CHAPTER XXXV: CONCERNING THE WEEKLY KITCHENERS - Saint Benedict, The Rule of St. Benedict [1931]
Edition used:
The Rule of St. Benedict, translated into English. A Pax Book, preface by W.K. Lowther Clarke (London: S.P.C.K., 1931).
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CHAPTER XXXV
CONCERNING THE WEEKLY KITCHENERS
Let the brethren serve in turn, in such wise that not one be excused from the office of kitchener, except either by reason of sickness, or if any be occupied in some other matter of special usefulness; for in such wise is charity acquired and greater merit. But to the weak let help be accorded, that they fulfil this office without sadness; and indeed let all have help according to the size of the community and the circumstances of the place. If the community be large, let the cellarer be excused from the kitchen; and also, as we have said, if there be any others who are occupied with important business.
But the rest, let them, in the name of charity, take turns in serving. On Saturday let him who is about to go out from his week of service clean up everything. Let him wash the towels with which the brethren dry their hands and feet: and let both him who goes out and him who is about to enter alike wash the feet of all. Let him reconsign to the cellarer the vessels of his service, clean and whole; and let the cellarer reassign them to the one who comes in, that he may know what he gives and what he receives.
And let the weekly kitcheners each receive, over and above the appointed portion, somewhat to drink and bread, one hour before refection, that they may serve their brethren at the hour of refection without murmuring or great labour: on solemnities however let them wait until after Mass. On Sunday let the in-coming and the out-going weekly officials prostrate themselves before all the brethren in the oratory at the end of Lauds and ask prayers for themselves; and let the one going out from the week’s work say this versicle: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, because Thou hast holpen me and comforted me”; and when this has been said thrice let the one going out receive his blessing. Then let the one coming in follow on and say: “O God, make speed to save me; O Lord, make haste to help me”; and let this likewise be repeated thrice by all and the blessing received let him enter upon his office.
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