XX. Let the cellaress of the monastery be chosen from the congregation: wise, of mature character, sober, not overbold, not haughty, not turbulent, not injurious, not prodigal, but fearing God, and let her be as a mother to the whole congregation, bearing care for all. Let her do nothing without the abbess's command; let her keep what is enjoined upon her; let her not grieve the sisters. If perhaps some sister ask of her some unreasonable things, let her not grieve her by spurning her, but reasonably and with humility deny the one who asks. Let her guard her own soul, ever mindful of that apostolic saying, that he who has ministered well acquires for himself a good standing (1 Tim. 3).
Let her bear care with all solicitude for the sick, for children, for guests, for the poor, knowing without doubt that for all these she will render an account on the day of judgment. Let her regard all the vessels of the monastery and its whole substance as if they were the sacred vessels of the altar; let her count nothing to be neglected, nor be given to avarice, nor be a prodigal squanderer of the monastery's substance, but let her do all things by measure, and according to the abbess's command; above all let her have humility; and when there is no substance to be bestowed, let a good word of response be extended, as it is written: 'A good word is above the best gift' (Sir. 18). Let her have under her care all things that the abbess shall enjoin upon her; from those things which she forbids her, let her not presume.
Let her offer to the sisters the appointed allowance without any word or delay, that they be not scandalized, mindful of the divine word, what he deserves who has scandalized one of the little ones (Matt. 18). If the congregation be larger, let helpers be given her, aided by whom she may with even mind fulfill the office committed to her. At the proper hours let the things to be given be given, and the things to be asked be asked, that no one be disturbed and grieved in the house of God. XXI. At the gate of the monastery let there be placed an aged sister, wise, who knows how to receive and to render an answer, whose maturity does not let her wander about. Who—
this portress ought to have a cell next to the gate, so that those who come may always find her present, from whom they may receive an answer; and as soon as anyone knocks, or a poor person cries out, let her answer 'Thanks be to God,' and bless with all the gentleness of fear, rendering an answer speedily, with haste and the fervor of charity. This portress, if she needs help, let her take a younger sister. Amen.