MANUAL FOR NOVICES COMPILED FROM THE DISCIPLINA CLAUSTRALIS| OF THE VEN. FATHER JOHN OF JESUS AND MARY, THE VADE-MECUM NOVITIORUM BY A MASTER OF NOVICES, AND OTHER AUTHENTIC SOURCES. TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN A MASTER OF NOVI The form a maa Sia takes he with dificalty changes ‘Andihe wh onglace dcplian a the cay Yeas oho son 'S, BONAVENTURE, Spe. Discip, Prot. THIRD EDITION M. MAIN STREET, LQUGHRE BENZIGER BROTHERS. NEW YORK, CINCINNATI, CHICAGO,IMPRIMI POTEST. Fa. Lucas 4 Manta $Si4, Praepositus Generals Ruuae, die 6 Aug., 1920. NIHIL oBSTAT, Parrirnis Cas. Lyoxs, Censor Depatatus. IMPRIMATUR, Ac alicwagy Caroinatss Locus, Archiepiacopas Armacans, totins Hiberniae Primas, Armacanae, die 7 Juli, 193 Printed i Tota, ‘Tae Seavavt oF Goo SAINT TERESA OF THE CHILD yesus Tun Livres Feowan or eavePREFACE ° ‘The first part of this manual is @ translation of the Discipting Claustralis of the Ven. Fr. John of Jesus and Mary, which was wrilien about the year 1508, when he'held the atfice of Novice Master a Rome. “It was printed for the frst time in 4008, and has been ever since used with great profit in all Novitiates of the Discalced Carmeliies,” ‘To show the high esleom in which tt was held, it will be suficient to quote the words of the V. R, Fr. Ferdinand, of St. Mary,” Viear-General of the Italian Congregation of Discalced Carmelites, in & lollar which he addressed to the Religious of the Order:—" As regards the fruit produced by the prselce aid down in this wore, ail who have fol- lowed it or who actually follow it at the present time, in our Order, in other Orders, or even in the world, unite in proclaiming ils excellence.” ‘The’ object the author had in viow, as he tells us in the prologue, was to instruct the Religious how {o perform ail the aels of his daily life in a spiritual senor, He points out to him in a very clear and Practical way how he ean best do this, namely, by offering ther lo God, by performing’them for fim alone, and in such a’ manner ea. will be Pleasing to Him. For this purpose he recommends each Religious to make a general affering to God fand the Blessed Virgin every morning of all the isx PREFACE actions of the day: and in order to Keep the fire St holy fervour tis enkindled alive and burning Shore gedsnuly in his heart curing the day, to make Poorllcular offering of each actin the time way icfore he begins it. ‘The particular offering is be shorter than the general one, ut directed Lary sue ans By hi ene wl 3 Shon time acquire great purty of imiention in Srergtting he does, fo will be sure to pay more ication fo the manner in which he performs th ork in whicl he is engtged. ‘The habit of well The etwaya in the Divine presenee, which exercises MG cclutary influence over our lives and ections, ‘mil Soon become easy ahd natural to him, Pot Since he is brought into direct relation wiih, God inal his eclionss and treats with Hin about them by an explicit offering, he will be constantly remind at . ‘The religious life is composed of a series of acts, some of which are’ purely” spiritual es mental rayer, the uso of the sacraments, examination of Eonselcnee: others aro of mixed nature, as ex- ternal dae and employment’ "Row: i the gious performs all these astions eth the pr Interior afd exterior Sapestons, that is, & at inention ‘which, regulate. the flerior, ‘snd the thleror ateaion, gravity and decorum which the hnfure of the work requires, he. will fd in them nveficacious means of attaining his end, namely, {he ‘union of his soul with God by perfect charity For, in reality the object of all the observances of {he religious life ito nanat him lo overcome his Datsfons and evil inclinaions, to wean i heart nd affections from the. world and. erotures, to fequite sold. virie,-and. tive. spose him’ for Divine charity in which his perfection consist But in order to allin this end, it will nol be enough for him to do them; he must do them well PREFACE, x otherwise he will not succeed. Doing ther through flecessity” or “compulsion, doing them” through ouline or in a desullory manner will not suffice. Tie should regard them in the light of faith, which tals him they are for him the Divinely appointed noes for aifaining his end he must direet them {be supernatural end, namely, God Who has a right {G his Service; and ho rust be actusted by the spirit of love, that is, Divine eharity from whieh all our cts in religion should proceed. Now, if he views thom in this light, regulates them in this manner, and eccomplishes them in this spirit their fulflment will become easy; he will increase their merit, the Divine aid which Tightens and smoothens every dimoulty will never be wanting to him. ‘Thos he ‘will soon begin to love the religious life and all its Ubservances, because ho will folly realise that rough them be is making daily. progress in Divine etiarity which ‘isthe end for which he embraced it. "Wy isthe religious sta calle a state of portec- tion?” Ig it not because the soul is trove in it to love God, and is trained daily to do s0 by all it observances? "The vows," SL Thomas says, " are firected fo. perfost charity as to their end: and all {he olher obsorvanees of religion aro directed to the vows," St, Berard cals the religious ie the t2hool of perfection "The merey of God,” he says, Shae not" only numbered us with Ue ‘elec, but called us {0 the eehool of the perfect"t - And St ‘Thomas teaches "us the same when he says the was life is “a (raining or oxerciso for the attaining of pertection."{ Is it not a desire to love God ‘more perfectly that brings the Religious into this sehoot that he may be there taught the Divine jem Meg aa 9 ts are nada? {EMSsi PREFACE science and trained up in the practice of it? The World’ or anything ‘ih it could: not stisty him, Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord; and our heart reais_not unlit resi in’ Thee."# "Divine charity then was the beginning as itis the end of hig "vocation." Kverything in tho religious fife means for developing, increasing, and ing i in his soul, and sould be used by him 45 such if he wants to become porfect Religious. ‘Now, if he Togards the observances of the rel: ious lite and fis varions duties in any other light, {hey will be always irksome and burdensome Ws im, "He will perform ‘tiem ‘ina dilelory end mecianical manner without deriving any” trl from them, ‘Por they are not ils end: they ave only ‘means to alain the end which is charity: and th nd should always sommand and direc the means id make them subservient to it not it to them, Virtue does not consist in the mechanical discharge of daily duties or the exterior observance of ral tous dling. Indeed ese outward absrvanoes wil avail us but litle 'if we lack the ight sprit Within,’ ‘The heat, he mind, the whole soul and Srengtny these are what God chiefly” regard ‘Thou shall love te Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind ‘and with thy. whole strength." } "This ts the frst and greulet ‘eommandment. is from {ls the abiaing love of od in the soul—all ex: {eroal observances derive their vstue and perfection, {Religion is not in the habit” says St. Bernard Dut in the heart.” ¢ "The religious vocation choles of the heart for God, an act of the love of Preference, “Hence the very essence of the reli ious life consists in tho abiding hebit of God's 8 Aes Coot LC. Sst! Papa ed Seidl. 0 PREPAGE xi ovo in the eoul. Love iste link that niles and: Tus egress in Bovine Tove. moans His progress in the religious life, his fection in il miata thet he isa perfect Religious. Win if he lacks this vieise wiliin whieh is the oon and pepe of ig rection, no mallee Sonat amount of exterior dues he performs, or how Thllhfaly he folbls them, he will never become « {fue Religious’ because fia bond of union batveon tlt end God is wanling. Whereas if God's love Teigea eupreme with, it will gradually commdn Tals virtuo. to the" facullies, senses and bodily ‘ember leaving the yh te Die intusnce tnd regulating thir operetions, calling ifthe various rng and hporng vilaty and vigour fo all external ection. Mo assist he Religious in performing his daly scton i this manner, and persevere i pach fe novtcoary for acquiring the trv religious spit, it will Tbe Becessary for to make frequent use Of nlorior espiralonssjaculalory prayer. Wo fave added to Gloitral Disciping a ehaplor con {aining interior ats of the principal virtues which fe will find useful for this purpose. Thoy are taken from the Instruction of Novices. a work writen by {he'same bultor for We uso of Novices. Those acl, fr otors sla to ivan, shout by Sd ly 2 Haluk lo dong, he wil ol aloo te ractising. prayer bu alo. exerelsing interior acl El iho vides, and experienc teaches us tht ths is the easiest simplest, and shortest way to make {rue progress'in the spiritual life, "Pho author of the Bisciplina Clausialis divided his work into two paris, and each part into chap- {ers "For the sake of harmonising the two parts of this manual division into chaplers and sections js subelituled Ia the translation, and a fow chapters wich do not directly concern Novices aro omittedxiv PREFACE Parl second ia the equivalent ia Knglish of a ade Mecun, composed by a Master of Novices for tho use af Novieod and newy-profesed Religious He cxpluinn inthe proface the principal objet hs had" viow, whiet is a8 follow “Sits for'you, my" deary beloved Brothers, 1 have underiaon io write this lile book. My ed, a th itl indica, Is tha you shoul always hays it sit you, espedally when you will Ieeve your holy Notiliste'and go ip olher Convent that It tray be to you asouvenirof the home of year pit tality wich you sos never frst twill engeave in your memory and direc to your sdvante- ‘ent in sila virtue, he fsleuctions whieh ay snl irate insted ‘drop by sop info your mind during Tose early years of Your religiows life, and which you eagerly imbibed’ ines they were so stl for ifs due formation of your future life In bolines. Bean tur your nly ie, an ot eel for the yer of probation, thatthe dseipline of your religious Novitale has been so rigorously enfoced Teive you hers, point by poi, ia a bref summary auld detached Senances, ‘an index talterthan a trcaie of the imporart doctrine that have been already expleined Wo you at greater longi, so tat thoy tty bo more convenient for your tse afaplod toa pial ia and pros of each and nat ‘wepey Bat aime your mit, “lay ou ve long, be happy, become great se yants of God and tsi pillars Gf your holy Orde. Ths grace fea of lesen for “Tho Mligious fs ineirocled init how to advance inthe religious life towards the goal which is per fect charity bythe exerelse of thevvriues, expecially {hose proper to his stata." ‘The means of alsining this ‘end are clearly’ pointed out io him, sueh ee Bpraxes, morlifeaton he vintus corresponding nie the daily exarles ofthe eligicus ifthe PREFACE ~ annual and monthly retreats. In the first part, which is more elementary, he is taught how to ssanclify his daily actions and perform them with ‘8 true interior spirit. In the second part, ho is, instructed how to fulfil his obligations and employ the means at his disposal to atlain the end of the religious life. The dangers are clearly pointed out fo , him to which te will be exposed in religion as else- ‘where, from the world, the flesh and the devil. Ho is also reminded of the precautions he should take o avoid pitfalls, and the weapons he must use in the spiritual combat to surmount the obstacles that are in his way and triumph over his enemies. "All these matlers, no doubl, as the author indi- cates in his preface, have boen fully explained to ‘him already by his Master during the period of his religious probation. But it will be of the ulmost utility for him, as exporionee teaches, especially during the early years of his religious life, until his hhabits are fully formed and he has made solid progress in the virlues, to have always by his side ‘4 manual of sound doctrine on the most important points of the spiritual life, which he can eastly con- Sult in his doubts and diffeulties, or whenever he needs to refresh his mind in the knowledge of his Guties and obligations ‘The annual and monthly retreats aro treated in a special manner and in a very simple and practical way. ‘There is, perhaps, no other exercise of the relizious life that presenls so many difficulties, par- ticularly to young Religious, or they find harder to ‘accomplish in a becoming manner and with the pro- per dispositions, yot which, if rightly understood and ‘well made, produces more salulary resulls. For, 03, the author points out, the annual retreat; may’ be regarded as an auditing of our spiritual jpecounts, evory year, andthe monthly retreat ¥ ‘lockxvi PREFACE taking at the end of each month to see how we sands ‘Tho spiritual conference with the Direclor or spiral Fuiher, which unfortunately is too often Reriookoa by Religious, is fully explained, end de- {elod anstructions are elven that will considerably faoltaie tis praction. Iadead, it is the opinion of the Seinta aad those most’ experienced inthe Epiifal fo, that thero ie no oltor practice more Seeawsary oF helpful for the Religious to acquire uniy of heart and preservo the spirit of fervour, "A Yowr appontices have boen added to. complete tne work Pho first contains some choice maxims 1 rangolial perfection drawn from the tex Sf tho Guin, and. developed "inthe form of « Slalogus between. Novice end his Master. The Instrdetions and Precautions of the second are taken tram the Works of St John of the Cross. and are Specially edapled” for the sue of Religious who ize t eflamn perfection in @ short time, wilt {ho Novice wil find inthe third some practical Hints on mental prayer. which will help Bim to nesta and show him How Wo make progres ‘This lito manual was compiled chiefly for the ust of Discaloed Carmelite. "The mailer which it Sonning has been elec and ercangod fo sul their Saode of Ifo. Yet it maybe used. with profit by Sikes Religious as well, no matter to whet Order or Congregation they belong. “The essence and end GF tho selgious lif are tho same for all Religious, fhe former consisting in the three vows, the aller ib porfect charity. The iffculties in the way ‘Thou, he eourteny of Me, Thomas Baker, Condom aut htla Se SS euler Ce Fe tnt, Bray B zinmeas, OCD) of he worst Tok TPG RST Baers nod Pcs ee te ee PEt etl Fa ine Flame of PREFACE wil rising chiofly from the world, the flesh and the Gevil, and the prinelpal means used in overcoming them’ and allaining the end, es prayer, mortifica- tion, frequentation of the Sacraments, sanctification of daily actions, are likewise common'to all. Hence {the subjects treated in it concern all, are suited to hei was, and direcled to their spirit! advanes- mont~ CONTENTS Pama ses ee PART I Cuorsreat Discrete ee CHAPTER 1. The Morning Oblasion General Oferng. st Hh CMS OP Re AG ye Barto ‘dig LIL, How fe Rectie the Divine Olle end Atiend i Gar a TY. How soilaue Meal Prayer? 2 LG Y. Yowieuearidy ae 2 FLD VE Hows GetConman 1 Lolo VIL. How to eceve Hely Communion Dou VILL How to Pract the Presence of God & TR. How fo, huust at) Conventoal ‘Chapter and x ati Be pram aad How aioe ai au XI. How to het in the Relec og ow fo Ack in fe Refectory 2 XU HOS Gas Be poe ema aid cal fine Reig Xu, How oe he thing and‘ Oenee Necenaey ‘Ruiner sven to the Rebgsous by Tily Obelieeee 2 f° XIV. How do" Regulate the Daily Estrela i Heigoes Masnet ys xisxx CONTENTS. CHAPTER 1. Geel 0s . af Occ ofwebdomitaey 2S a at OmesetSacritan S 3 W Omevot bore. DLS a Giese Betkrager : = vi Ohevetismasian Flt S CHAPTER DI. et of Fad os a of Hor o Loe ‘Ret ot Chany Bao REE Gt Lave ont Neighbour 3 ASS ot Obetience a 3 1} Retsorcharuty | pid Aes ot Bovecty os Ras et Bengnee o Contsition 2 1g i Aas of Abwenence os 2as ot Herat Pio g ‘Rea of Meoenach Lk ‘eis of Patonce _ ae 25 of Mocaety 7 A eS or Sience” ¢ 7 Res Gt Grauede eee i Met eemeety 2D tlle i ‘ets of Ditgonce coe ‘ets of Parsoveran a ASS SHE ae Tee re Bieparag ot ‘Qbung or Pokaron 4 Renovation f Venn = pile 1 PART I i Dongs oF Rettor0us CHAPTER 1 1. Towards God 7 po ah Towasis te Sopedoe | Dik : Hi, Tomar the Ores a TW: Tovtids got Neighbour ana Brethren 1 $4 Yi ReaweGue ee gt CONTENTS CHAPTER Meotal Payer la Gener ratios | og Mebtases. ¢ : ee atetive Pacis of Praye Bilyetins and Avgitysa Prayer | 1 Soeur of « Cood Feetion ‘What suid be Dou at the Bad of Prayer cuAPTER 111, esse raeete got See | of RE! # ioe ee Rei yee: acted, sts aS wT Mon on Sent HE, Moniention of the Entlec TW, Movaseaese of Sawa” CHAPTER W. Meson of Advancing ia gu Hoty Vor pinted aging eae Vee oly Deedieace EalGvaton of Chastity GtnueofPorety SS ieagy etzi ‘CONTENTS CHAPTER V. ""E Reletance, of , Temptations In General, ecally thew tk Impurity and Slots < ML Templaloas of Pride cad Walgogy st CHAPTER VI. 1, Prelminaie, : A ‘Are t, What We shoald ‘Do ia eho Sieg eon ae ar » Howat io by Done felon, ‘During “and After eae hen 1 spidtual Enerchet et ‘Acts “T" Sacrameatal Contesion aff Hal Coamesion (TV The ‘Manaer of Hearing’ Holy Mae and of Serving Vy, The Sacred Pramod Vii Ths Priate Bontatos of we Holy Ofce ‘ VIL The Mesaner of Hheasg the "Word of Gad vu. seeing, ga Mary x, The Reary, tae Daly Crows ‘ta aoe XIV, Chapter and Dally Coed sept aed Daly Coretion exes : » z CONTENTS iil Act TIL Mama abou W. Mou A, Gras aod sitnortinasy w NE RGavent and Oulaie« oe MUL Joseanye : vir Soa VTE Reno tomie CHAPTER VIL 1 Had'ot the Retro and hat Ough to be We The oe iy aed to and Shere whe eet cuavrer vist 1, What to and How wo Make Th ss Alf Fuvote pintua! Confrence mith ihe Dicector ‘Spat Sater CHAPTER IX, Toate oe i Pei 2 Ltt HE ee i 'W. Davotion tothe Blessed Sacrament ve wy ee Vii Medeny™) Dt ng b 9 8 M4 1xiv CONTENTS APPENDIX Le Suort Qossrions_ 4x0 Oxrngoox Dariiniont aSintiie evikonicae Beurechiow se 6 373 APPENDIX 1 Iaravcrions Axo Paxcavrins ve + 8 APPENDIX IIT Mouvrat Praven sumrsirigy yo Novicas s+ + 184 PART I CLOISTRAL DISCIPLINE. Teach me goodness and diseipline and knowledge.” Bs, cxvl. 66,PROLOGUE. ‘Tho most useful of all the instructions we find in spiritual books is that which points out to us clearly ‘and briefly the practical method of performing the sls of the religous life in the spirit proper fo each of them. "For as it is generally true that all moral oetrine becomes more fruitful when reduced to practice, it necessarily follows that the doctrine Which teaches us how to perform the most noble and meritorious acls, es these of monaslic discip- Tine, i the most useful. It will be well then t0 go through all the acts of religious discipline, and, in doing s0, we shall divide theminto. two clésses: first, acis common to all; second, tuo various offices. We shall point out for each of these acts and offices the spiritual manner in which it should be fulfilled, for the glory of God and our advancement in the perfection of the religious stateMANUAL FOR NOVICES ~ CHAPTER I. THE ORDINARY ACTS OF THE RELIGIOUS E. aL ‘Tite MORNING OstATION—GeNERAL OFFERING. 4. Instruction: It is moet that not only Raligious but also all Christians should be careful to conse graie to God the first frulls of their hearts, 50 that Ho may bo the frst object of thoir thoughts when they awake in the morning. They should extend the’ arms of their desires to seize Him with lova, imitating (hose travellers, who have with them precious slones or sums of money. As soon ts they awake they strotch forth thoir hands towards thelr ‘treasure, impelled therelo by anxiety and the fear of losing tt. Now ho who wishes in the ‘morning to offer a most agreeable sacriice to the Divine Majesty, should admit no earthly thought while elsing "his eat towards “hetven, but Seeupy hhis whole mind with the thought of Our Cord Jesus Christ, the Protector-of lis sleep. For~ we must alweys remember that the ‘demon employs. his greatest efforts to seize upon the firstMANUAL FOR NOVICES 3 in which they are engaged gt the time, and unite them to the general ofering ‘made in the morning, 2, For example, if a Religious as to tranaaot ay Dusiness, or perform some manual labour, he sineit first recall fo mind the general offering he made 3 MANUAL FoR NOVICES thoughts; he makes vain and dangerous sugges- lions in order lo deprive God of the honour Which fg duo’ Wo. Him’ from. rational creatures. ‘The oblation may be made in the following manner:— 2. Offering: -O Lord my ‘od, Father, Son and Holy “Ghost, supremely” good and’ infiniely amiable, my’ bogitning end end, in Whom T And any true hoppiness, I offer myself wholly to Thee fils day and for ever, and T-direct fo Ute honour and glory of Thy Divine Majesty all my thoughts, Words and actions, uniting myself by’ love Sri al creatures who re pleasing to Thee in heaven and’ on arth, in order to consecrate myseit to ‘Thee with them, as 1 do in all truth, "O. most ‘loving’ Lord, 1 enlreat ‘Thy infinite wisdom "and goodness 10° guide me in all that conccrns ‘Thy fev, dando sera i eis of fol, that T may” plesse ways and in Alf things wilnout the leet afonces"Pcee sace Inyselt to Thee, O Blessed. Virgin Mary. gugust Gteen of Heaven; T consecrate to thee ail that T Shall Whi, say,” anddo' during this’ day, with tho. parloitar’ desire ‘of ‘serving’ thes: and. implore thoo, © Kindest Of Mothers, to'direet ‘and protect me in thy service and for’ thy glory. Taig his heat le . id form the int ee Ord my God, dress ino grder 0 apply myself to the servica of Thy Bisse os Majesty ny ine act fond rig fered Di me, 0 Lar, with ie pect a te ae BR, athe four Tak ae eat {hen Leaving the Cell: 0 soy Lox, dient may stops and fran that {tay ping Stet that shall befall me, so that 1 ‘may return again * without having commited the least geuur® 6uin these favour a tne, © mst matey ask 5. When Going to Speak to Others: Govern, toniun Se lt ea tees ven my to Tee "he same fae Peseta lslesing Dre Vigna om. Ostarion or rum Acts We PenroxM Dunia THE Day—Panricutan OFFEnixo. 1. Instruction: ‘The servants of God oughi never lo begin any action, without frst offering it to the Slory of God nnd asking His assistance to perform it im a pious and porfect manner, For this pure ose they should make uso of cerlain forms. of oblation—particular «Jerings—suitable fo the work4 MANUAL FOR NOVICES su. How 10 Recrre tux Divine OFFICE AND ATTEND 1 Cuorn. 1. Offering: ‘The offering. of the Divine Ofc, whether cai in choir or privately, shall be as fol Towa: © Lord iny God, I desire to sng "ny prelses tno salty inw obligation with all my strength; Ttwile ail Grectares fo Join me in prawing Thee, nd unite nyself in love. with all Ghe angels and Saints in eaven and on earth in ordor fo praise ‘Thee with them. "August Queen of Heaven, ¥ also intnd’ by this acto please thee. 2 Instruction: He ‘who. is going to recite the Divine Offoe after having made the offering, will Pictur fo moe tho molltude of angels in heaven Ei of the ust on earth, av if Diy’ wore thro pre- Sent to join him; and in their midst he will epre- Sent Our Lord. Jenos Christ seated on’, throne thd near Him the Blesed Virgin. Mery. "He will ile with them in eyiit and. desire, Yo hearifelt reico of the Divine Majesty, Whom he wishes to nous tna epeciel manner ty this ct of Toigious worship. FHS should thea recite the Divine Office in such a way that he may understand what he is saying. Sind oer it to the Divine Majesty without useless faliguo'ot soul or body. He ooght not to make use Of ladica exercnes while saying ity such asa fixed Sumber of aca of adoration, fo which some apply Themgetves with sch 2oal’ (het thoy ‘necessal Aivart their allention from what they ae reiting. ‘Thie practcs is not a" all commendable since it {ras us away from the Divine Ofie, and, besides fatiguing the bend, provents us from aitending to it tig anech betior 1b atlend (o the meaning of thé MANUAL FOR NOVICES 5 ‘words, and by meditating on the verses, to produce from timo to time some acts of love, hope and adora- tion, without studied effort or fixed number, but with great fervour and an ardent desire of God. I ‘am fully convinced that this is what the Saints did ‘when they recited the Divine Office in a manner that was pious, grave, religious, and full of security for soul and body. 4. Wo think this method will be found useful not ‘alone for those who understand, but even those who ‘cannot comprehend the meaning of the words. For theso latter (as usually happens with Nuns) devote all their care and attention while saying the Divino Office, either to the proper pronunciation of the ‘words, or the remembrance of the roducing st the same time sor fow, this being so, how would-it be ‘them to join to this care and attention studied exer- cises and a fixed number of acts of adoration, without weakening devotion and injuring their hoalth? It would be far better then for 0 remain attentive to the presence of God, raising ‘their hearts to Him from time to time by simple and ious affections, without studied effort or any fixod number of acts. 5, If they wish to multiply acts in a cartain order, and after each verse of the psalms to make an act— ‘as, for example, after the first verse to adore the ight hand ; after the second, the left hand ; and afler the third, the right foot of Jesus Crucified — they will find themselves, after a few days, so woak that they will be unfit and unable to pray at all. Moreover, this method is so laborious and dis- tracting that it scarcely leaves one time to breathe. Indeed, it is an error due to ignorance to think the exeollonce of the Divine Office consists in e multi- plicity of studied elevations of the soul, and not «8 MANUAL FOR NOVICES father in tranquil afecions coming calmly and Guiely from the heart. vet mt ve Religious perform to offce of ‘sje or te recital of Rho. Canonical Hours Angels fF realy tho Divine Worship thst i ie elas ese ate whieh sopresenk mest vividly the one ol chls of bossedspiria, who chant incessantly Hierars prove of Ged a Divine Office of uninter- peta ates Congequeniy, they should bring to opie nginal mosedyy and seraghi fervour, end ot tnemslvea unreservedly in soul and body to THD raise of thelr Crear, Prato gored place they should only, Took on ts Ginga the brevinry with tho ayes of the body te earth tno eyes of the soul They ahould 1nd fhe book with both hands near the breast, end hold Meaing tne arms fal, which would. show Sant of ferour and coreg” Weer aang or Wing they ‘ough. to bo eaual ‘in thee Senboour, Thus ‘in sanding. thoy will av Gemesettyom side io side, of awkwardly Ov turning ‘any otter part of the body. in sii Poe el not eonk, Weir own ease, but shod {ey iy compose, ‘ihemslves as become those devo Smavetnor end in view Dut tho praise of Bee Mn'chunling or reiting they should Be earefal Goes it unleon Swrih ihe others, pronounce the {o.e5 atineliy, conform lo the tone of ie choi, Toft ae the seniors. They ought. not 10 ive 2 to or nagligence, But apply” themesives Wiingty ent cheerfully to tho praise of the Lore. Filling ald cbeerve great care. in. fulfilling the ‘iil ofthe choir an pero th eremoni offices of Meoner as not, (o infringe on exterior suc fy,‘ ase tho presenee oF Cody which Is the nourehinent of the soul MANUAL FOR NOVICES 7 giv. How 70 Maxe Menta, Praven. 4. Offering: The offering of this act will be the sate ah the One we have given for the Divine Offic. SSPE te met the folowing may he found “D. Instruction: Preparation: Tt consial in sidering Tor some moments, on tho ono side, God's Majesty and goodness on the olher, our own baso- ee Ea ionic, in order to excita profound Zentimonts of respect and lovo in the depths of the earl towards the Divinity, and sentiments of con- ompt and confusion with regard to ourselves, Then Wevghoutd make some. acts. of contrition for our Mins‘in general, and thus besin our prayer lke the Publican, with sentiments of profound humility nd an ardent desire to oblain mercy. The fol Towing frm mayo used ‘ 3, 0 ny soversign Lord, God finite geste and goodness, 1, the vilest of ereatures, come to reat“ with Thes in prayer. I adoro Thy Divive Majesty and prostrate myself before ‘Thee, worlhy fs Lam of infinite eotlempt, on account of the ‘many offences T have commitied against Thee, 1 {ean my Heart ropentsnerly of sn Since they are an ouirage on Thy Divine purily and fine iy Brgy restive. never: more allen ‘Thee.’ O my God, be good and merciful to me, and eign to lek me converse intimately with ‘Thee. eit would in well rake is preparation fore going to the placo of prayer. "But if the Rollo hes not done 60, he should male it the ‘Mier tho offing of the ack, ‘Then he ougi. to listen Alfentively to the reading of the points, ——8 MANUAL FOR NOVICES according to the selection that has been made for {the days of the week. Let us here remark that each fone should anticipale this reading before going to the place of prayer, in order to derive more spiri profit from it 8. Meditation: He should select from the different points the one that has most impressed him, and Take it the subjoct of his meditation ; that is, he ‘Ought to pause awhilo and examine it by, serious fection for the purpose of moving the will. Let 'us suppose, for instance, that the reading has been ‘made on the“ Carrying’of the Cross,” and that he hhas been particularly struck by the meckness with which Our Divine Saviour received on His shoulders the instrument of His torture, ‘The meditation may ag no ec'Truly, iti 8 wonderful (hing What has been proposid for my meditation. ‘What art Thou doing Ty gentle Saviour? Why this oss?” For what ond Goat Thou fake ikon Thy shoulders singe it wall be hint Py deat Ay ond ‘Thou art quits innocent: it has been publicly lnm tint there was o cause for condemnation {n'thee. "Why thon dost Thou remain silt and take upon Thyselt without resistance the weight of the crn" know moat acurely. hat Tho ark ths truo Son of God, an thatthe glorious sorsphim presrele in adoration before Thee. Why then dost FRiou bend ence and allow hyselt to be bur- dened with this wood, destin’ for the punishment Gt'eriminast | How reat is. my" insonsbiliy! Ought T not excite mys! o give my If for Thee? Ought Tinol strive (0 carry my eroas in Mhy com- pani? in truth, if {did Hot know that ‘Thy Sfajsty had done such an astonishing thing for mo, ‘tglefable worm of the earth, worthy of soatempt fd forments on account of my many sins, my tn gratitude would be in some sort excusable; but MANUAL FOR "NOVICES v knowing that ‘Thou, the only Son of God, hast endured this torture’ and ignominy for me, 1 am ‘without excuso, and am forced from every point of Viow to admit that T should follow ‘Thao and eor- ospond with ‘Thy excessive charity. 7. ‘The meditation should be short, and calculatod to ‘urge tho wil effeasiously to perform the olher rot ite prayer, which de atv, apd ought 9 considered a5" the proper fruits of a good modilalion.- More time should be given to the afec- tions than fo reasoning. “The reasoning ie employed ‘ag means 10 produce tho alfections, so we should only make us of itas far a8 is necessary towards this end. 8. Affection’: After tho moditation come the affctive paris, which are zhanlksgiving, oblation and tition. "Thay should ba made from to heart, {or {hey spring from the impression mado on the soul by the moditation, ‘Thus, for examplo,affor having. made the meditation of’ which wo have already Spoken—from the consideration of Our Lord earry- ing His cross, alfections of graitude spring up in tho soul af the sight of this act accomplished for us by ‘Our Divine Redesmer—then come desires 10 offer ‘ourselves to Him and a thousand worlds, it we had them, in return for this inestimable benoSt;” and~ again, fervent peliions to oblain all that is noes sary fo serve a Master Who has done such great things for us, such a8 the morlialion of our pas: slong the sequin of the vrs, 8 itory Por ms, oF anything else thet’ will onable us to lin this end = ‘these threo parts of the prayer les attention should be paid to te order than to the predominant affection. Beginners would do well to produco aftar {ho moditation, fet, nels of thanksgiving, thon acts of oblation, and finally, petitions. But it is not Recessary 15 follow ‘this’ order, inco those three10 MANUAL FOR NOVICES parla may be i tn whieh pro 10."As during mental praver tho Hligious treats alestiy with the Divino Majesty and is fn tho come pany of many olhers who apply themselves to tho Same exercise, it is bul reasonable (o expect that he should comport himself modesly so a8 not to afend cithor in the eyes of God or of men,” He ought lo rumain kneeling, unless obedience “ordains other. wits, his hands’ joined under the scapular and sng on the cineture, or erossed on the bressh or wi 1 tho fingers interlaced: each one may cose Frc tna the positon in whieh he finds most dovo- and peace, 4H should pay great allention to what Our ‘Lsed ahall communi¢ale to him inlerorlyy and, not 1 distract others, he ought to avoid, a Yar es po bl, making Tail ch we cough, 5, moving, strolehing the armé, or anything sina which thigh be toeraba: or oven pets useful if he were alone, Lat him dispose’ all the ‘mambers of the body in tho way that is most adva {ageous fo the operations of the soul, not by making tiresome efforis, but by a moderate. arplication Which helps to drive away’ sloth and” favours recollection, av. How To Hsan Hoty Mass 4. Preliminary: It is customary to write very minutely on the ways of assialing at Mass, but it seams {0 us such directions are ordinarily of very ‘lo ue, For as thos who her or servo Mass arb a pay attention to what is going on, it is not easy for them to apply themselves at the’ sam ime to minute and numerous considerations; and MANUAL FOR NOVICES rm it is ut reasonable to belive that such reflections vry ofton only sorve to weaken the afections and istract the soul from the principal end in view, ‘Thus it wll bo well to use & means of assisting ak ‘Mass, which will be at once so devout and moderate {hat even the Servers may employ it, without falling in attention tothe prescribed ceremonies, 2. The first thing is to make the offering. It should be the same as the one wo have given for the Divine Ofica. ‘Wo ought then Wo°add an offering of the Mass we are about to hear, and at the fame time an oforing of ourselves in union with all treatares in heaven and on earth who are in God's grace, ‘Thus, after having recited the form assigned {or the Divine Ofc, we ean colinve as foliows: == 2. Ofering: 0 my God, 1 offer Thos myself and aul creatures who are in Shy grace in union wilh {his Divine ‘Sacrifice for these four en action for my sins; 2nd, in thanksgiving for the benefils I have rocalved from Thy infinite good ness Grd, to oblain the help 1 need in order to arrive af clernal life; ath, to honour Thy Divine Majesty and consummate my union with Thoe. 4 intiruction: Having made the offering, wo should essist at Mass with the greatest possible tention." "we. brandi word of tbe liturgy. wo eannot do better than apply ourselves fo their meaning. Lot us excite in’ ourselves the fontiments expressed by” Wem, atthe same Une eoping our suinds fixed on the Majesty of Cod, to Whom the Holy Secrifice is offered; repeating from 8 to timo the four offerings given above, and making acts cf felth, hope, chariy, and otter vise tuts. I'wo 69 nol tindersland th ‘meaning of the holy words, 1 us romain in like manner aientive 4o God's pres nee, and make the acts and aflorings of which we | ave spoken, with much reveregce aud & groat desir of pleasing God. :rr ‘MANUAL FOR NOVICES! 5. This method appears to us very favourable to ovotion; itis, besides, most profitable, on account fof the meritorious acls practised in it;'and it does, ‘aot weary the head oF distract the soul, as happens in the ease of those who, while passing from one mystery to another, give themselves up to various reflections on each of them, ov. How 10 co 70 ConressioN. 4. Offering: 0 my God, Tam about to confess my ts inorder to Pury iy ao and mak 1 re Pleasing to ‘Thy Biving Majesty. I wish T had the Eonlriion of Magdelon and all the holy Penlleals who exintod sinco the Begining” of the orl inorder i pera is ol perely for ary. "0 God Bf all somenay, give mo grace tnd the necessary dleposiions to parform this act {n'a manner plesing lp Theo. 0 fost hal Virgin Mary, 1 also implore thee to assat me by Why aid tems atoroperty by whch fw to 3, Tnutrution: ‘The preparation should be made {nie folowing manner. Before presenting him. ‘eit to the confesor, the penitent ought tog apart for a while and humble bimeolt at the fel of Our ord, the great High ‘Prieat, Whom he. should Fepréent ds presen and ready to boar his confes tiga, end endoorour to make Before Him the sam feta’ which he fa aflerwarda to make wi the eon fessor these are, frst, an examination of his sine | tecond, eonteition for them. AE AE ie eatlnao, be ante mate it on threo. usual points, namely, hough, words, tnd actions, mentioning what ho can eall to mind MANUAL FOR NOVICES 2 on each, without seruples or useless details, A fourth eda very inpertant point shold be added Felatve fo omislone fort oftan hoppens Dat reli- ms people fend Cod more by what tiey omit to thats by the imperfotions they comma Finally, fi will ednolade by sccusing hunsell in general of 1 Wie say of bis whole lifer and, in parteulr, of feertain sin of te pasi—fot exampl, of iying or Swearing, inorder wo furnish-carain mallr fo Sbsoluloj as very often pious persons accuse thom Selves only of Uhings which they do nol know for “Aso the second part of tho proparatior SHAS to he second part of the preparation, » Religius who, as a Tul, only commis vena! sis, ‘ual to tke inore pains about contrition than the Gximinatons ‘He not airielly bound to eoatess Si yental sins, but for those ha, contsss, i is Imprint e inal Save’ eotrton or altar, wilh'a true purposo of amendment, For since the Inatler of whieh he seouses hime! i tight, i be eared ‘he willoflan err hy not sufelently otsting It, of by. nol mading. the resolution to mond wih the mcesary femmes, For this reason fe should apply himself carafully to the coneidora- tion of the lice of vonial sia, im order What he may eonesive 8 true horror of i, and may firmly festive to een hsife. thi ete chet propare- tion for malang 1 good confession. During iis preperation he should pictore him self atthe feet of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and make any atte of contrition for the imperfetions of which he has to aocuso himooll, Thus disposed, tet iin go fos confessor, and, knooing bolore him, S97 ie Re pat of th Contr. on, fa of a nel ae of uy xt my ave been gully of tn bis Preperaon, and. afer this, ontigue his, confesslon with “repard to oti, words and selina, as ho made it bafore“ MANUAL POR NOVICES the presence of Qur Lord, ending with an sccusa- tion of some sin of his past life. Afterwards ho ‘will make a formal act of contrition and resolution ‘of umendment by saying, for example: 1 am sorry for all my sins, 1 devest them for the love of God, ‘and I firmly purpose never more-to offend iis Majesty. ova. How ro Receive Hoty CommuNton. 1. Offering: © my most amiable Saviour, 1 am about to reesive ‘Thee to-day into my soul, Would nat T hed infinite. purity in order to become a worthy dwelling for Thy Divino Majesty Grant, O Lord, thet I may be purified by Thy Grace, and {hat this acon, whieh T desire to perform for Thy elory, may be very pleasing fo Thea, and waite me {o Thee most intially. -O Blessed Virgin Mary, T aso implore thy assisianee, that. 1. may receive ‘worthly this Sacrament which contains the Bread of Life, for by its reception I wiah to please Thee. 2, Instruction: He who is about lo communica, flr having mde Wh oforing should propre Dim felt wit “up. umliy, ad hghly'eloom the slnguiee favor UnriLoe! aiqoiginasiomatpon him. Let him make many asis of felh, hope and Tove, in the following ‘manner !— ‘Preparation: My sovereign Lord and Re- deemuer, Tam the vilest of creatures, unworthy even to dwell on this earth ; and yet, in Thy infinite good- ness and merey, ‘Thou deignest (o' take up Thy bode in my soul and body. Ah, Lard, all t can dois to acknowledge "Thy great merey, and 10 {Hank ‘Thee for it-with all iy heart. i believe ‘most firmly thal Thou, O Lard true God and true Man, art really present in this Holy Sacra- ‘ment; and in defence of this truth T'would give a MANUAI. FOR NOVICES 6 thousand lives if I had them. I firmly hope that Ly virtue of this Diving Sacrament 1 shell have grace und slrengih fo allain elernal life. 1 immo- {ate and olfer myself wholly to Thee, © my God, hat I may be perfectly. united with ‘Phy Diving Majesty in this Communion, O my sovereign God, Tdesire to receive Theo inio my inmost heart; i wish T had infinite purily by which T might attract ‘Thoo to dwell for ever in my soul. 4, ‘This preparation may be prolonged, according to the time each one has al his disposal” Religious are wont to devote the hour of morning prayer to reparation for the reception of tho Blessed Sacra- nt, and this independent of the cis they make immediately before Communion, It is also cus. fomary to do some light penance on the vigil of Communion days. 5. When the happy moment arrives, the Rel ‘sious ought to approach the Holy ‘Table with o reat desire to unite himself with Our Lord Josus Christ; he should observe, in eseiving his sovereign Tord and Master, the most porfect modesty, eare- fully avoiding the least sign of levity, and breathing in bis, whole bearing a virginal purity. 6. Thanksgiving : After having received tho Most ‘Blessed Sacrament he should givo himself up to heartfelt thanksgiving, and ask’Our Lord for whut hho needs mosl, such ‘as the vielory over cerlain emplations, the acquisition of certain virtues, etc. 7. It may’ be made thus: God of infinite good- ness and greatness, Who hast deigned to come to 0 vilo.a creature, what returns shall T make Thee for such ineZable merey? If T possessed the love of all the angels and saints in heaven and on earth, fand if T employed it all in praise of ‘Thy Divins Majesty, 1 would scarcely satisfy for the least part of the grace Thou hast bestowed on me to-day. 0 ‘most amiable Lord, how great is Thy =“ how18 MANUAL FOR NOVICES © immense Thy liberality! I wish to praise ‘Thee ually with all the powers af my soul.” Would ET had all the love of which I have spoken, that I might praise Thee therewith for all elernity, and sing the greatness of Thy mercy. Having but one soul and one body, I offer them with all their powers to Thy Majesty, in thanksgiving for this Visit so truly worthy of ‘Thy elertial charity. 8, With regard to the Petition, we should remem- Der’ that the. fime after ‘Communion is the most favourable for treating with Our Lord Jesus Christ, sines He comes inl. our hearls to exercise His merey. Let each then ask with great confidence the graces he needs most, svi. How ro Paicrise ri Pnasixce oF Goo. 4, Preliminary: We presuppose: (1) ‘That a Religious without the presence of God isk a body Wiltoul ‘a soul, and that wal constitutes tk Spiritual ie of good Religious is tho care they ake 18 “recall constantly “the remembrance ‘of Gos, (2) That tho prownde of God is 8 pious application tthe soul to the thought of God, either {Wellsetua imaginary, ecrding Yo tho edie of a spi Goal gid.) that ation of tho sou in order to be fruitful, should be eccompanied wi frequent ojasulatory prayers and elovaions of the har by the rac of tron acs of tho vr txpecialy felt, ‘hope, love, contrition, hu find resignation; im this way it" wil boca Source of greet merit 2: Instruction: This being 20, the Religious should endeavour never to lose sgstof the presaee of God. ‘Ho should never deliberataly oceupy’ his ‘mind with the thought of Wings incor patible with MANUAL FOR NOVICES i sgn a Be lt pe akan tn, i ores as Hee es ear I iets ateriaf Soke, eh Senne ae meee I er a os = chee ode sat nr lle farm, band or cinclure, 0 dial each ime they Eka es Bind eae beay at ac ee eet oe aul Ror steamy eas as ae Eee Soa ee on Sat a nd Sl pc Snes ee el ears tae cena Gs set rte & etme eh ae Sonar Ee Reais ace See at een re Sisanits epee Spe ney moar re se six. How to Agsist ar CoNVENTUAL CHAPTER AND ‘SPIRITUAL, EXHORTATIONS. 4. Offering: 0 my God, 1 go to chapter for my sdvaneent in prfoclon ait the erection ot my faulls. Grant, O Lord, that 1 may be admonished of may defects, thal 1 may love correo. fons and those who give them to me, and that 1 ‘may amend my life by reason of these’ acls of true Ghatity, in order fo become more pleasing in Thy8 MANUAL FOR NOVICES sight. Dolgn, Most Bloated Virgin, to assat me by iby sia, thal by this act of religious dscipline 1 may become mare pleeing to thee. 2 Inviraction: The Religious ought 0 assist at chapler with great modesty and profound alton to'ail that shall tako place whore tho community weit be viginal and fala to appving te hose ‘igiant and faithfol in eppiying fo him. Self the advice given fo all. "Likewise, when & particuler person shall receive an admonition, let tho others Be caretal to consider if, perchance, they may not be gully of the same linperfetion, and take the warning if addressed to themsolvin, 3. Ile who is reprimanded will accept the correc. tion with moekess and. graitude, without making any Sxcuse oF showing annayancé, "And should happen tal owing to naturel sonstivenes he is moved to complain on account of the edmonition, the tus Religous will not be ffl because is fests his own weekness, but will bumble himself Intriorly, confiding Grehly in Our Lord, He will stow in his extriot muct sweetness and gratinude {bards the person who has reproved him for this is the way 19 make Fapid progres in virtue in the House af Goa. "Tie Reliow should asi at exoraions, whirever they may be given, with gral modssy, slog for the Word of od and perfect allention avoiding all agitation of eout end body. Let them hota carefully the various points of spiritaal doc. trig, tat tty tay be wll mpred on te mind and afterwards reduced to prasice 3. ‘This advice is 0 important that those who Are tut obsoryng i aguie Ina hor nm by the assistance of apirtual exhortations, greet Tight 'in tho things of God, asd = wonderfal per feelion of life. And 09 fs deoply eoneerts thelr spiritual intrest, good Holigious are wont daily 10 MANUAL FOR NOVICES 8 take notes of the principal points trealed in the ‘exhortations, in ordor to read them over aflorwards from time to time, for the profit and consolation of their souls. Indesd, it has been very noticeable in Roligious Institutes how clearly Divine Providence hhas manifested the excellence of spiritual exhorta- tions, by refusing the grace of perseverance to Novices who assisted at thom ine heediess and x. Retio10us Deconust ano How To Assisr AT ‘Pnocessions. 4. Offering “0 my God, grant me grace that 1 2nay 50 comport mysel! in this act as to perform it porteetly anu thereby please Majesty. Biessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven, 1 implors of theo the samme favour. 2. Instruction: ‘Tho Religious ought to proserv eravity in his deportment when slanding, neither StroleHing his neck nor inlining his heed too much, but observing a. religious medium, The arms should be composed and the hands joined at tho tincture as becomes one who is in God's presanco. 3, He should observo great modesty in siting: avoid foo easy a position Such as soculars tro wont {o fake, throwing ono log across the other, making restless movements, or performing any olher acl Lnworihy of his profession. ‘These counsels apply fverywhare, but ‘ore especially in. sacred. places ‘hore Religious are orcopied wits epritaal things. 4."When walking he should observe religious ace, neither too quick nor too slow, avoid turing head from on side to the olhet, sesticglating with ‘his arms, or doing anything else got in ing. with interior recotlcetion, In all places, Se eee2» MANUAL FOR NOVICES walk lightly and nolsslessy, in order not to dis Yurb thovo et prayer, study of rest. He should take the same care when he has io open or close the ‘doors, and this with greater reason at night. ‘A consideration which may be very proflably employed in these various circumstances {8 lo repre Sout to ourselves Our Lord Jesus Chirlat as model of he most perfect modesty, and to think how He ould have acied on sunilar oceesions, and then Brive to imitale Him, ‘3 ‘the Heligiovs will observe an angelic modesty in processions, advancing, inclining, and stopping at the prescribed times and places, without causing hy eoufusion or mowing’ ony ‘awkwardnoss of fovity. in his movements. ‘The soul should rest poscetully in God's presstice in a manner tha Fn keeping with the act. Let us give an example: During the Proces- sion on Hastor Sunday, ech Religious will walk fodestly slong with body erect, and leave a suit- {hte space 40 ax not to approach loo near those who ‘him, He should pray with the community, Tha be careful that no paricular practice of devo- Ton or anything else may prevent him from uniting ‘with the others in this common act, In spirit be Will contemplate our risen Lord and rejoice with Mim im His vielory over death and ell ‘3, This example will serve as a model for all tar acts, which have. their proper consid ions ccording to the feasis that are celebra ‘Ail these acts Foquire exlrior modesty and inlarior ‘collection. 8x. How so Acr 18 THE REFECTORY. 1. onering: 0 Lord my God, 1 must now re rain oy Boag; grant ene Graco’ 40 ‘preclise MANUAL FOR NOVICES a temperance and please Thy Divine Majesty by SEPT Sti imple tio, © Bleed Virgin, fb et pra is ost wel by whi tate > please thee. rte nine Sela Sr eae ge, Sees ae ee Nee as ecu ica sea ertats Mca Saat Bordo st ea Ste oe fe acest ae via eae celpreremy ene mec fe eee ha eee seer a mete eee ne rats Ce teen ch fad cate cant eae ee ofa err ta ees ones an cata eae aie pe Feel ae distinctly, a hae eg ca iO Mra ecg io Co er cae ree ae wi Peed tea datatie Se er ta on ee ea em mr cray nera Se ree ar late BES Bruen al ee a ae Seer ee ciet it by reading badly. a 8 xi. How 10 Taxe nix CLavpen (on Brut) AND CALL, THE ‘RELIGIOUS. 4, Offering: © Lord my God, I shall do my best to iat Ee Siapper (or bell) fel: grant me grace to awakp Thy servants in an angelic manner, that2 MANUAL FOR NOVICES together we may sing the praises of Thy Divine Majesly. I also eak this favour of thee, O Blessed ‘Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven. ‘2 Instruction: At the first sound of the bell eacls cone will make haste and dress, if he las not done 0 already; then, observing the particular arrange- monis of Superiors in the matier, he will go wilh fll speed to the placo whore the clapper (or bell) fs Kaph, and do his utmost to seize it bofore the ‘ire, but solely forthe glory of Ood, in order to be the first to call the Religious. '3. If he does not succeed in geting it first, he should go at once to the choir oF oratory in which ihe common asamble, and hank God fr igs His servants that opportunity of serving Him. He ‘who gains the viery in this pious combat will ‘say the usual prayers through the dormitories, end make many inlerior acts of desize to assemble all ‘creatures together in heartfelt praise of the Divine Majesty. xm. How ro Use 111 CLOTHING AND OTHER Nacessaity ‘ruios Given 70 THE Revictous by How Ooepiexce, 4. Offering: When the Superior Ligious.a habit, book, oF any olher object, he wi tmeke this offering: 0 Lard my God, this object hiss been given me by my Superior; grant me grace to vise it according to Thy good pleasure, not as mmy_ own, Dut as an object consecrated fo ‘Theo, Which I’ should use sparingly so that 1 may not Decome attached to it 1 also ask this favour of thge,/O Blessed Virgin Mary, my Queen. ‘2 Instruction: The Sainis) teach us ‘that such things should be used with great moderation and sro te gl a yl sts uncer a Ft ciara tab Be Satara 6 oe Bee Site Sarl an abun Sir ache aaah gfe ey ot eras ate Sy ohisraetianarm ay ham tes Beret oe Dera die bom pee, 2 et eater ania a Sai anata sth eee aoe ad Duane abe een Sipe ai Cae aa Se Peat alr tia t i aes 3 xiv. How To ReouLars Tie Daity EXERCISES IN A TRELIGIOUS MANNER, 1, Instruction : ‘The Religions who really. wishes to please God ought to regulate his daily life with holy prudence, #0 that he may always advance in perfection. He should not be content, with the Srdinary routine of these imperfect Religious, who ft random, forgotting the obliga- fe, and not corresponding with ‘the daily inspirations of the Lord. '2. With regard to acts common io the whole com- munity of the particular acts Imposed by obedience hhe should earnestly endeavour to perform them with a true interior spirit in the manner we have. indicated’ in the various sections. of this chapter, Then he should firmly resolve, t employ2 MANUAL FOR NOVICES {he in that remains ouside community cl end the fulflment of duties. imy 12 Supérion ‘performing such spiritual exercizes as will con: tribute most to God's glory and his own perfection. '3. These exercises may be reduced to two classes, namely, prayer and morlification, by which the life ‘Of # Religious becomes solid and secure. For prayer wiht "merit, or erento Frthout prayor, is always suspicious a 1 grave dongers., Bot when they are uniled they Flete the soul, eacording to the common opinion Bi fie saints and thoes experienced in the spiritual Tie, ina sale of security, * Te way fo foun both of ese together is, to ddovolo al ihe froo. time. Una remains after Tule fing the acts of common life and Use imposed By cbodtence, to prayer and morieation. First, tho goed Teligious should faithfully employ all his {roe to, whch he usvelly spends sone in his cell EMprayer alono, or accompanied with spiritnl reading co as fo nourish his soul wil this spiritual food, "Secondly, he ought to mortly himealf 38 much as possible by puiling his body sometimes to noonvonience—for’ iesance, sanding when be amet proer loa, poataling when he would lke G'romain sanding, exianding his arms in the form tra crow when he would like. to rest or Jean seetosl wmething, tot looking at things thet plese Mint not apeatang when sn occasion cecurs, de Pring meal of somo chnige fod Rall, Pfakding against he dosiros of the sor "S oriteetin of Our Lord Jesus Chris ‘o: Failnfal Religious, who underiake 10 put pectic thy doceine and thas Rly vit, ould ‘Bratmunfeal to thir Superior the desires thoy have Stexorcising themselves tn cloistral diseipling, aud Svith him to perform certain number of forliicaions each dey, s0 as to pay to God daily MANUAL FOR NOVICES 5 a fsod (ribule of mortifieation with great Metity fing perseverence. ‘The number of Uiese mort fnlions might be, generaly, five or seven of those Sve have mentioned above.” ‘They are not injurious Tovheaith, and ere very profitable to the soul, Thos the habit of the mortieation of Christ will be soon equired by. them’ and greet progross mode in monastic perfection, 3. Bul alinough this fixed number of mortica: tions is ¢ dally tribute offered to God, yet good Religious donot slop here, but fer oaveed. it, Atrving to mortty Uhnelves i all things. 0 eras ya ny aro acura tous intry fmeniaof corporal ‘penanes wilh. groat spiritual es their woes ae : = be = Now, if Religious regulals the day in such a manner tal he fs present at all commonly acs, Gr coupled at th parclar duties imped oh A cediacy,ank wih in epprotaion of is aperior gpeids imo that eras in prayer and. mordieation, in’ he way we have sready ited out, it follows thet he fe living en ange ite on his’ earth, and advancing by repid sti towards elernal fee "And Ihe spends ene day ike ‘this, he has only to regulate all his other days in Theat ayy notary alway nan odeiy tn pata anon ti ay il wil be come perfectly regulated; he will give great glory to God and testmulate maveh ‘mart for fimesi No Religious ean doubt Ghat itis of the utmost import. Ace for him ta live like this, as experience proves Hut what will I avail us ta Know this, Iwo do not doit and persevere in the practice of ittCHAPTER It ‘THE OFPICES TO BE FULFILLED BY THE RELIGIOUS. Im this Chapter we shall merely point out the aeiclal to how may be properly ulled, This dotce ato how df may be properly fulfled. ‘Thi will help much to preserve the spirit of fervour. Wun regard to oftcts that are not mentioned here the Master of Novices willbe able t. furnish Offerings simttar to those which we give. $1 Orrices 1 GuvEnat, jous, he shiould raise his heart to God and ask fim for graco lo fulfl it in a perfect manner, for the glory of the Divine Majesty and the honour of the Blessed Virgin. . He should be convinced that he will never ‘succeed in doing this if he trusts only to his-own . Consequently, no matter what hi tent of his knowledge may be, he ought to believe that he cannot even read a Droviary lesson in choir well, without the aid of Divine ‘grace, 2. Ho shouid read tho instruction regarding the office assigned to him, and strietly observe it. 2 MANUAL FOR NOVICES a 3m. Orfice of Henpomapany.* 4, Offering: O Lord my God, grant me grace to fulit this ofies worthily for’ the glory of ‘Thy Divine Majesty. Deign to govern my mind, m hhoart and tongue, in ibe acts T must perform thi ‘week, T algo ask this grace of thee, O most Blessed Virgin, Queen of Heas 2 Instruction: Tho Hebdomadary ought to learn, the various ceremonies relating to his office well beforehand, He should sirive to perform the acts perlaining fo it, at the altar, in the choir or else- where, with great modesty and devotion, During his week of aifice ho ought to live more interiorly than usual; and he should look on himself as 8 mediator who is appointed by holy obedience to Intereade for his Brethren and fo recommend the Interests of the whole community t the Divine ‘Majesty, sm. Orrice oF Sicristaw, 4. Offering: 0 Lord my God, grant me grace to full this office with pioly, neainess and diligence, in order to please Thy Divine Majesty and to ety ators.” 0 brasoed Vegin Mary, ay Qusen, Tea '2. Instruction: The Sacristan should study well the insirgetion for his offs, “Lat him be on bis guard lest his proximily to the Blessed Sagrament Should in any way, either from familiarity,or cus- ‘Hebdomadacy is the Religioat wh oie ” the wesh bn ele% MANUAL FOR NOVICES tom, diminish his reverence for holy things, but rather increase it daily and foster devotion. '3. For this purpose he ought to observe carefully silence and modesty, and soe that they are observed by olhers in the Sacristy and other sscred places. He ould attend promply io those who come to say Mass oF on ol inoss, using few words, Dut showing much charity and religious com: plianee. giv. Orrice oF Ponran. 4. Offering: 0 Lord my God, grant me grace to fulfil this office according to Thy good pleasure, and for the edification of my neighbour.” August Queen of Heaven, T implore the same favour of ‘2 Instruction: The Porter should study the in- striction for his office. He ought to be very modest, polite and prompt in answering the bell and dealing with persons. '3. He should speak but little, and each time he ‘opens the door he ought to make an act of virtue, saying, for example: Lord my God, I would wish to open. the gate of heaven to all those who enter ‘the door of this Convent. sv. Orrice ov Beu-Riworn. 4, Offering: 0 Lord my God, grant me the grace to fulfil this office perfectly according to the order of holy obedience, for Thy glory and the good of my neighbours. I also ask ite same favour of thee, O Blessed Virgin, my Queen. MANUAL FOR NOVICES » 2, Instruction: ‘The Bell-ringer should be most punctual according to the Ceremonial. Ie ought to make it a point to be always present at tho bell before the ‘appointed time for ringing, especially ‘when the striking of the clock is to give the signal, howover short, is disedifying. ing at the bell for tho time to ring, vent acts expressing is desire to call, not only the Roligious but the whole ‘World, to coine and praise the Lord. 5 VL. (Orrice ov INFInMARIAN. 1, offering: 0 Jesus, my Lord snd, Redeemer, grant me grace to fulfil this fico perfectly, by ng the sick for Thy glory, as T would serve hoo Tn person. 1 sk ii shine favour of thee, most pure Virgin, my Queen. 2. Instruction: ‘The Infirmarian should study well the instruction for his office. He ought to exercise extraordinary charity towards his patients, ‘0 that they may see by his manner the desire he hhas fo comfort and console them. ‘3. Let him be vory diligent and exact in carrying ‘out, at the appointed time, what has been pre seribed by holy obedience and the Doctors. 4, He should allend particularly to cle to that nothing in tho ells beds, deining vessels, fl, may cause annoyance to the sick. ‘The Infirmarian will fulfl these and all the other duties of his office in the best possible man- ‘er, i he seas in each invalid Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.CHAPTER I. INTERIOR ACTS OF THE VIRTUES. As it is usual for those who put in practice the doctrine contained in Cloistrat ine, 10 live in the continual presence of God by frequent repetition of interior acts of the virtues, it will not be out of place for us 10 add here some acts of the principal virtues, t0 aid the reader and inspire hiva with a more ardent desire for this practice. aL Aers oF Farm, I, O my Jesus, Author of Faith, I firmly believe thai all “Thou hast revealed. through our holy ‘Mother tho Church is truo, and { would freely give ‘my life to confess this truth. 2. 0 Ged of infinite truth, it is impossible that anything felse could be revealed by Thee to Thy Chureh; I'am ready to seal this truth with my Blood. 3. Tt is quite true that there are Three. Divine Persons in the Blessed Trinity, and that Thoy are bbut one God, Would that T could shed the last drop of my biood in testimony of this truth { MANUAL FOR NOVICES at 4. © most loving Lord Jesus, it is certain that ‘Thou ext truly God and truly Man im one Berson, ‘would willingly offer_my body rather than deny this truth. 5. It is equally true, my most loving Saviour, thai Thou art really present in the Blessed Sacra: ‘ment of the Altar, true God and true Man ; neither ‘my faith’ in this gm. ‘Acts oF Horr, 1,0 most clement God, relying on ‘Thy grace and the’ good. works aooomplished by Thy dy T firmty hope ane say to enjoy eternal glory. 2, Howover grievous my sins may have. been, oi of inte goadnet amneonaent Thou wilt pardon me. 3. No matler how often in the day 1 may fall ilo sin, itis certain that with ‘Thy grace'Y ean Still aoguiro Christian perfection. 4, Bven if T had the misfortune to commit the most grievous sing, O gentle Jesus, ‘Thou wouldst SH be able to draw mo out of the abyss of misery. 5. It T-were laden with all the sins commited since’ the beginning of the world, O my” God, in ‘hy’ great goodness, Thou woulat wilingy par on me . “Yes; © my mest merciful God, 1 hope, with to help ‘of Thy grace, to overcome All the cificu- ies offs ie, and to possess Theo for ever in the land’ of the living. 7. It armies were encamped about me ang ready to destroy me; were T even at the gatos of-plly 1 should sil rely on Thy great mercy. ‘2 MANUAL FOR NOVICES om. ‘Acts or Cuanrry. hea iene eet tn wok Met xsl oo, 1 ena oe ee alae atey aa is Nine aaa die be a se rare ele re re ee re ere a eter ae a SE ean ed to Thee. e a be Tie ee ee asec ran hoe ee i ce irresistibly to Thee. y eae een ee anc asi Seri oy ee cage as my sk may ale pane Ea aiget alee ora esas wip gin a ey tee te oo ee et eo the eternal throne of Thy pais - Sarraedny ee ok, teat, Oa wrt cai age sree heel meg ae madsen a hen coil see oe ete ea wits eo eto at sel ETE iy a Sia Se errata a ware MANUAL FOR NOVICES 3 yor pleased ‘Thee oF could please Thee, in grder thet might be abe t give Whom whally to Tie. Ho" My most sweet Saviour, grant me ihe gre that nbbing may fie mo pesado save Tes aloe giv. Acts oF Love or oun Natammoun. 4,9 mnt lament God, may, al sinners bo con varied and give thse 3 2.0 ‘moat merciful Lor rant that all the eneinjes of the Cure may submait lo Thy” Viat. 3. Timplore Thea, O Lord, through ‘Thy infinite mere, lure tbe iin ot tov who sk ter ° ites to Tho. ae Pbamtech Thee, 0. Lord, to convert all those who aro slaves to earnal pleasore~ Be b. O most loving Lordy grant thatthe avaricious may become delached trom perishable goods and only the ticbes of Thy love. sv. ‘Acts ov Osrpiencs, 1. © most clement God, sinc, Thou hast made known fo me Thy will through my Superior, firmly resolve to obey him as I would oboy Theo. 2. © God of infinite wisdom, no matier who my ‘Superior may be, I shall regard whatever he says to me as a message from heaven. ‘3. 0 my God, L shall always recognise ‘Thee in ‘my Superior, and on Thy account I shall submit myself wholly to him and with a good heart 4. 1i is most cortain, O Lord, that my Superior