Having entered the chancel, Ambrose knelt down, turning towards the Superior and the Brothers, who stood in a semi-circle before him.
The Superior then inquired of him, ‘Wherefore art thou come hither, my brother, and art kneeling before this sanctuary, and before the sacred Brotherhood?’
He responded: ‘From the desire to lead a holy life of self-renunciation.’
‘Dost thou desire to be reckoned worthy of being received as a monk, and a partner of the Brethren’s sacred company?’
‘I do, by the help of God, Reverend Father,’ responded the novice.
The Superior commended his good intention, and said:
‘Yea, verily, it is a beautiful and laudable service to which thou art now consecrating thy life. Mayest thou also fulfil thy vows! But so grave an undertaking cannot be faithfully borne without toil, and self-denial, and prayer.’ [[74]]
Then the Superior again demanded: ‘Is it of thine own free will that thou hast come hither before the Lord?’
‘Yea, Reverend Father.’
‘Not by necessity, nor by force?’