1. The brethren will attend
chapter meetings of the Order whenever they are required to do so by the
competent authority; If they are prevented from attending for some serious
reason they will not fail to obtain a dispensation in good time, or if this is
impossible, to make an explanation without delay; for politeness is a
spontaneous expression of brotherly love for a knight. Command chapters will
take place at least once a month; if possible at least eight days notice shall be
given. The date will be chosen by the commander, in consultation with the
chaplain, having regard for the convenience of the majority.
2. The chapter will begin with
prayer. One of the brethren will then read a portion of the Rule, which will be
commented on by the commander or the chaplain. Next, the commander will give
the news of the Order and will deal with matters on the agenda; he will hear
reports of activities and apportion the various tasks to be accomplished by
the next chapter. Finally, there will be the prescribed prayers, the recitation
of the Code of Honour and the blessing given by the chaplain, if present.
If a special chapter meeting
is to follow immediately, the commander will say Loquamur de ordine nostro, and all those who are not members of the
chapter will leave the room. The commander will then deal with matters reserved
for this meeting, and will take counsel over the decisions concerning the
government of the command. Next will follow the chapter of faults against the
Rule: first of all by brothers at arms and squires, then, once these have gone
out, by the donats and knights. The chaplain shall impose a slight penance as
mentioned in Chapter 6, and then proceedings will be brought to a close with
the verse adjutorium nostrum.
Except for postulants, no
strangers may attend a chapter unless expressly invited by the commander. All
that is said during the chapter and particularly during the closed meeting,
must be regarded as confidential, following the monastic and chivalrous custom[1]
(146), except as regards the ecclesiastical Hierarchy.
3. The brethren must remember
that a chapter is not an ordinary meeting where worldly matters are dealt with,
nor an opportunity to discourse on any subject according to individual whims,
but a sacred meeting under the eye of God, to consider questions relevant to
His Reign.
Each shall therefore take care
to behave irreproachably, to refrain from private conversation and to remain
silent during the meeting except when called upon to speak.
The Brethren who have sought
and been given permission to speak shall do so clearly, with moderation and
without raising their voices; if it happens that two of them are of differing
opinions on any question discussed, in chapter, concerning for example a new activity
to be undertaken or not, they will defend their points of view calmly and with
charity, without rancour or pride; and they will gladly submit to the decision
of the commander, whatever it may be. For he who remains in humility and
obedience is sure of never making a mistake.
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