Rule of the Third Order of the Servants of Mary

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ...between the several Congregations existing in various places, and all grounds of dissension among their members may be removed, we will now give some brief directions and rules regarding the functions of the various Offices which are to be performed in them. We will also point out the mode of proceeding for the election of the Officers, leaving other and more minute arrangements to the prudence of individual Correctors and Counsellors. These, taking into consideration the special circumstances of time, place, and person, will be able to take such measures as they may deem to be suitable, asking, when they find it necessary, the advice of the Most Eeverend, the Father General of the Order. The Corrector. The Corrector is the representative of the Most Eeverend, the Father General of the Order, and hence is the true and faithful head of the Congregation over which he presides. It is, therefore, his duty to examine the Postulants, who cannot be received or professed without his consent. Consequently, although the Council of the Discreet may for good and sufficient reasons refuse the Postulants proposed by the Corrector, they have no authority to admit those whom he has rejected. It is his place, moreover, to preside over the Council of the Discreet, and at the Monthly Meetings; and in case he be prevented, he will appoint as his representative, either his Vicar, or one of the Discreet in the place of the Brothers; or the Prioress, or another Discreet Sister, if it be a meeting of the Sisterhood. It will likewise be his office to watch over the exact observance of the Kule; to reconcile all differences that may arise between Brother and Brother, between Sister and Sister, or between one Congregation and another; and to give a final decision...