The abbot asks: "Brother (name), do you renounce the world and all its vain and empty shows?" The novice replies: "I do."
The abbot: "Do you promise conversion of life?" The novice: "I do."
The abbot: "Do you promise perfect obedience to the rule of St. Benedict?" The novice: "I do."
The abbot: "And may God give you his aid."
Then the novice, or someone for him, reads his written promise, and places it first upon his head and then upon the altar. Then he prostrates himself upon the ground with his arms spread out in the form of a cross, saying the verse: "Receive me, O Lord," etc. During the "Gloria patri," the "Kyrie, eleison," the "Pater noster," and the litany, the novice remains prostrate before the altar, until the end of the service. And the brothers in the choir shall kneel while the litany is being said. Then shall be said the prayers for the occasion as commanded by the fathers. Immediately after the communion and before these prayers, the new garments, which had been folded and placed before the altar, shall be blessed, being touched with holy oil and sprinkled with water which has been blessed by the abbot. After the mass is finished, the novice, rising from the ground, puts off his old garments and puts on the robes which have just been blessed, while the abbot recites: "Exuat te Dominus," etc. Then the abbot and after him all the brothers in turn give the new member the kiss of peace. He shall keep perfect silence for three days after this, going about with his head covered and receiving the communion every day.
259. Offering of a Child to the Monastery.
Migne, 66, col. 842.
I dedicate this boy, in the name of God and his holy saints, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ as a monk, and to remain in this holy life all his days until his final breath.
260. Offering of a Child to the Monastery.
Migne, 66, col. 842.