Chapter 3

Of the divine office, of fasting, confessing, and communicating.

The sisters who can read shall say the divine office according to the custom of the Friars Minors, wherefore they are to have Breviaries.

Secondly—They shall read their office without song; and those who sometimes for some reasonable impediment cannot read their office, may say Pater Nosters in lieu thereof.

Thirdly—The other sisters who cannot read shall say four and twenty Pater Nosters for Matins; for Lauds, five; for Prime, Tierce, Sext, and None, for each of these hours seven are required; twelve for Evening Song; and for Complin, seven.

Fourthly—For the Evening Song for the dead, seven Pater Nosters, with Requiem Aeternam, and twelve for Matins. The sisters who can read are obliged to read the office of the dead, as is ordained in the Breviary.

Fifthly—When any sister of your Monastery departs this life, the sisters shall say fifty Pater Nosters for her soul.

Sixthly—The sisters shall always fast, but on the Nativity of our Lord, and then they may make two refections, upon what day soever it falls. The young, weak, and those who serve outside the Monastery, the Abbess shall dispense with, as she thinks convenient; but in time of manifest necessity, the sisters are not bound to corporal fasting.

Seventhly—They shall confess, with licence of the Abbess, at least twelve times a year, when they shall take care not to use any words which have no relation to their confession or the good of their soul.

Eighthly—They shall receive the Blessed Sacrament seven times a year, as on the Nativity of our Lord, on Maundy Thursday, on Easter day, on Whit Sunday, on the Assumption of our Blessed Lady, on Saint Francis’s day, and All Saints’ day.

Ninthly—It is lawful for the Chaplain to celebrate within the Monastery, in order to administer Communion to the sick.