becomes in a special way a child of Mary, and ought therefore strive to gain her patronage. The observance of the rules will powerfully help to attain this object, because such observance brings with it the exercise of Christian virtues, and implies certain progress in the way of God. And since this Congregation is the Primaria, that is, first not merely in origin, but, in addition, on it all the others scattered throughout the world are modelled, and through it receive a share in the Indulgences granted so plentifully by the Roman Pontiff, it is only right that the Prima Primaria take precedence of all other Congregations in the exact observance of rules. In this way the Brothers should give edification to all, and afford a stimulus to the practice of virtue in devotion to the Blessed Virgin. They should endeavour in every manner to spread and increase this devotion.

17. Let every one show esteem and love for the Congregation, and be energetic for its preservation and progress. This is helped forward (1) by regular attendance, (2) by putting their services at the disposal of the Congregation, (3) by assisting it, so far as they can, with pecuniary offerings, especially on those days assigned for the collections.

18. The rules in this and in the first and seventh chapters shall be read publicly once a year in the Congregation immediately following the election of the new officers. On that day the exhortation can be omitted at the discretion of the Father Director. The officers shall read the rules, each of his own office, more frequently during the year.

CHAPTER IV.

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CONGREGATION BY THE SUPERIORS AND OFFICERS.

I. THE immediate Superior of the Prima Primaria, in virtue of the Apostolic Constitutions, is the Father General of the Society of Jesus. To him consequently belongs the government of the Congregation. It is in his power to make laws, revoke, or modify them, since everything depends on his authority.

2. The Father General is represented in the Congregation by a Father of the Roman College who has the title of Director. To the Director a Socius or Assistant is assigned, usually a student of theology. His duty is to help the Father Director, to supply his place (when the

Father Director is hindered from assisting) in all that concerns the duties of the Congregation. 3. The officers of the Congregation are the following:

The Prefect, who is above all the others, and presides in the Congregation when the Father Director is unable. There are two Assistants to help the Prefect, a Secretary, Novice-Master, and, finally, eighteen Brothers of matured years and experience, called Consultors. These, united to the Prefect, form the foundation and the support of the Congregation. In addition to these officers there is the Archivist, four Monitors, the Treasurer, the Librarian, six Sacristans, four Visitors of the Sick, three Lectors, four Chanters, four Clerks or Servers at the altar, two Prickers; lastly, a Vice-Secretary, Vice-Archivist, Vice-Treasurer, Vice-Librarian.

CHAPTER V.

THE COUNCIL AND ITS FUNCTIONS.

1. THE Council is composed of the Father Director, who presides, of his Assistant, of the Prefect, the two Assistants, the Secretary, NoviceMaster, eighteen Consultors, twelve fixed, six

elected annually. All these officers have a right

to vote.

2. The Archivist, the Monitors, the Librarian, and one of the Visitors of the Sick can assist only when summoned to give necessary information. They have only a right to speak, but they assist by right and have a right to vote if they be among the Consultors.

3. Council shall not be legal unless the Father Director be present, except he may have intimated his voluntary absence. He shall then be represented by a Father appointed by him or by the Prefect. To have a legal meeting of Council the Prefect also must assist with the Secretary or Vice-Secretary, and at least eight Consultors, amongst whom the Assistants may be reckoned.

4. The functions of Council are laid down in the different chapters of the present rules.

Το

5. The Father Director and the Prefect propose the subjects to be treated in Council. no one else is it allowed to bring forward any measure which has not been previously approved by the Father Director, as is observed in the rules of the Consultors. If any one does not consider it expedient to mention his proposals viva voce, he can, before the Congregation opens,

present them in writing to the Father Director, or, in the latter's absence, to the Prefect. Should they consider them worthy of being laid before Council, they shall read them publicly, retaining the paper that the handwriting may not be known.

6. The meetings of Council shall be every three months, not on a day of General Communion. In extraordinary cases, Council shall be convened whenever the Father Director and the Prefect may deem it expedient.

7. At every meeting the Father Director, or, in his absence, the Prefect, shall submit the three following points to the examination of the Consultors :

(1) If any abuse has been introduced into the Congregation, or any unpleasantness contrary to rule, and, if so, how can and ought a remedy be applied.

(2) If there be any proposal to promote the improvement and spiritual progress of the Congregation.

(3) If there be anything to be noticed or corrected in the performance of the duties proper to each officer.

These three points shall be treated separately

with leisure and prudence, and each Consultor,