The Rule of St. Benedict · 48 of 69

Chapter 52: Concerning the oratory of the monastery

The oratory shall be that which it is called; nor shall any thing else be done there or placed there. When the Divine Service is ended, let all go out with perfect silence and let reverence be paid to God: so that a brother who perchance especially desires to pray for himself, may not be impeded by the wickedness of another. But, if another wishes perchance to pray more secretly for himself, he shall simply enter and pray; not with a clamorous voice, but with tears, and inclining his heart. Therefore he who does not perform a similar act, shall not be permitted, when the. Divine Service is ended, to remain in the oratory—as has been said—lest another suffer hindrance.