CHAPTER VI

On the care of the infirm

17.

  If any Brother or Sister has fallen into infirmity, let there be no one to deny a helping hand [operam suam adiutricem]; but it will be fitting [congruum] for the Superiors to arrange services [servitium] on behalf of the infirm. Let the rest, not assigned to such services, not be disgusted to visit the infirm, and to comfort (them) with consoling words. Let all with a glad spirit be responsible for [praestent] the offices of charity not only to the infirm, but also to the aged, or those indigent in another manner, just as befits [decet] the sons of the Seraphic Father.