Part IV: ¹THE LEARNING AND OTHER MEANS OF HELPING THEIR NEIGHBOR THAT ARE TO BE IMPARTED TO THOSE WHO ARE RETAINED IN THE SOCIETY #

PREAMBLE #

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1. ²The end steadfastly pursued by the Society is to aid its own members and their neighbors in attaining the ultimate end for which they were created.³For this, in addition to the example of one’s life, learning and skill in expounding it are required. Hence, once the proper foundation of abnegation of themselves and the needed progress in virtues is seen to be present in the new members,⁴it will be necessary to provide for the edifice of learning, and of skill in employing it, so as to help make God our Creator and Lord better known and served.⁵For this, the Society undertakes colleges as well as some universities, where those who prove themselves worthy in the houses but have entered the Society unequipped with the necessary learning may be instructed therein and in the other means of helping souls. See C-308 ⁶Hence, with the favor of the Divine and Eternal Wisdom and for his greater glory and praise, we shall treat first of what pertains to the colleges and then of the universities.

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A. ¹The aim and end of this Society is, by traveling through the various parts of the world at the order of the supreme vicar of Christ our Lord or of the superior of the Society itself, to preach, hear confessions, and use all the other means it can with the grace of God to help souls.²Consequently it has seemed to us necessary, or at least highly expedient, that those who will enter the Society be persons of good life and sufficient learning for the aforementioned work.³However, those who are both good and learned are relatively few; and even among these few, most are already seeking rest from their labors.⁴We have thus found it a quite difficult matter to increase the numbers of this Society with such good and learned men, in view of the great labors and the great abnegation of self which are required in the Society.⁵Therefore all of us, desiring to preserve and increase the Society for the greater glory and service of God our Lord, have thought it wise to take another path,⁶that of admitting young men whose good habits of life and talent give hope that they will become both virtuous and learned in order to labor in the vineyard of Christ our Lord.⁷We shall likewise accept colleges under the conditions stated in the apostolic bull, whether these colleges are within universities or outside of them; and, if they are within universities, whether these universities are governed by the Society or not.⁸For we are convinced in our Lord that in this way greater service will be given to his Divine Majesty, with those who will be employed in that service being multiplied in number and making progress in learning and virtues.⁹Consequently, we shall treat first of what pertains to the colleges and then of what concerns the universities.¹⁰With regard to the colleges, we shall discuss first what pertains to the founders;¹¹second, what pertains to the colleges founded, in regard to their material or temporal aspects;¹²third, what pertains to the scholastics who will study in them, in regard to their admission, preservation, progress in learning and in other means of helping their fellowmen, and their removal from study;¹³fourth, what pertains to the government of the colleges.

CHAPTER 1: ¹THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE FOUNDERS AND BENEFACTORS OF THE COLLEGES¹ #

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1. ²It is highly proper for us to do something on our part in return for the devotion and generosity shown toward the Society by those whom the Divine Goodness employs as his ministers to found and endow its colleges.³First of all, therefore, in every college let a Mass be said in perpetuity each week for its founder and benefactors, living and dead.

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2. ¹Likewise, at the beginning of each month all the priests in the college should be obliged, in perpetuity, to celebrate one Mass for these same persons.²Each year, too, on the anniversary of the day when the possession of the college was handed over, let a solemn Mass See C-311be celebrated in it for the founder and benefactors. All the other priests dwelling there are to celebrate Mass for the same intention.

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A. ¹The solemnity is understood to be according to the manner employed in the Society and in the place where the Mass is celebrated.

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3. ¹On that day a wax candle is to be presented to the founder, or to one of his closer relatives See C-313, or in whatever way the founder may stipulate. The candle should contain his coat of arms or emblems of his devotions, as a sign of the gratitude due in our Lord See C-314.

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B. ¹If there is, after a time, no descendant of the founder in the place where the college was founded, the candle can be sent to wherever one of his descendants may be found,²or it can be placed on the altar on which the divine sacrifice is offered, in the name and place of the founder.

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C. ¹This candle signifies the gratitude due to the founders, not any right of patronage or any claim belonging to them or their successors against the college or its temporal goods, for none such will exist.

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4. ¹As soon as a college is handed over to the Society, the superior general should notify the entire Society, in order that each priest may celebrate three Masses for the living founder and the benefactors, that God our Lord may sustain them by his own hand and cause them to advance in his service.²When the general learns that God has taken them from this life to the other See C-316, he should instruct the priests to say three more Masses for their souls.³Whenever it is stated that Masses must be celebrated by the priests, all the rest who dwell in the colleges and are not priests ought to pray for the same intention for which the priests are celebrating. For the same obligation of gratitude is incumbent in the Lord on them as well as on the priests.

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D. ¹In the case of communities, which have continuous existence, these Masses will be celebrated for their deceased members, particularly for those to whom we are more indebted in our Lord.

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5. ¹The founders and benefactors of such colleges become in a special way sharers in all the good works of those colleges and of the whole Society.

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6. ¹In general, the Society should deem itself especially obligated to them See C-319and to their dear ones, both during their lifetime and after their death. It is bound, by an obligation of charity and love, to show them whatever service it can according to our humble profession, for the divine glory.

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E. ¹What has been stated ought to be observed in its entirety in the case of those who found complete colleges,²The superior general will decide in the Lord which part of it to carry out for those who only give an initial foundation.

CHAPTER 2: ¹THE MATERIAL ASPECTS OF THE COLLEGES #

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1. ²In regard to accepting colleges which are freely offered to the Society that it may administer them in all respects according to its Constitutions, the superior general will have the full authority in the name of the whole Society.

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2. ¹When a founder desires to attach conditions which are not fully in conformity with the order and manner of proceeding customarily employed by the Society,²it will be left to the same general to consider (after hearing the opinion of the others whom he will judge to have better understanding in these matters), whether or not, when everything is taken into account, the acceptance of the college is helpful to the Society toward the end it is seeking, the service of God.³But if in the course of time the Society should find itself burdened, it can bring the matter up in a general congregation and decree that the college should be abandoned, or that the burden should be lightened, or that additional means should be found to bear it,⁴in case the general has not made provision for the matter before the congregation assembles, as is expedient in the Lord.

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**** ¹ **** The authority to abandon or alienate colleges or houses once accepted will belong jointly to the general and the Society See C-323.²²{Since this is like severing a member from the Society’s body and is a lasting and important matter,it is better that the whole Society should be consulted about it}.³

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A. **** ¹The superior general and the Society will decide jointly whether colleges or houses once accepted ought to be abandoned or not.² **** {But this can be done in a general congregation, or without it through votes sent in by those who have the right.}⁴³In such a case neither the Society nor its general may give away to persons outside the Society what is thus abandoned, or any part of it.⁴But when the Society relinquishes the charge it held, the parties who in the foundation may on their side have reserved this authority to themselves, will be able to apply what is thus abandoned to something else, according to their own devotion.⁵If there is no reservation of this kind, the Society may proceed according to its Institute in whatever way it judges to be more conducive to the glory of God.

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4. ¹In colleges of the Society, no curacies of souls, obligations to celebrate Masses, or similar duties should be accepted which greatly distract from study and impede the aim which is pursued in the colleges for the divine service.²Similarly, such duties should not be undertaken in the houses or churches of the Professed Society, which as far as possible ought to be left free to accept the missions from the Apostolic See and other works for the service of God and the help of souls See C-325.

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B. ¹With regard to not accepting obligations and so on, what is meant is a prohibition against accepting obligations of saying Masses or of similar duties which correspond to the fixed revenue which is given.²However, in the presence of sufficient reasons there is less difficulty in accepting one of easy or slight obligation (it must not be a curacy of souls), especially if it causes little or no distraction or loss of time.³But such obligations are not possible for the houses of the professed, since these houses do not have fixed incomes nor the professed themselves sufficiently stable residence.⁴Other obligations pertaining to lectures or lecturers are not under discussion here. However, these too will be accepted in the colleges and universities only after much consideration, and not beyond the limit which the superior general will judge to be conducive to the common good and that of the Society for the glory of God our Lord.

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5. ¹The Society will take possession of the colleges with the temporal goods which pertain to them See C-327, appointing as rector one whose talents are more suited for this.²He will take charge of maintaining and administering their temporal goods,³providing for the necessities both of the material building and of the scholastics who are dwelling in the colleges or of those who are preparing themselves to go to them See C-328, and also of those who are carrying on the affairs of the colleges outside of them See C-329. The rector should keep account of everything so that he can render it when and to whomever the general may order him.⁴The general, inasmuch as he may not apply the temporal goods of the colleges to his own use or that of his relatives or of the Professed Society See C-330, will proceed with all the more rectitude in his superintendence of these goods, for the greater glory and service of God our Lord.

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C. ¹As the bulls state, for the use of its scholastics the Society will carry on the administration of the fixed revenue through the superior general or the provincial or someone else to whom the general will entrust the matter,²in order to guard and preserve the possessions and the fixed revenues of the colleges even in court if this should be expedient or necessary.³The same general or someone to whom he entrusts the work will also have the care of receiving whatever else is given to such colleges for their maintenance and growth in regard to their temporalities.

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D. ¹Those who are preparing themselves to go to the colleges are those who are living in the houses of probation, and those who are being sent to their studies from the houses of the professed Society or from the houses of probation.

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E. ¹Those who are carrying on the affairs of the colleges outside of them are understood to be chiefly the procurators, who take care of the affairs of the Society in the curia of the supreme pontiff or of other rulers.²But in regard to what must be contributed for these and other necessary expenditures, the general, observing due proportion, will issue the order by himself or through another.

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F. ¹When it is stated that the Society or its general may not avail themselves of the fixed revenues of the colleges, this should be understood, in conformity with the statements in the bull, as meaning that they may not divert these fixed revenues to their own private uses.²However, they may make expenditures in favor of all those who work for the benefit of these colleges, as, for example, any administrators, preachers, lecturers, confessors, visitors, and other professed or similar persons who contribute to the spiritual or temporal benefit of these colleges.³Likewise even without such a reason, a small sum may be spent upon any member whatever of the Society, in giving him food for a day or a little traveling money or the like when he passes through the college en route to one place or another.⁴For such small amounts are counted as nothing,⁵and scruples are eliminated about acting either inhumanely on the one hand or against the intention of the Apostolic See on the other.

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6. ¹In colleges⁵which from their own fixed revenue can support twelve scholastics in addition to their teachers, neither alms nor other gifts should be begged or accepted, for the greater edification of the people See C-332.²When colleges are not that well endowed, some alms may be accepted but may not be begged unless the college happens to be so poor that it is also necessary to beg them, at least from some persons.³For in such a case, with a view always kept on the greater service of God and the universal good, it will be permissible to beg alms, and even for a time from door to door in any necessity which might require it.

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G. ¹However, if there are benefactors who wish to give an estate or fixed revenue, it could be accepted so as to support that many more scholastics and teachers for greater service to God.

CHAPTER 3: ¹THE SCHOLASTICS WHO ARE TO BE STATIONED IN THE COLLEGES #

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1. ²In regard to the scholastics for whose instruction the colleges are accepted, the first point to be considered in our Lord is what qualifications they should have to be sent or admitted to the colleges.

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2. ¹First of all, no one with any of the five impediments stated in Part I will have a place as a scholastic in any college of the Society See C-335.²Apart from the coadjutors who are necessary for the service and help of the college, the rest ought to be such subjects as give reasonable hope of turning out to be fit laborers in the vineyard of Christ our Lord through their example and learning.³The more capable they are, the better their habits of conduct, and the healthier they are to endure the labor of study, the more suitable are they and the sooner can they be sent to the colleges and admitted into them.

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A. ²When someone has been declared suitable by the Vicar of Christ to live in a house of the Society, he is also understood to be suitable to live in the colleges.

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3. ¹However, only those are admitted as approved scholastics who have undergone their probation in the houses or in the colleges themselves²and who, after two years of experiences and probation and after pronouncing their vows along with the promise to enter the Society, are received to live and die in it, for the glory of God our Lord.

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4. ¹Besides those just mentioned, others too are admitted to study, namely, those who before the end of the two-year period and its aforementioned probations are sent from the houses to the colleges because this seems expedient, or those who are received in the colleges.²But these are not considered to be approved scholastics until they have completed the two years and pronounced their vows with the promise and are then admitted as such See C-338.

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B. ¹Where the Society’s colleges⁶do not have a sufficient number of scholastics with the promise or intention of serving God our Lord in the Society, it will not be contrary to our Institute, with permission from the general and for the time which seems good to him, to admit other poor students who do not have such an intention,²provided that the impediments mentioned in Part I are not found in them and they are subjects of such fitness as to give hope that they will turn out to be good workers in the vineyard of Christ our Lord, because of their ability or basic knowledge of letters, good habits of conduct, suitable age,³and other qualities which are seen in them for the divine service, which alone is sought in the case of both members of the Society and externs.⁴Students of this kind ought to conform themselves to the scholastics of the Society in the matter of confessions, studies, and manner of living. But their dress should be different and their living quarters separate within the same college,⁵in such a way that the scholastics of the Society are apart by themselves without being mingled among the externs, although they may have dealings with the externs as far as the superior judges this suitable for edification and service to God our Lord.⁶Even if there should be a sufficient number of our own scholastics, it is not contrary to our Institute to admit into the college someone who has no intention of becoming a member of the Society where the agreement with the founders so requires⁷and it is seen that to accept the college under such a condition is of value for the end which the Society seeks, or on account of other exceptional and important reasons.⁸However, students of this kind ought to live apart and, with the superior’s permission, to associate only with certain members of the Society.⁹The poverty of these extern students will be determined by the superior general or by someone to whom he communicates this authority.¹⁰Moreover, to admit on occasion and for good reasons the sons of rich or noble persons, who pay their own expenses, does not seem excluded.¹¹The suitable age seems to be from fourteen to twenty-three years, unless the students are persons who possess a basic knowledge of letters.¹²Generally speaking, the more qualities they possess of those desired in the Society, the more suitable will they be for admission.¹³Nevertheless, care should be taken to be strict rather than easy in accepting such students.¹⁴Furthermore, a careful choice should be made of those who are to be admitted, by subjecting them to an individual examination before admission.¹⁵Some persons, although rather rarely, could be admitted among our own members for particular reasons considered cogent by the superior.

CHAPTER 4: ¹THE CARE AND WELFARE OF THE SCHOLASTICS IN THE COLLEGES #

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1. ²For the care and welfare of those who live in the colleges, in regard to the body and external matters, what was stated in Part III will suffice. That is, special attention should be given to their abstaining from studies at times inopportune for bodily health, to their taking sufficient sleep,³and to their observance of moderation in mental labors so as to be able to keep at them longer both during their studies and later on when using what they have studied for the glory of God our Lord.

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2. ¹In regard to spiritual matters, the same procedure as is used with those received in the houses will be used with those received in the colleges as long as they are still going through probations.²However, once they have satisfactorily completed them and are devoting themselves to studies, while care must be taken that they do not through fervor in study grow cool in their love of true virtues and of religious life,³still they will not at that time have much place for mortifications or for long prayers and meditations See C-341.⁴For their devoting themselves to learning, which they acquire with a pure intention of serving God and which in a certain way requires the whole person, will not be less but rather more pleasing to God our Lord during this time of study.

[341] #

A. ¹If the rector because of special reasons judges some prolongation expedient in a given case, there will always be place for discretion.

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**** 3. ¹Consequently, in addition to confession and Communion every eight days See C-343⁷ and daily Mass, they will have one hour, during which they will recite the Hours of Our Lady, ² **** examine their consciences twice each day, and add other prayers according to each one’s devotion to fill out the rest of the aforesaid hour⁸³They will do all this according to the order and judgment of their superiors, whom they oblige themselves to obey in place of Christ our Lord.

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B. ⁹¹To go more often than every eight days should not be allowed except for special reasons, taking more account of need than of devotion,²But neither should reception be deferred beyond eight days unless there are special reasons.¹⁰For such reasons, Mass could also be omitted on some day, and for some persons the period of prayer could be lengthened or shortened.³This will remain wholly within the discretionary power of the superior. The specified hour will be taken, somewhat more or less, for the recitation of the Hours of Our Lady.⁴Nevertheless in the case of the scholastics who are not obliged to recite the Divine Office, the hour can more easily be changed at times to meditations and other spiritual exercises by which the hour is filled out,⁵especially with some who do not advance spiritually by one method, so that with God’s grace they may be helped more by another. This is to be done with the permission or through the order of their superiors,⁶whose duty it will always be to consider whether, for certain reasons with particular persons, something different is more expedient, in order to carry it out while keeping in view the genuine devotion of the subjects or of the founder, and also the circumstances of persons, times, and places.⁷For those who do not have experience in spiritual things and desire to be helped in them, some points for meditation and prayer could be proposed to them in the way that seems best for persons of this kind.⁸{Whether, during that time of the Mass when the priest is not speaking aloud to be understood by the people, the scholastics may use some of their assigned hour to recite a part of the Hours will belong to the elders or superiors to decide.⁹These superiors should provide for this according to the persons, places, conditions, and times, in the way that seems best to them for the greater divine glory}.

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4. ¹Others (for example, some of the temporal coadjutors who do not know how to read) will have in addition to the Mass their hour, during which they will recite the rosary or crown of our Lady See C-345,²and they will likewise examine their consciences twice a day, or engage in some other prayers according to their devotion, as was said about the scholastics.

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C. ¹In regard to the recitation of the rosary, they should be instructed how to think or meditate about the mysteries which it contains, so that they may carry out this exercise with greater attention and devotion.²Moreover, if those who know how to read should find more profit in it than in the recitation of the Hours, they could be changed for what will be more helpful, as was already stated.

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5. ¹For greater devotion, and to refresh the memory of the obligation they are under and confirm themselves more solidly in their vocation, it will be good for the scholastics twice each year, at Easter and Christmas See C-347, to renew their simple vows See C-348,¹¹ which will be discussed in Part V.²Anyone who has not taken these vows will pronounce them when the two years of probation have passed, as the Examen states.

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D. ¹If the rector, with authorization from the superior, should think that it would be more convenient to hold this renewal on some other principal feasts in particular cases, this too could be done.²Likewise, by the feasts of Easter and Christmas is meant either their octaves or the eight days preceding the feasts.

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E. ¹²but only under probation as to his eventually becoming a professed or a coadjutor. Because of this arrangement, even with a vow of poverty he can retain possession of his temporal goods up to a certain time during his probation which the superior will decide.^{13 1}What a scholastic in the Society promises is to be incorporated into it so as right away to observe actual chastity, poverty, and obedience as practiced in the Society, and this whether he is admitted to become a professed or a formed coadjutor after his studies.²{Consequently, the superior can admit him right away as a scholastic},

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**** 6. ¹When they must go to schools open to the public (for they will not go to other places without requesting permission),they should go and return {in pairs} See C-350,¹⁴and with the interior and exterior decorum which is proper for the edification of themselves and of others.² **** Their conversation with students from outside the Society should be only about matters pertaining to learning or spirituality, so that thereby they may find help in everything to the greater divine glory.¹⁵

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F. ¹The rector will designate those who are to accompany each other, and these will be those who derive the most benefit from being together.

CHAPTER 5: ¹WHAT THE SCHOLASTICS OF THE SOCIETY SHOULD STUDY¹⁶ #

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1. ²Since the end of the learning which is acquired in this Society is with God’s favor to help the souls of its own members and those of their neighbors, it is by this norm that the decision will be made, both in general and in the case of individual persons, as to what subjects ours ought to learn and how far they ought to advance in them.³And since, generally speaking, help is derived from the humane letters of different languages See C-352, logic, natural and moral philosophy, metaphysics, scholastic and positive theology See C-353, and Sacred Scripture, these are the subjects which those who are sent to the colleges should study See C-354.⁴They will devote themselves with greater diligence to the parts which are more helpful for the end mentioned above, taking into account circumstances of times, places, persons, and other such factors, as seems expedient in our Lord to him who holds the principal charge.

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A. ¹In addition to grammar, rhetoric is understood to be under the classification of humane letters.

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B. ¹If there should not be enough time in the colleges to read the councils, decrees, holy doctors, and other moral subjects, each one could, with the approval of his superiors, read these privately after leaving studies, especially if he is well grounded in the scholastic doctrine.

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C. ¹According to the age, ability, inclination, and basic knowledge which a particular person has, or in accordance with the common good which is hoped for, he could be applied to all these subjects or to one or several of them.²For whoever cannot distinguish himself in all of them should strive to do so in at least one.

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2. ¹What particular studies each individual scholastic should make will likewise be left to the discretion of the superiors See C-356. Nevertheless, when someone has aptitude, the better he is grounded in the aforementioned subjects the better will it be.

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D. ¹Some could be sent to the colleges not in hope of their coming out with the learning previously described but rather to lighten the burden of others; for example, a priest to hear confessions and so on.²For these and for others who because of age or other reasons cannot be expected to obtain a good grounding in all the subjects mentioned, it would be good, following the superior’s directions, to study what they can³and try to make progress in the languages and cases of conscience and, in sum, in whatever can be of greatest use to them for the common good of souls.

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3. ¹The rector will consider and decide by means of a suitable examination how much time should be given to each subject, and when the scholastics should pass on to another.

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4. ¹The doctrine which they ought to follow in each subject should be that which is safest and most approved, as also the authors who teach it.²The rectors will take care in this regard, conforming themselves to what is decided in the Society as a whole for the greater glory of God See C-359.¹⁷

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E. ¹In books of humane letters by pagan authors, nothing immoral should be lectured on; what remains can be put to use by the Society like the spoils of Egypt.²In the case of Christian authors, even though a work may be good it should not be lectured on when the author is bad, lest attachment to him be acquired.³Furthermore, it is good to determine in detail the books which should be lectured on and those which should not, both in the humanities and in the other faculties.

CHAPTER 6: ¹MEANS FOR THEIR LEARNING WELL THE AFOREMENTIONED SUBJECTS #

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1. ²In order to make good progress in these subjects, the scholastics should strive first of all to keep their souls pure and their intention in studying right, by seeking in their studies nothing except the glory of God and the good of souls.³Moreover, they should frequently beg in prayer for grace to make progress in learning for the sake of this end.

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2. ¹Next, they should have a firm resolution to be genuine and earnest students, persuading themselves that while they are in the colleges they cannot do anything more pleasing to God our Lord than to study with the intention mentioned above;²likewise, that even if they never have occasion to employ the matter studied, the very toil of study, duly undertaken because of charity and obedience, is itself a very meritorious work in the sight of the Divine and Supreme Majesty.

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3. ¹The impediments which distract from study should also be removed, both those arising from excessive or improperly ordered devotions and mortifications See C-363and those springing from external cares and occupations, whether in duties inside the house See C-364²or outside it in conversations, confessions, and other activities with one’s fellowmen, to the extent that these may be avoided in our Lord See C-365.³For in order that the scholastics may be able to help their neighbors better later on by what they have learned, it is wise to postpone exercises such as these, pious though they are, until after the years of study, since there will be others to attend to them in the meantime.⁴All this should be done with a greater intention of service and the divine glory.

[363] #

A. ¹This is the general practice. But if an individual finds it necessary to apply himself to devotion and mortification, it will be left to the discretion of the one who holds the principal charge to consider how far he should go in these matters.

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B. ¹To give aid at some hour to those who hold these burdensome duties is not improper;²but to assume them permanently is more properly the work of the coadjutors, and these can be provided to lighten this burden for those who are studying.

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C. ¹Consequently, to avoid such hindrances those not yet in holy orders would do well to put off ordination until they complete their studies.²However, because of needs that may arise it is at times necessary to dispense from this.³Moreover, this work of helping the neighbors could be supplied by some who have finished their studies or who are sent to the colleges specially for this purpose.⁴Likewise, for the more demanding domestic offices inside the college, it will be good to have persons who are not primarily intent upon studies, such as temporal coadjutors or persons who are there for purposes of probation rather than study.

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4. ¹An order should be observed in pursuing the branches of knowledge. The scholastics should acquire a good grounding in Latin before they attend lectures on the arts; and in the arts before they pass on to scholastic theology; and in it before they study positive theology.²Scripture may be studied either concomitantly or later on.¹⁸

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5. ¹The languages too in which Scripture was written or into which it was translated may be studied either previously or later on, according to what seems best to the superior in accordance with the various cases and the diversity of the persons. This too will remain within his discretion See C-368.²But if the languages are studied, one of the ends pursued should be to defend the version which the Church holds as approved.

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D. ¹It would be good for them to have their degrees in theology or at least to be fairly well versed in it, so that they know the interpretations of the holy Doctors and the decisions of the Church, in order that the study of languages may be profitable rather than harmful.²However, if some are seen to be so humble and firm in their faith that in their cases nothing harmful is to be feared from the study of languages, the superior may grant an exemption to them that they may devote themselves to these languages when this would be conducive to the common good or that of the individual.

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6. ¹All the students should attend the lectures of the public professors designated for them by the rector See C-370.²It is to be desired that these professors should be learned, diligent, and assiduous; and that, whether they be members of the Society See C-371or from outside it, they should strive to further the students progress both in the lectures and in the academic exercises.

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E. ¹If something else is expedient for an individual, the superior will consider the matter with prudence and may grant an exemption.²What has been said about public lectures does not exclude private lectures within the college or outside it when these may be necessary or profitable.

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F. ¹No member of the Society will give lectures publicly without the approbation and permission of the provincial superior (except in the lower classes or for a time because of some necessity).²But those who have the talent, especially those who have finished their studies, can be employed in lecturing if matters of greater importance do not require something else.

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7. ¹There should be a general library in the colleges,²if possible, and those who in the judgment of the rector ought to have a key should have one.³Furthermore, each one should have the books that he requires See C-373.

[373] #

G. ¹However, they ought not write annotations in these books; and the one in charge of the books should keep an account of them.

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8. ¹The scholastics should be regular in attending the lectures, diligent in preparing for them beforehand, in repeating them afterwards See C-375, in asking about points they do not understand, and in noting down what may be useful to assist the memory later on See C-376.

[375] #

H. ¹The rector should take care that these repetitions take place at a fixed time in the schools or in the house. One student should repeat the matter and the others should listen. They should propose to one another the difficulties which occur and have recourse to the professor in matters which they cannot solve satisfactorily among themselves.²The rector will also attend to the disputations and other scholastic exercises that are judged expedient in accordance with the subjects which are being treated.

[376] #

I. ¹Superiors will determine whether it will be helpful for those beginning their studies to have notebooks for writing down the lectures, and noting above and along the margin whatever seems useful.²Those who are more advanced in the humanities and the other faculties should carry sheets of paper on which to note down the lectures or whatever strikes them as noteworthy; afterwards they should set down in notebooks, with better arrangement and order, what they desire to keep for the future.

[377] #

9. ¹The rector of the college should also take care to see how all, the teachers as well as the students, are fulfilling their duty in our Lord.

[378] #

10. ¹Because of the utility there is in the practice of disputation (especially for those who are studying arts and scholastic theology), the scholastics should participate in the disputations or ordinary circles of the schools which they attend, even if not of the Society; and they should endeavor to distinguish themselves by learning joined with modesty.²Within the college too, after dinner on Sunday or some other day of the week (unless a special reason impedes the exercise), it is good to have someone from each class of the students of arts and theology, whom the rector will designate, defend some theses.³During the preceding afternoon these theses will be posted in writing on the door of the schools, so that those who wish may come to dispute or to listen.⁴After these defendants have briefly proved their theses, those from within and without the house who wish to object may do so.⁵Someone will preside to direct the disputants, resolve and clarify the doctrine under discussion for the benefit of the hearers, and give the signal for the disputants to stop, dividing the time so that everyone will have an opportunity for disputation.

[379] #

11. ¹In addition to the two kinds of disputations mentioned, an hour ought also to be designated each day for holding disputation within the college, with someone presiding in the manner already stated.²The purpose is that the intellectual powers may be exercised more and that difficult matters occurring in these subjects may be clarified, for the glory of God our Lord.

[380] #

12. ¹Those who are studying humanities should also have their fixed times to discuss and debate about the matters of their subject in the presence of someone who directs them.²After dinner on one Sunday (or other designated day) they will defend theses,³and on another exercise themselves in writing compositions in prose or in verse, whether extemporaneously as a test of their facility or by bringing a composition previously written and reading it publicly there,⁴with the topic being assigned beforehand in the one case and at the moment in the other.

[381] #

13. ¹All, particularly the students of humanities, should ordinarily speak Latin See C-382and memorize what is assigned by their teachers. They should devote much exercise to style in their compositions See C-383and have someone to correct them.²Moreover, some with the approval of the rector may privately read other authors besides those on whom they have lectures.³One day each week after dinner, one of the more advanced students should deliver a Latin or Greek oration on a subject likely to edify those within and without the college and to encourage them to things of greater perfection in our Lord.

[382] #

K. ¹In regard to the exercises of repetitions, disputations, and speaking Latin, if something ought to be changed because of circumstances of place, time, or persons, the decision will be left to the discretion of the rector, with authorization, at least in general, from his superior.

[383] #

L. ¹So that the students may be helped more, it would be wise to place together some of equal ability who with holy rivalry may spur one another on.²From time to time it will also be helpful to send to the place where the provincial superior or the superior general is a specimen of their work, now from one student, now from another; for example some compositions from the students of the humanities, or theses from those studying arts or theology.³It will also aid them to be reminded that upon their arrival at the houses after their studies they will have to be examined in all the subjects they have learned.

[384] #

14. ¹Moreover, especially those studying the arts and theology, but also the rest, ought to have their own private and undisturbed study so that they may better and more profoundly understand the matters treated See C-385.

[385] #

M. ¹In this private study (if the rector thinks it good), they could read a commentary. While they are attending lectures, this should ordinarily be a single commentary, carefully chosen.²They could also write down what they think will be more helpful to them.

[386] #

15. ¹Just as it is necessary to hold in those who run too rapidly, so is it proper to spur on, push, and encourage those who need it.²For this purpose the rector ought to keep informed, through himself and through a person whom he will appoint as syndic or visitor of the students.³When someone is seen to be wasting his time in the college because he is either unwilling or unable to make progress, it is better to remove him and let someone else enter in his place who will make better progress for the end sought, the service of God See C-387.

[387] #

N. ¹If anyone should be unfit to study but fit for other ministries, he could be employed within the colleges or houses of the Society in something judged proper.²But if he entered to become a scholastic and should be unfit for both study and the other ministries, he may be dismissed.³However, it will be good for the rector, after considering the case, to inform the provincial or general and to follow his order.

[388] #

**** **** ¹ **** When the subject matter of one faculty has been completed, it will be good to review it, by reading, with the rector’s approval, one or more authors than the one used the first time,² **** and by making, also with his approval, an extract of what pertains to that subject, briefer and better organized than the notes he had made earlier when he lacked the understanding acquired with completion of his courses See C-389.¹⁹

[389] #

O. ¹It is good that these extracts be made only by persons who have greater knowledge, clarity of mind, and judgment, of whose work the others could take advantage.²It would also be good to have the extracts approved by the professor.³The rest of the students will be able to draw help from the professor’s explanations and from the noteworthy matters that they themselves have collected.⁴It will render these extracts more useful if they have the topics indicated in the margin as well as a table of contents, to make it easier to find what is sought.⁵Although these books of extracts and personal ideas or other writings of any sort be made, it is understood that no one may publish any book without examination and specific approval by the superior general, as has been said.

[390] #

17. ¹At the times designated for them they should prepare themselves for the public acts of examinations and replies. Those who after careful examination are found to deserve their degrees may receive them.^{20 2}But to avoid every appearance of ambition or inordinate desires, they should not take special places. Rather, they should place themselves in a group independently of rank, even though indications of rank are customarily given in the university where they are studying.³Moreover, they should not make expenditures inappropriate for poor men when they take their degrees, which should be received, without detriment to humility, for the sole purpose of being better able to help one’s neighbors for the glory of God.

[391] #

18. ¹The superior should consider whether it is advisable for those who have finished their studies to lecture in private or in public for their own progress and for that of others. He should make provision according to what seems more expedient in our Lord.

CHAPTER 7: ¹THE SCHOOLS MAINTAINED IN THE COLLEGES OF THE SOCIETY²¹ #

[392] #

1. ²To take care that in our colleges not only our own scholastics may be helped in learning, but also those from outside in both learning and good habits of conduct,³where schools (open to the public) can be conveniently had, they should be established at least in humane letters See C-393, and in more advanced subjects in accordance with the conditions found in the regions where the colleges are situated See C-394, looking always to the greater service of God our Lord.

[393] #

A. ¹It will belong to the general to decide where it will be opportune to have such schools.

[394] #

B. ¹The situation of the Society should also be taken into account.²However, our intention would be that humane letters, languages, and Christian doctrine should ordinarily be taught in the colleges;³if necessary, lectures on cases of conscience should be given.⁴If persons are available for preaching and hearing confessions, this should be done, without entering upon higher branches of knowledge. For learning these, students who have studied humane letters should be sent from the colleges to the Society’s universities.

[395] #

2. ¹In these schools measures should be taken that the extern students are well instructed in matters of Christian doctrine, go to confession every month if possible, attend the sermons, and, in sum, acquire along with their letters the habits of conduct worthy of a Christian.²Since there must be great variety in individual cases, according to circumstances of places and persons, the treatment here will descend no further into particulars, except to state that there should be rules covering everything that is necessary in each college See C-396.³The only recommendation made here is that{suitable correction should not be lacking See C-397in the case of externs for whom it is necessary, and that this should not be given by the hand of any member of the Society}.²²

[396] #

C. ¹{From the rules of the Roman College, the part which is suitable to the other colleges can be adapted to them}.²³

[397] #

D. ¹For this purpose there should be a corrector where this is possible. Where it is not, there ought to be some method of administering punishment, either through one of the students or in some other suitable way.

[398] #

3. ¹Since it is so proper to our profession not to accept any temporal remuneration for the spiritual ministries in which we employ ourselves according to our Institute to aid our fellowmen,²it is not fitting for us to accept for a college any endowment with an attached obligation of supplying a preacher or a confessor or a lecturer on theology See C-399.^{24 3}For, although the reason of equity and gratitude moves us to give more careful service in those ministrations proper to our Institute in those colleges which have been founded with greater liberality and devotion,⁴there ought nevertheless to be no entering into obligations or agreements which impair the sincerity of our manner of proceeding, which is to give freely what we have freely received.⁵However, for the sustenance of those who serve the common good of the colleges or who study for the sake of it, the endowment which the charity of the founders is wont to assign for the divine glory is accepted.

[399] #

E. ¹When the superior general or the Society accepts the charge of a university, the fact that an obligation arises to give the ordinary lectures of the university will not be against the intention of this constitution, even if lectures on theology are included among them.

CHAPTER 8: ¹THE INSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOLASTICS IN THE MEANS OF HELPING THEIR NEIGHBOR²⁵ #

[400] #

1. ²In view of the objective which the Society seeks in its studies, towards their end it is good for the scholastics to begin getting accustomed to the spiritual arms they must employ in aiding their fellowmen;³and this work can be begun in the colleges, even though it is more properly and extensively done in the houses.

[401] #

**** 2. ¹First of all, those who in the judgment of the superior should be ordained are to be taught how to say Mass not only with interior understanding and devotion but also with a good exterior manner, for the edification of those who hear the Mass.² **** All members of the Society should as far as possible use the same ceremonies,²⁶³conforming, so far as the diversity of regions permits, to the Roman usage as being more universal and embraced in a special way by the Apostolic See.

[402] #

**** **** ¹ **** Similarly, they will exercise themselves in preaching and delivering (sacred) lectures in a manner suited to the edification of the people, which is different from the scholastic manner See C-403;² **** they should strive to learn the vernacular language well, to have prepared and have ready at hand the topics most useful for this ministry See C-404, and to avail themselves of all appropriate means to perform it better and with greater fruit for souls See C-405.²⁷

[403] #

A. ²In their lectures, besides giving the interpretation, they should take care to treat matters helpful for morality and Christian living.³They should do the same when teaching in their classes in the schools, but much more so when lecturing to the people.

[404] #

B. ¹It will be helpful if they have studied particularly and with a view to preaching the gospel passages that occur throughout the year, and have studied a portion of Scripture for purposes of lecturing;²likewise, if they have considered in advance matters pertaining to the vices, motives for their abhorrence, and their remedies; and, on the contrary, in what pertains to the commandments and virtues and good works, motives for esteeming them and means for acquiring them.³lt will be better, if possible, to have this material in extracts, so as to have less need of books.

[405] #

C. ¹Some means are these: to have studied the precepts about the manner of preaching given by those who have performed this ministry well and to listen to good preachers;²to practice preaching either in the house or in monasteries; and during this practice, to have a good corrector who points out defects either in the matter preached or in the voice, inflection, gestures, and movements.³Finally, the scholastic himself, by reflecting on what he has done, can help himself more in every respect.

[406] #

4. ¹They should also exercise themselves in administering the sacraments of confession See C-407and Communion,²keeping before their minds and striving to put in practice what regards not only the sacraments but the penitents and communicants also,³so that they may receive and frequent these sacraments well and fruitfully, for the divine glory.

[407] #

D. ¹In regard to the confessions, in addition to the scholastic treatment and the cases of conscience, especially in the matter of restitution, it is good to have a summary containing the{reserved}²⁸cases and censures²so that one may know how far his jurisdiction extends, as well as the extraordinary forms of absolution which are needed.³Moreover, it is good to have a brief list of questions about the sins and their remedies, and an instruction helping toward the good and prudent exercise of this ministry in the Lord without harm to oneself and with profit to one’s neighbors.⁴Especially at the beginning of the confessor’s ministry, after hearing a confession he should make a practice of reflecting to see whether he has been deficient in any regard and to do better in the future.

[408] #

**** **** ¹ **** After they themselves have experienced the Spiritual Exercises, they should get practice in giving them to others.² **** Each one should know how to give an explanation of them and how to make use of this spiritual weapon, since it is obvious that God our Lord has made it so effective for his service See C-409.²⁹

[409] #

E. ¹They could begin by giving the Exercises to persons with whom less is risked, and consulting about their method of procedure with someone more experienced, noting well what he finds more appropriate and what less so.²Their explanation of the Exercises should be such that it not only satisfies people but also moves them to a desire to take advantage of the Exercises.³Generally, only the exercises of the First Week ought to be given. When the Exercises are given in their entirety, it should be to exceptional persons or those who desire to decide upon their state of life.

[410] #

6. ¹They should likewise bestow appropriate study upon the method of teaching Christian doctrine and of adapting themselves to the capacities of children or simple persons See C-411.

[411] #

F. ¹It will be helpful to have a written compendious explanation of the matters necessary for the faith and Christian life.

[412] #

7. ¹Just as the above is for helping one’s neighbors live well, efforts should also be made to learn what helps to die well,²along with the procedure to be employed at a moment so important for gaining or losing the ultimate end of eternal happiness See C-413.

[413] #

G. ¹It is good to have a compendium on the method of helping a person to die well, to refresh the memory when this holy ministry must be exercised.

[414] #

8. ¹In general, they ought to be instructed about the manner of acting proper to a member of the Society, who has to associate with so great a diversity of persons throughout such varied places.²Hence they should foresee the difficulties which may arise and the opportunities which can be grasped for the greater service of God by employing this means or that.³Although all this can be taught only by the unction of the Holy Spirit and by the prudence which God our Lord communicates to those who trust in his Divine Majesty,⁴nevertheless the way can at least be opened by some suggestions which help and prepare for the effect that is to be produced by divine grace.

CHAPTER 9: ¹REMOVAL FROM STUDIES #

[415] #

1. ²Some See C-416 are removed from the colleges for the reasons stated in Part II and in the manner explained there, so that others in their place may make better progress in the service of God our Lord,³since the same reason holds true for removing from the colleges as from the houses.

[416] #

A. ²{Others are removed after seven years, namely, those who were admitted to the colleges for that length of time without a fixed resolution to enter the Society, as has been said.³But a dispensation could be given in regard to this period of seven years, by prolonging it when such students give much good example in such a way that much service of God is expected from them, or when they are useful to the college}.³⁰

[417] #

2. ¹Sometimes, too, they will be removed because a different place is useful for their better progress in spirit or in learning; or because it is useful for the universal good of the Society,² **** as is the case when someone is removed from one college where he has studied arts to lecture on them in another before he studies theology,³¹ **** and similarly for other purposes of greater service of God our Lord.

[418] #

3. ¹The usual manner of removal from a college where all the subjects are studied will be after a person has finished his studies, namely, after he has completed the course in arts and studied theology for four years.²Near the end of this period the rector ought to furnish the general or provincial with a report on the man’s competence, and then to follow the order given him for the glory of God our Lord.

CHAPTER 10: ¹THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COLLEGES #

[419] #

1. ²In accordance with the bulls of the Apostolic See, the Professed Society will hold the superintendency over the colleges.³For since it may not seek any gain from the fixed revenues nor employ them for itself,⁴it may be expected in the long run to proceed with greater disinterestedness and a more spiritual attitude in regard to what ought to be provided in the colleges for the greater service of God our Lord and for the good government of the colleges.

[420] #

2. ¹Except for what pertains to the Constitutions, and to suppression or alienation of such colleges, all the authority, the administration, and in general the execution of this superintendency will be vested in the superior general.²He, keeping his mind fixed on the end of the colleges and of the entire Society, will see best what is expedient in them.

[421] #

3. ¹Therefore the general, by himself or through another to whom he delegates his authority in this matter,{will appoint one of the coadjutors}³²in the Society as the rector who is to have the principal charge See C-422.²This rector will give account of his charge to the provincial or to whomever the general designates. The general will likewise have power to remove the rector, or to change him from this charge, as seems better to him in our Lord.

[422] #

A. ²This does not prevent a professed member who has been sent to visit or reform the affairs of a college from dwelling there, or presiding over all those who live there, for a time or in some other manner, as may seem more expedient for the welfare of the college or for the universal good.

[423] #

4. ¹Care should be taken that the rector be a man of great example, edification, and mortification of all his evil inclinations, and especially a man of proven obedience and humility.²He ought likewise to be discreet, fit for governing, experienced both in matters of business and of the spiritual life. He should know how to blend severity with kindness at the proper times.³He should be solicitous, stalwart under work, a man of learning, and finally, one in whom the higher superiors can confide and to whom they can with security delegate their authority.⁴For the greater this delegated authority will be, the better will the colleges be governed to the greater divine glory.

[424] #

5. ¹The function of the rector will be first of all to sustain the whole college by his prayer and holy desires, and then to see that the Constitutions are observed See C-425.²He should watch over all his subjects with great care, and guard them against difficulties from within or without the house by forestalling the difficulties or remedying them if they have occurred, in a way conducive to the good of the individuals and to that of all.³He should strive to promote their progress in virtues and learning, and care for their health and for the temporal goods both stable and movable See C-426.⁴He should appoint officials discreetly, observe how they proceed, and retain them in office or change them as he judges appropriate in the Lord.⁵In general he ought to see to it that what has been stated about the colleges in the preceding chapters is observed.⁶He should fully maintain the subordination he ought to keep not only toward the superior general but also to the provincial superior,⁷informing and having recourse to him in the matters of greater moment and following his directions since he is his superior, as it is right that those in his own college should act toward him.⁸These ought to hold him in great respect and reverence as one who holds the place of Christ our Lord, leaving to him with true obedience the free disposal of themselves and their affairs,⁹not keeping anything closed to him See C-427, not even their own conscience. Rather, as has been stated in the Examen, they should manifest their conscience to him at fixed times, and more frequently when there is reason, without showing any repugnance or any manifestations of contrary opinion,¹⁰so that by union of opinion and will and by proper submission they may be better preserved and make greater progress in the divine service.

[425] #

B. ¹Thus, just as it will pertain to the rector to see that the Constitutions are observed in their entirety, so it will be his to grant exemptions from them with authority from his own superiors (when he judges that such would be the intention of the one who enacted them, in a particular case²according to occurrences and necessities and while keeping his attention fixed on the greater common good).

[426] #

C. ¹This statement includes appropriate care to retain friendships and to render adversaries benevolent.

[427] #

D. ¹Anything closed means a door, cabinet, and the like.

[428] #

6. ¹For the good government of the house, the rector ought to appoint not merely as many officials as are necessary, but also such as are as well fitted as possible for their office See C-429.²He should give each one the rules of what he ought to do See C-430and take care that no one interferes in the business of another.³Furthermore, just as he ought to have help given to them when they need it, so when time is left over he ought to see to it that they employ it fruitfully in the service of God our Lord.

[429] #

E. ¹Fitted, I mean, in respect both to the competence of persons and to their occupations.²For it would not be proper to give offices which demand much work to subjects much occupied with other things. Furthermore, since some offices require experience to be done well, their personnel ought not easily to be changed.

[430] #

F. ¹Each one ought to read once a week³³those of the rules that pertain to him.

[431] #

7. ¹The officials needed by the rector seem to be, first of all, a good minister, to be vice-rector or master of the house, who should provide for everything necessary for the common good; a syndic for exterior matters³⁴ and another person to superintend spiritual matters;²and two or more persons in whose discretion and goodness the rector has much confidence, so that he can confer with them about the matters in which he finds difficulty and which he deems it right to discuss with them for the greater divine glory See C-432.³These are in addition to those needed for more particular offices See C-433.

[432] #

G. ¹If there are not that many persons, one could hold several offices.²For example, the aforementioned minister or superintendent could have the charge of looking out for the rector or the novices, and so on.

[433] #

H. ¹Thus, there could be someone for clerical work, a porter, a sacristan, a cook, and a launderer.²Other less burdensome offices could be distributed among the students when there is no one else to do them.

[434] #

8. ¹The rector should see that all in the college observe complete obedience towards each official in his own office, and the officials towards the minister and to the rector himself, in accordance with his directions to them.²In general, those who have charge of others who must obey them ought to give the latter an example by the obedience they themselves observe towards their own superiors, as persons holding for them the place of Christ our Lord.

[435] #

9. ¹A regular order of time for study, prayer, Mass, lectures, eating and sleeping, and so on, will be helpful for everything.²Thus a signal will be given at designated times See C-436. When it is heard, all should go immediately, leaving even a letter they have begun.³When these hours ought to be changed because of the seasons or other unusual reasons, the rector or the one in charge should consider the matter and what he orders should be observed.

[436] #

I. ¹ **** The signal will be given by a bell³⁵ **** which will be sounded for retiring for sleep, for taking meals, and so forth.

[437] #

³⁶He should also consider which of his subjects should deal with their neighbors inside the house or outside of it, and for what length of time they should do this, in spiritual conversations, conducting exercises, hearing confessions, and also in preaching or lecturing or in teaching Christian doctrine. They should do this work partly to gain practice themselves (especially when they are near the end of their studies), and partly for the benefit of the others inside and outside the house.¹{The rector ought himself to explain or teach Christian doctrine for forty days} See C-438.⁴After pondering all the factors, the rector should in everything provide what he thinks to be more pleasing to the Divine and Supreme Goodness and for his greater service and glory See C-439.

[438] #

K. ¹If for reasons of edification or for some other sufficient reason it does not seem proper for the rector to do this teaching himself, he may inform the provincial.²If the provincial has the same opinion, the rector may have someone else do it for him.

[439] #

L.¹The Constitutions which pertain to the colleges could be kept apart and read publicly two or three times a year.³⁷

CHAPTER 11: ²THE ACCEPTANCE OF UNIVERSITIES³⁸ #

[440] #

1. ³The same considerations of charity by which colleges are accepted, in which public classes are held for the improvement in learning and in living both of our own members and even more of those outside the Society,⁴can extend also to accepting charge of universities⁵in which these benefits may be spread more universally, both through the subjects which are taught and the numbers of persons who attend and the degrees which are conferred⁶so that the recipients may teach with authority elsewhere what they have learned well in these universities for the glory of God our Lord.

[441] #

³⁹2. ¹However, to decide under what conditions and obligations See C-442 and in what places universities should be accepted will be left to the judgment of the one who has the universal care of the Society.²After he has heard the opinion of his assistants and of the others of whose counsel he may wish to avail himself, he will have the power to decide by himself upon the acceptance.³{But once such universities have been accepted, he cannot suppress them without the general congregation}.

[442] #

A. ²When the founder desires that the Society should have to provide a certain number of lecturers, or to undertake some other obligations, it should be noted that if these obligations are accepted because this is deemed to be a lasting aid to the Society in achieving its ends for the service of God our Lord, there ought to be no failure to fulfill them.³Conversely, more than what is obligatory in this regard (especially if this could be interpreted as inducing a new obligation) should not readily be done without the general’s consent.⁴Neither ought the general to be lenient in such a matter; rather, consulting his assistants he should take care that he does not burden the Society.⁵If he makes a concession on some point, it should be made clear that no obligation is assumed but that what is added is something voluntary.

[443] #

3. ¹However, since the Society’s religious tranquility and spiritual occupations preclude the distraction and other detriments entailed in holding the office of judge in civil or criminal affairs,²there should be no acceptance of such jurisdiction, which the Society would be required to exercise either by itself or through others who depend upon it.³However, for what properly pertains to the well-being of the university, it is desirable that in regard to the students the ordinary civil or ecclesiastical ministry of justice should carry out the will of the rector of the university when he has expressed it in regard to punishing the students See C-444;⁴and that this ministry should in general give its support in matters pertaining to the studies, especially when such matters have been recommended to it by the rector See C-445.

[444] #

B. ¹If a student has been so unruly or scandalous that it would be proper to expel him not only from the classes but also from the city, or to put him into prison, it would be a matter properly pertaining to the well-being of the university for the ordinary ministers of justice to be informed and take immediate action.²For this and similar matters it would be wise to have the authorization in writing from the ruler or supreme power. Similarly, the recommendation from the rector in favor of a student ought to carry weight with the ministers of justice toward preventing the students from being oppressed.

[445] #

C. ¹Since exemption from ordinary magistrates cannot serve as a means to attract a large number of students,²efforts should be made to compensate for this through other concessions and privileges.

CHAPTER 12: ¹THE SUBJECTS WHICH SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN THE UNIVERSITIES OF THE SOCIETY #

[446] #

1. ²Since the end of the Society and of its studies is to aid our fellowmen to the knowledge and love of God and to the salvation of their souls,³and since the subject of theology is the means most suited to this end, in the universities of the Society the principal emphasis ought to be placed upon it.⁴Accordingly, there should be diligent treatment by excellent professors of what pertains to scholastic doctrine and Sacred Scripture, as also to that part of positive theology which is conducive to the aforementioned end,⁵without entering into the part of canon law directed toward court trials.

[447] #

2. ¹Moreover, since both the learning of theology and the use of it require (especially in these times) knowledge of humane letters See C-448 and of the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages, there should be capable professors of these languages, and that in sufficient number.²Furthermore, there may also be teachers of other languages such as Chaldaic, Arabic, and Indian where these are necessary or useful for the end stated, taking into account the diversities of place and the reasons for teaching them See C-449.

[448] #

A. ¹Under the heading of humane letters is understood, in addition to grammar, what pertains to rhetoric, poetry, and history.

[449] #

B. ¹When a plan is being worked out in a college or university to prepare persons to go among the Moors or Turks, Arabic or Chaldaic would be expedient; and Indian would be proper for those about to go among the Indians;²and the same holds true for similar reasons in regard to other languages which could have greater utility in other regions.

[450] #

3. ¹ See C-141Likewise, since the arts or natural sciences dispose the intellectual powers for theology, and are useful for the perfect understanding and use of it, and also by their own nature help toward the same ends,²they should be treated with fitting diligence and by learned professors. In all this the honor and glory of God our Lord should be sincerely sought.

[451] #

C. ¹Logic, physics, metaphysics, and moral philosophy should be treated, and also mathematics, with the moderation appropriate to secure the end which is being sought.²To teach how to read and write would also be a work of charity if the Society had enough members to be able to attend to everything.³But because of the lack of members these elementary subjects are not ordinarily taught.

[452] #

4. ¹The study of medicine and laws, being more remote from our Institute, will not be treated in the universities of the Society, or at least the Society will not undertake this teaching through its own members.

CHAPTER 13: ¹THE METHOD AND ORDER OF TREATING THE AFOREMENTIONED SUBJECT MATTERS #

[453] #

1. ²To provide such proper treatment of both the lower subjects and of theology, there should be a suitable arrangement and order both for the morning and the afternoon.

[454] #

2. ¹And although the order and hours which are spent in these studies may vary according to the regions and seasons,²there should be such conformity that in every region that is done which is there judged to be most conducive to greater progress in learning See C-455.

[455] #

A. ¹Concerning the hours of the lectures, their order, and their method, and concerning the exercises both in compositions (which ought to be corrected by the teachers) and in disputations within all the faculties, and in delivering orations and reading verses in public –²all this will be treated in detail in a separate treatise (approved by the general). This present constitution refers the reader to it,³with the remark that it ought to be adapted to places, times, and persons, even though it would be desirable to reach that order as far as this is possible.

[456] #

3. ¹Furthermore, there should be not only public lectures but also different masters according to the capacity and number of the students See C-457.²These masters should take an interest in the progress of each one of their students, require them to give an account of their lessons See C-458, and make them hold repetitions See C-459.³They should also have the students of humane letters get practice in regularly speaking Latin, writing compositions (in a good style), and delivering well what they have composed.⁴They should make them, and much more those studying the higher subjects, engage in disputations often.⁵Days and hours should be designated for this; and in these disputations the students should debate not only with the members of their own class, but those who are somewhat lower down should dispute about matters they understand with students who are more advanced,⁶and conversely those who are more advanced should debate with those lower down by coming down to subjects which these latter are studying. The professors too ought to hold disputations with one another.⁷All should preserve the proper modesty, and there should be someone to preside, cut off the debate, and give the doctrinal solution.

[457] #

B. ¹Ordinarily, there will be three teachers in three different classes of grammar, another who is to lecture on humanities, and another on rhetoric.²In the class of these last two groups there will be lectures on the Greek and Hebrew languages, and on any other if it is to be learned. Thus there will always be five classes.³If there should be so much to do in one of them that a single teacher does not suffice, an assistant should be given to him.⁴If the number of students makes it impossible for one teacher to attend to them even with assistants, the class can be divided into two sections so that there are two fifth classes or two fourth classes;⁵and all the teachers, if possible, should be members of the Society, although in case of necessity there may be others.⁶If the small number or the quality of the students is such that so many classes or teachers are not required, discretion will be used in everything to adjust the number by assigning those who suffice and no more.

[458] #

C. ¹Whether in addition to the ordinary masters who have special care of the students there ought to be some one or several who in, the capacity of public lecturers are to give lectures on philosophy or mathematics or some other subject with greater solemnity than the ordinary lecturers,²prudence will decide, in accordance with the places and persons involved, looking always to the greater edification and the greater service of God our Lord.

[459] #

D. ¹There will be repetitions not merely of the last lesson, but also of those of the week and of a longer time when it is judged that this ought to be the case.

[460] #

4. ¹Likewise, it will always be the function of the rector to see to it himself or through the chancellor that the newcomers are examined and placed in those classes and with those teachers that are suitable for them.²Furthermore, it is left to his discretion (after he has heard the counsel of those deputed for this purpose) to decide whether they ought to be retained longer in the same class or to advance into another.³So too in regard to the study of the languages other than Latin, he is to determine whether it should precede the arts and theology or follow them, and how long each should study these languages.⁴The same holds true for the other higher subjects. According to the difference of abilities, ages, and other circumstances that must be considered, it will be the rector’s function to investigate to what extent each student should begin these subjects or continue in them,⁵although it is better for those who have the age and ability to advance and distinguish themselves in all these areas for the glory of God our Lord See C-461.

[461] #

E. ¹It can happen that because of someone’s age or capacity Latin, together with as much of the other subjects as is required to hear confessions and deal with his neighbor, suffices for him.²Such might be certain persons who have a curacy of souls and are not capable of great learning.³Likewise, others may advance farther in the sciences, although it will be up to the superior to decide to what extent some subjects should be dropped and others taken up.⁴After he has explained this to the students from outside the Society and if they still desire to proceed differently, they should not be coerced.

[462] #

5. ¹Just as steady application is necessary in the work of studying, so also is some relaxation.²The proper amount and the times of this relaxation will be left to the prudent consideration of the rector to determine, according to the circumstances of persons and places See C-463

[463] #

F. ¹At least one day during the week should be given to rest from dinner on.²On the other points the rector should consult with the provincial about the order to be observed in regard to the vacations or ordinary interruptions of the studies.

CHAPTER 14: ¹THE BOOKS TO BE LECTURED ON #

[464] #

1. ²In general, as was stated in the treatise on the colleges, those books will be lectured on which in each subject have been deemed to contain more solid and safe doctrine; books which are suspect, or whose authors are suspect, will not be treated See C-465. But in each university these should be individually designated.³In theology there should be lectures on the Old and New Testaments and on the scholastic doctrine of St. Thomas See C-466; and in positive theology those authors should be selected who are more suitable for our end See C-467.

[465] #

A. ¹Even though the book be without suspicion of bad doctrine, when its author is suspect it is not expedient that it be lectured on.²For through the book affection is acquired for the author; and part of the credence given to him in what he says well could be given to him later in what he says badly.³Furthermore, it is rare that some poison is not mixed into what comes forth from a heart full of it.

[466] #

B. ¹The Master of the Sentences will also be lectured on.²But if in time it seems that the students will draw more help from another author, as would be the case through the writing of a compendium or book of scholastic theology that seems better adapted to these times of ours, it will be permitted to make this book the subject of the lectures,³after much consultation and study of the matter by the persons deemed most suitable in the whole Society and with the superior general’s approval.⁴In regard to the other subjects and humane letters too, if some books written in the Society are adopted as being more useful than those commonly used,⁵this will be done after much consideration, with our objective of greater universal good always kept in view.

[467] #

C. ¹For example, in connection with some section of canon law, the councils, and so on.

[468] #

2. ¹In regard to the books of humane letters in Latin or Greek, in the universities as well as in the colleges, lecturing to the adolescents on any book which contains matters harmful to good habits of conduct should be avoided, as far as possible, unless the books are previously expurgated of the indecent matters and words See C-469.

[469] #

D. ¹If some books, such as Terence, cannot be expurgated at all, it is better that they should not be lectured on,²in order that the nature of the contents may not injure the purity of the minds.

[470] #

3. ¹In logic, natural and moral philosophy, and metaphysics, the doctrine of Aristotle should be followed, as also in the other liberal arts.²In regard to the commentaries, both on these authors and on those treating humanities, a selection should be made. Those which the students ought to see should be designated, and also those which the masters ought to follow by preference in the doctrine they teach.³In everything which the rector ordains, he should proceed in conformity with what is judged throughout the whole Society to be more suitable to the glory of God our Lord.

CHAPTER 15: ¹THE TERMS AND DEGREES #

[471] #

1. ²In the study of humane letters and the languages no definite period of time for their completion can be established, because of the difference in abilities and knowledge of those who attend the lectures,³and because of many other reasons which permit no other prescription of time save that which the prudent consideration of the rector or chancellor will dictate for each student See C-472.

[472] #

A. ¹In the case of beginners of good ability, one should see whether a single semester in each of the four lower classes would be enough, and two semesters in the highest class spent in studying rhetoric and the languages.²However, no definite rule can be given.

[473] #

2. ¹In the arts, it will be necessary to arrange the terms during which the natural sciences are to be lectured upon. It seems that less than three years would be insufficient for them See C-474.²Another half year will remain for the student to review, perform his academic acts, and take the master’s degree in the case of those who are to receive degrees.³In this way the whole curriculum enabling a student to become a master of arts will last three years and a half. Each year with the help of God one such cycle of treatises will begin and another will come to its end See C-475.

[474] #

B. ¹If someone has attended the lectures on some part of the arts elsewhere, this can be taken into account,²But ordinarily, in order to be graduated one must have studied for the three years mentioned.³This holds true also for the four years of theology, in regard to being admitted to the acts and receiving a degree in it.

[475] #

C. ¹If because of insufficient personnel or for other reasons facilities for that arrangement are lacking,²the best that will be possible should be done, with the approval of the general or at least of the provincial.

[476] #

3. ¹The curriculum in theology will be one of six years. In the first four years all the matter which must be lectured on will be expounded. In the remaining two, in addition to the reviewing, the acts customary for a doctorate will be performed by those who are to receive it.²Ordinarily, the cycle of the curriculum will be begun every fourth year, and the books to be lectured on distributed so that a student can enter the curriculum at the start of any one of the four years See C-477³and, by attending the lectures on the rest of the four-year curriculum and the next one up to that point, will have heard the lectures of the entire curriculum within four years.

[477] #

D. ¹If in a college or university of the Society the situation is such that it appears better to begin the cycle of subjects every two years, or somewhat later than every four, with the consent of the general or of the provincial that which is found to be more suitable may be done.

[478] #

4. ¹In the matter of the degrees, both of master of arts and of doctor of theology, three things should be observed.²First, no one, whether a member of the Society or an extern, should be promoted to a degree unless he has been carefully and publicly examined See C-479 by persons deputed for this office, which they should perform well, and unless he has been found fit to lecture in that faculty.³Second, the door to ambition should be closed by giving no fixed places to those who receive degrees; rather, they should anticipate one another with honor, observing no distinction of places.⁴Third, just as the Society teaches altogether gratis, so should it confer the degrees completely free, and only a very small expenditure, even if it is voluntary, should be allowed to the extern students, so that the custom may not come to have the force of law and no excess in this matter may creep in with time See C-480.⁵The rector should also take care not to permit any of the teachers or other members of the Society to accept money or gifts, either for themselves or for the college, from any person for anything he has done to help him.⁶For according to our Institute, our reward should be only Christ our Lord who is “our reward exceedingly great“.

[479] #

E. ¹If it appears, for sufficiently weighty reasons, that someone ought not to be examined publicly, with the permission of the general or provincial that may be done which the rector judges will be for the greater glory of God our Lord.

[480] #

F. ¹Thus, banquets should not be permitted, nor other celebrations which are costly and not useful for our end.²Neither should there be any conferring of caps or gloves or any other object.

CHAPTER 16: ¹WHAT PERTAINS TO GOOD MORAL HABITS #

[481] #

1. ²Very special care should be taken that those who come to the universities of the Society to obtain knowledge should acquire along with it good and Christian moral habits.³It will help much toward this if all go to confession at least once every month, hear Mass every day and a sermon every feast day when one is given.⁴The teachers will take care of this, each one with his own students See C-482.

[482] #

A. ¹When this can be done easily, students should be obliged to what has been said about confession, Mass, the sermon, Christian doctrine, and declamation.²The others should be persuaded gently and not be forced to it nor expelled from the classes for not complying, provided that dissoluteness or scandal to others is not observed in them.

[483] #

2. ¹Furthermore, on some day of the week Christian doctrine should be taught in the college. Care should be taken to make the young boys learn and recite it; also, that all, even the older ones, should know it, if possible.

[484] #

3. ¹Likewise each week, as was said about the colleges, one of the students will deliver a declamation about matters which edify the hearers and lead them to desire to grow in all purity and virtue.²The purpose is not only practice in literary style but also the encouraging of moral habits See C-485.³All those who understand Latin ought to be present.

[485] #

B. ¹Usually the one who must deliver this declamation should be a member of the highest class, whether a scholastic of the Society or one of the externs.²At times, however, when it seems good to the rector, someone else could give it or deliver what another has composed. But no matter who delivers the declamation, since the performance is public, it ought to be such that it will not be judged unworthy of being given in that place.

[486] #

4. ¹In the classes no cursing, nor injurious words or deeds, nor anything immoral, nor anything indecent or dissolute should be allowed on the part of the externs who come to classes from elsewhere.²The masters should make it their special aim, both in their lectures when occasion is offered and outside of them too, to inspire the students to the love and service of God our Lord, and to a love of the virtues by which they will please him. They should urge the students to direct all their studies to this end.³To recall this to their minds, before the lesson begins, one of them should recite a short prayer which is ordered for this purpose, while the master and students stand attentive and have their heads uncovered See C-487.

[487] #

C. ¹The prayer should be recited in a manner which furthers edification and devotion, or else it should not be said, but the teacher should uncover his head, make the sign of the cross, and begin.

[488] #

5. ¹For those who are derelict either in proper diligence in their studies or in what pertains to good moral habits, and for whom kind words and admonitions alone are not sufficient,²there should be a corrector from outside the Society. He should keep in fear and should punish those who need chastisement and are fit for it.³When neither words nor the corrector avail and some student is seen to be incorrigible and a scandal to others,⁴it is better to dismiss him from the classes rather than to keep him where he himself is not progressing and others are receiving harm See C-489.⁵This decision will be left to the rector of the university, so that everything may proceed in a manner conducive to the glory and service of God our Lord.

[489] #

D. ¹If a case should arise in which dismissal from the classes is not enough to remedy the scandal, the rector will take care to provide what is more suitable.²However, as far as possible he ought to proceed in a spirit of leniency and to maintain peace and charity with all.

CHAPTER 17: ¹THE OFFICIALS OR ADMINISTRATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY #

[490] #

1. ²The complete charge, that is, the supervision and government of the university, will belong to the rector See C-491.³He may be the same person who governs the principal college of the Society and should have the qualities that have been mentioned in his regard, so that he may be able to perform satisfactorily the office entrusted to him of directing the whole university in learning and habits of conduct.⁴The task of selecting him will be vested in the general or in someone else to whom he entrusts it, such as the provincial or a visitor; but the confirmation of the appointment will always belong to the general. The rector will have four consultors or assistants who in general can aid him in matters pertaining to his office and with whom he discusses the matters of importance See C-492.

[491] #

A. ¹However, the rector will not change the principal lecturers, nor officials such as the chancellor, without informing the provincial, or the general if he is nearer (unless the higher superior has entrusted the matter to the rector). The rector ought to keep the higher superior informed about all things.

[492] #

B. ¹One of these consultors can be a collateral associate if this seems necessary to the superior general.²If the personnel is not sufficient to have so many officials, the best that will be possible should be done.

[493] #

2. ¹There will also be a chancellor See C-494, a person distinguished for learning and great zeal who is able to judge wisely in the matters which will be entrusted to him.²It is his duty to act as general representative of the rector in carefully organizing the studies, in directing the disputations in the public acts,³and in judging the competence of those to be admitted to the acts and degrees. He himself will confer the degrees.

[494] #

C. ¹If the rector can perform the office of chancellor in addition to his own, these two functions can be vested in one person.

[495] #

3. ¹There should be a secretary who is a member of the Society. He should keep a register in which are written the names of all the students who regularly attend the classes See C-496²and should receive their promise to obey the rector and observe the constitutions, which he ought to propose to them See C-497. He should keep the seal of the rector and of the university.³But all this should be done without cost to the students.

[496] #

D. ¹If they attend regularly for a week or longer, it is good to invite them to enter their names in the register.²The constitutions should be read to them, not in their entirety, but those which each student ought to observe. A promise, but not an oath, should be exacted from them to obey and observe the statutes proposed.³If some should be unwilling either to bind themselves with a promise or to enter their names in the register, the door of the classes should not for that reason be closed to them so long as they behave peacefully and give no scandal in the classes.⁴They should be told this, but also informed that more particular care is taken of the students entered in the register.

[497] #

E. ¹Later on, however, the constitutions which all ought to observe should be posted where they can be read publicly, and those pertaining to each class should be posted there.

[498] #

4. ¹There will also be a notary to give public certification to the degrees and other matters which will occur See C-499; and two or three beadles, one in the faculty of languages, another in that of arts, and another in that of theology See C-500.

[499] #

F. ¹This notary can receive a fee from the extern students who desire to have their degrees certified.²But this fee should be moderate and never redound to the gain of the Society. The letters patent of the rector will suffice for the members of the Society.

[500] #

G. ¹These beadles will not be members of the Society. However, since they will have much to do they should receive a good salary; and one of them can be the corrector.

[501] #

5. ¹The university will be divided into these three faculties.²In each one of them there will be a dean and two others assigned as deputies, chosen from among those who better understand the affairs of that faculty; these, when called into consultation by the rector, can tell him what they think would be advantageous for the welfare of their faculty.³When they perceive something of this kind while conferring among themselves, they should inform the rector even without being consulted.

[502] #

6. ¹In regard to the matters pertaining to one faculty alone the rector will consult, in addition to the chancellor and his assistants, the dean and the deputies of the faculty involved.²In what pertains to all the faculties, the deans and deputies of all of them should be consulted See C-503.³If it seems wise to the rector, he may also consult others from within and without the Society, in order that by learning the opinions of all he may the better decide upon what is expedient.

[503] #

H. ¹Although the decision will not depend upon their votes, it is proper that they be consulted and heard. The rector should take fitting account of the opinion of those who are more cognizant.²However, if all have an opinion contrary to his, he should not go against them all without consulting the provincial about the matter.

[504] #

7. ¹There will also be a general syndic who is to give information to the rector, the provincial, and the general about both the persons and the things which he will deem noteworthy See C-505. He should be a person of great fidelity and judgment.²In addition to this general syndic the rector will have his own particular syndic to refer to him what happens in each class and requires his intervention See C-506.³The rector will write about the teachers and other persons of the Society, and the collateral associate, the syndic, and the board of consultors will write about the rector and about the others once a year to the superior general and twice to the provincial See C-507, who will inform the general about whatever seems appropriate,⁴in order to proceed in everything with greater circumspection and care to do what each one should.

[505] #

I. ¹This office of syndic could be combined with that of collateral associate or consultor if this should seem fitting because no one better suited than one of them is to be found in the university.

[506] #

K. ¹Even if the syndics have no business of moment, they should report this fact to the superior, at least every Saturday.

[507] #

L. ¹These letters should be sent sealed in such a manner that one does not know what the other writes.²When the superior general or the provincial desires more complete information, not only should the collateral associate, syndic, and board of consultors write about the rector and all the others,³but each of the teachers and approved scholastics as well as of the formed coadjutors should write his opinion about all of them, the rector included.⁴So that this may not seem to be something new, this report should be written as something ordinary at least every three years.

[508] #

8. ¹Whether the rector, chancellor, and beadles and also the doctors and masters ought to have some insignia in order to be recognized in the university or at least during the public acts and,²if so, of what sort they ought to be, will be left to the consideration of him who is general at the time when a given university is accepted See C-509.³After considering the circumstances he will order, either by himself or through someone else, what he judges to be for the greater glory and service of God our Lord and for the universal good, which is the only end sought in this matter and in all others.

[509] #

M. ¹However, what seems best for each place in regard to these insignia will be clearly stated in the rules of each university.