Article 2

Some teachings set out by way of preamble, for the explanation and answer in this matter.

THE female sex is the sex of subjection: therefore by divine, natural and positive law it belongs to women to be governed by men, and to be instructed and to obey. For this reason the Apostle said: Let the woman learn in silence, with all subjection; but I do not permit a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over the man, but to be in silence.¹ Hence sacred Orders, such as the priesthood, the diaconate and the subdiaconate, are not conferred on them; nor may they preach in public: yet in the convents and congregations over which they preside, Abbesses, Prioresses and Mothers may and must set forth the word of God to the Sisters in chapter and teach it, and rebuke and correct, but under the direction of their Fathers, prelates and confessors, by whom at fixed and set times they are to be visited, instructed and (if need be) rebuked and corrected. For women are defective in their natural powers and weak in reason, and much given to their impressions and affections, and indeed to their passions: hence it often happens that what is denied or forbidden them they desire more intensely; and by their disposition they are inclined to wordiness, frivolity and laughter. Hence too, whatever they are, they are to excess. For those who by natural disposition or habit are irascible or cruel are so beyond all measure, and are poor at restraining themselves. And although this is so in the common course of things, yet by a special gift of God some women are by their natural disposition well inclined and apt to virtue, uprightness and prudence, and to true devotion and religious life, especially with the help of God's grace and through the virtues infused by the Holy Spirit. But laws and statutes look to what holds for the most part and more commonly.

From this it is clear that although all religious persons must, yet women especially must give themselves to all subjection and humility, and receive instruction willingly and gladly, and in no way be stubborn or unyielding in their own opinion. For, as the Apostle testifies, the man was not seduced into the transgression, but the woman.² Moreover, although religious women must obey their Mothers promptly and diligently in what belongs to the observance of the rule, nevertheless in sacramental matters, that is, in what concerns the use, reception and practice of the sacraments, they must always obey their prelates and confessors wholly, with all humility and fear of God and reverence: because in these matters it is not their spiritual Mothers but their Fathers who have jurisdiction, dispensation and government over them.