Chapter VII: Governance and Obedience Print E-mail
1. The Guardian-Angel should be obeyed as a father with the respect due him so as not to offend God in his person, and, even more so, the Priest who bears responsibility for you all. The Brother-Angel of each brother shall be accorded equal respect.

2. But it shall pertain chiefly to the Guardian-Angel to see that these precepts are all observed and, if any point has been neglected, to take care that the transgression is not carelessly overlooked but is punished and corrected. In doing so, he must refer whatever exceeds the limit and power of his office, to the priest who enjoys greater authority among you.

3. The Guardian-Angel, for his part, must not think himself fortunate in his exercise of authority but in his role as one serving you in love. In your eyes he shall hold the first place among you by the dignity of his office, but in fear before

God he shall be as the least among you. He must show himself as an example of good works toward all. Let him admonish the unruly, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, and be patient toward all (1 Thes 5:14). Let him uphold discipline while instilling fear. And though both are necessary, he should strive to be loved by you rather than feared, ever mindful that he must give an account of you to God.

3a. In as many times as seem needed let the Guardian-Angel and the Brother-Angels sit and meet to discuss any pressing issues, disciplinary action and the progress of each brother and themselves. It is hoped consensus can be achieved at these deliberations.

3b. A house meeting of the above should be held at least on a monthly basis.

3c. General business amongst all in the community can be shared at the evening meal. The evening meal is also a keen opportunity for any to confess their sins to one another in the spirit of open and honest brotherhood. However any brother can reserve these for the sacramental confessional if so disposed.

4. It is by being more obedient, therefore, that you show mercy not only toward yourselves but also toward the superior whose higher rank among you exposes him all the more to greater peril.