granted to its members by the Holy Apostolic See. In the name of the most august Trinity, the Father, the Son. and the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

After this the Te Deum is said or sung.

CHAPTER IV.

RULES FOR ELECTION OF THE PREFECT AND OTHER OFFICERS.

I. The Prefect and other officers shall be elected once, or, at most, twice a year, and, if possible, on some of the principal Festivals of the Blessed Virgin. For this purpose, the Father Director, the Prefect and the Assistants, the Secretary and the Consultors, shall assemble, and, having recited the Veni Creator, with the usual prayer (page 126), choose by ballot three of the Sodalists, who among all excel most by their true virtue and exemplary conduct. These three are then to be proposed to all the Sodalists for election; the one who shall have received the greatest number of votes will be Prefect, the two others will occupy the offices of first and second Assistants, according to the number of votes received. The Secretary and the Consultors shall be chosen nearly in the same way; but they shall not be proposed to the whole Sodality.

II. The Treasurer, the Sacristans, the Doorkeeper, and other minor officers, as, according to the custom of the respective Sodalities, may be required, shall be selected by the Father Director, the Prefect, the Assistants and the Secretary. All officers, the higher as well as the minor ones, should be chosen anew, whenever the election of Prefect takes place, unless the Father Director and the Prefect should, for just reasons, think otherwise.

III. The names of the newly elected officers shall then be publicly proclaimed, and, for the greater increase of devotion and solemnity, the Father Director may give to each officer the insignia of office. Hence, the Secretary should, for this purpose, read aloud their names in the order which the degree of their dignity requires. As soon as named, each one should approach the Father Director and receive from him the proper badge. The Father Director may at the same time, in a few words, admonish each one to fulfill the office with proper care and diligence, mentioning, also, the principal duties. This being done, either the Father Director himself, or some one else, should address all the Sodalists and exhort them to regular attendance, to the observance of the rules, to the love of the Blessed Virgin, and especially to the imitation of her virtues.

IV. Should the Prefect die during the term of office, or, for some other reason, be unable to fulfill its duties, the Father Director shall substitute another, unless he should think it preferable to hold a new election. This latter mode should be adopted when the usual time for the election is near at hand. The same should be observed in reference to the other officers.

CHAPTER V.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN CONSULTATIONS.

The preservation and propagation of the Sodality require that the Sodalists should frequently assemble at spiritual exercises, and that they should sometimes come together to treat of the proper administration of the Sodality. Wherefore, the Father Director, together with the Prefect, the Assistants, the Secretary, and the Consultors, should assemble whenever necessary, at a convenient hour, to treat of matters that occur, and to decide upon them. It belongs principally to the Father Director to propose the points about which they ought to consult, the others should consider his opinion of great weight, and be guided by his decision, although they may, in a becoming manner, propose whatever they may consider necessary. Let all, however, guard against any manifestation of passion, and consider, in giving their opinion, only the glory of God and of His Blessed Mother, and the spiritual welfare of the Sodality.

CHAPTER VI.

RULES OF THE PREFECT OF THE SODALITY.

I. The Prefect of the Sodality being above the other Sodalists in dignity and office, and occupying the first place after the Father Director, must endeavor to excel also in virtue, and should, with the greatest care, observe not only the rules of the office, but likewise those common to all, especially such as regard the frequentation of the Sacraments. The Prefect should therefore go to Confession, and receive the Holy Eucharist oftener than others, and should endeavor, not so much by word as by example, to lead the Sodalists to virtue and Christian perfection.

II. The Prefect should always be in the Chapel at the appointed time, and provide that the spiritual exercises, which shall have been agreed upon by the Father Director, take place at the proper time. When prevented from attending, the Prefect should give timely notice to the Father Director; and in this case the first or second Assistant will supply the place of the Prefect.

III. The Prefect, though charged with the care of the Sodality, is yet subordinate to the Father Director in all things regarding the Sodality, and must learn from him what is to be done. No custom is to be introduced or abrogated, no measure to be proposed or executed, without the Director's approval.

IV. It shall be the Prefect's duty to see that the general rules are read to the Sodality shortly after each election, and to watch over their observance. It also belongs to this officer to see that the Assistants, Secretary, Consultors, etc., observe the rules of their respective offices. The names of the Sodalists should be written on a board, and the absent members should be marked. A book should be kept for entering the list of officers at each election; and also the names of the members, with the date of their admission, and, if it can be ascertained, the day of departure from this life.

V. When Sodalists fall sick, the Prefect should provide that they be visited in the name of the Sodality. If the sickness increase, prayers should be offered for the sick by all. In case that there be danger of death, let the sick Sodalist be strengthened with the Sacraments of the Church; and when a member dies, the prescribed prayer shall be said for the relief of the departed.

VI. The Prefect shall sign, with the Father Director, the certificate of membership issued to the Sodalists. If any of the Sodalists, on account of grievous faults, are to be dismissed from the Sodality, the Prefect shall do nothing without consulting the Father Director, and act only according to his opinion and advice.

CHAPTER VII.

RULES OF THE ASSISTANTS.

I. It shall be the duty of the Assistants to help the Prefect, by word and action, in the government of the Sodality. Hence, it is proper that they agree in opinion with the Prefect, so that, by union of opinion, the Sodality may the better succeed.

II. They must be present at all public and private meetings; and when the Prefect is absent, the first Assistant will supply the place; and if both are absent, the second will fulfill the duties of the Prefect. They should often confer with the Father Director and the Prefect about things regarding the spiritual progress of the Sodality, and promote the same by word and example as far as they are able, with the help of divine grace.

CHAPTER VIII.

RULES OF THE SECRETARY.

I. The Secretary shall be present at all consultations, and record, in a book for that purpose, the more important transactions; after having, however, first shown a copy of the minutes to the Father Director and the Prefect.

II. The Secretary shall keep the records with care and diligence, and not make known to any one what has been determined in the consultations; and should be able to observe that silence which the very name of this office implies.

III. It is the duty of this officer to write the certificates, letters, and other customary documents, to sign them, and to set the seal of the Sodality to them; doing, however, everything according to the order of the Father Director and the Prefect.

CHAPTER IX.

RULES OF THE CONSULTORS.

Twelve or six Consultors, according to the number of members in the Sodality, shall be chosen in the manner prescribed in the rules concerning elections. Their duty shall be to assist the Prefect in consultations and in the government of the Sodality, and they should, therefore, be selected from among the oldest and most approved members. In giving their opinion, they should keep in view the greater glory of God, and of his Virgin Mother, and the spiritual progress of the Sodality; and in giving counsel they should not be swayed by human motives. As has often been said, they should excel the other Sodalists by good example, as they are above them in dignity.

CHAPTER X.

RULES OF THE INSTRUCTORS OF CANDIDATES.

It is the duty of these officers to instruct, according to directions received from the Father Director and the Prefect, those who wish to become Sodalists; to explain to them the rules, and to teach them the customs of the Sodality. They should often confer with the Father Director and the Prefect on the best manner of directing the candidates in the path of virtue. It belongs to these officers to lead those who are to be admitted as Sodalists to the altar, to give them the formula to read, and to accompany them to the Father Director and the Prefect.

CHAPTER XI.

RULES OF THE TREASURER.

The Treasurer shall make no expenses without the order of the Father Director. The funds should be kept in a box, to which there should be two keys, one for the Father Director, and the other for the Treasurer. Some other arrangement might be made, if deemed more advisable. The Treasurer shall keep a book, in which the receipts and expenditures are distinctly marked, and show it to the Father Director as often as demanded. No fixed contribution should be required of the members, but the funds should consist of such donations as the liberality of the Sodalists may prompt them to offer.

CHAPTER XII.

RULES OF THE LIBRARIAN.

The Library, and all books belonging to it, are committed to the care of the Librarian. This office is of great importance, and as the faithful discharge of its duties will be of great benefit to the Sodality, so will the neglect of them injure it considerably. The distribution of books may take place after the meeting of the Sodality. There shall be a correct catalogue, which may be shown to those who apply for books. No book shall be given to any one without recording the name of the person, the title of the work and the date; and this record shall be kept until the book is returned. No one is allowed two books at the same time, and, at certain times, all books should be returned, so that a general inspection of the Library may be made.

CHAPTER XIII.

RULES OF THOSE WHO VISIT THE SICK.

Since it is impossible that the Prefect should visit all Sodalists who are sick, especially if there are many at a time, it is necessary that there should be some of the Sodalists as assistants in the fulfillment of this pious and holy duty. It belongs to the Father Director to appoint the assistants, and he will choose those in preference who are of maturer age and greater virtue. It shall then be their duty to visit the sick Sodalists often, to inquire diligently after the state of their health, to report to the Father Director and the Prefect, to recommend them earnestly to God, and take the proper steps for having them helped by the prayers of all the Sodalists. Should the sickness increase, they shall, as soon as possible, admonish the Father Director and the Prefect, that they, too, may fulfill their duties to the sick; and they shall do everything in their power to prevent the sick Sodalist from departing this life without having received the Sacraments of the Church. It will be of great benefit not only to visit such Sodalists as long as they are afflicted with sickness, but even sometimes when they are convalescent. They should do all this, so as to console their fellow-Sodalists with pious discourses, and encourage them in the Lord.

CHAPTER XIV.

RULES OF THE SACRISTAN.

According to the number of the Sodalists, there should be two, or three, or even four Sacristans. They should bear in mind that their office is a service immediately rendered to God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Therefore, they should not be unwilling to attend to the cleanliness of the Chapel. They should take great care that the sacred vestments, and other things used at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, be becomingly prepared and kept very clean. There should be an inventory of all things belonging to the Chapel, which the Sacristans, on leaving the office, shall hand over to their successors, whom they shall likewise instruct where everything is to be placed. They shall keep all things intrusted to their care in good order, and have them locked up; the keys, however, should be kept by the Father Director. They shall not absent themselves without cause, nor without the permission of the Father Director, but assist with the other Sodalists at all the spiritual exercises. They shall make no expenses without the knowledge and order of the Father Director. Excessive and expensive decorations of the Chapel and altar should be avoided, and the Father Director shall, in this respect, give such orders to the Sacristans as his prudence will suggest, to prevent unnecessary expenses for this purpose.

CHAPTER XV.

RULES OF THE READER.

The Reader's duty is to open the meeting of the Sodality with spiritual reading, and, therefore, to be very punctual in attendance at the proper time. Such books only shall be read as are assigned by the Father Director. As soon as the new officers are proclaimed after the election, the Reader shall read the general rules. They should be read slowly, distinctly, with a clear voice, that the matter read may be the more easily understood, and be impressed on the minds of those who hear it. Hence, the Reader should call to mind the importance of spiritual reading, which not only contributes to a change of life, but also leads to sincere devotion.

Chanters may likewise be appointed, and their duty shall be to intone the Psalms, when the office is sung.

CHAPTER XVI.

RULES OF THE DOORKEEPER.

This officer, who shall strive to be one of the first in attendance at the place of meeting, shall have the names of the Sodalists, in alphabetical order, written either on a board or in a book. This book or board should be arranged in such a manner, that, by some signs, indicated by the Father Director, the names of those may be marked who absent themselves from the meeting, or fail to approach Holy Communion on the appointed days. The book should be carefully kept, and hence it should be intrusted only to the care of one whose faithfulness and virtue are known to the Father Director. When the book is filled, it should be kept in the archives of the Sodality.

CHAPTER XVII.

RULES OF MINOR OFFICERS.

Should the necessities of any Sodality require additional officers, rules may be prescribed for them; but nothing in this regard should be decided without the approval of the Father Director. Nothing, however, must be done contrary to the spirit of the preceding rules. Let everything be avoided which is useless to the Sodality, or not in accordance with true piety, and, if there is anything of this kind, let it be corrected, or entirely abolished.

CERTIFICATE OF ADMISSION.

We, the undersigned, do testify by these presents, that ——— ——— was admitted into the Sodality, established in ———, under the title of the ———, on this ——— day of ———, in the year ———, and we declare that he is hereby made partaker of all the indulgences, favors, graces and privileges which its members enjoy, and that, after he shall have departed this life, he will be entitled to the benefit of all the suffrages which are usually offered for deceased Sodalists.

Given under our hand and seal, in the Sodality Chapel ———, on the day and in the year aforesaid.

——— ———, Prefect.

——— ———, Director.

——— ———, Secretary.