In The
Benedictine Order, However, With Which We Are Now Concerned, Alms,
In Lieu Of The Actual Washing Of Feet, Are Alone Intended By The
Word.
{36} The prior-claustralis, as distinguished from the prior-major,
was the working head of a monastery, and was supposed never, or
hardly ever, to leave the precincts.
He was the vicar-major of the
prior-major. The prior-major was vice-abbot when the abbot was
absent, but he could not exercise the full functions of an abbot.
The abbot, prior-major, and prior-claustralis may be compared
loosely to the master, vice-master, and senior tutor of a large
college.
{37} "Item, quod dominus abbas teneatur dare quatuor pitancias seu
cenas conventui tempore infirmariae, et quatuor sextaria vini ut
consuetum est" (Claretta, Storia diplomatica, p. 326). The
"infirmariae generales" were stated times during which the monks
were to let blood - "Stata nimirum tempora quibus sanguis monachis
minuebatur, seu vena secabatur." (Ducange.) There were five
"minutiones generales" in each year - namely, in September, Advent,
before Lent, after Easter, and after Pentecost. The letting of
blood was to last three days; after the third day the patients were
to return to matins again, and on the fourth they were to receive
absolution. Bleeding was strictly forbidden at any other than
these stated times, unless for grave illness. During the time of
blood-letting the monks stayed in the infirmary, and were provided
with supper by the abbot. During the actual operation the brethren
sat all together after orderly fashion in a single room, amid
silence and singing of psalms.
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