[De horis canonicis]

opinion is commonly held, saying that the beneficed one, even if he exists in minor orders, is obligated to perform these hours personally, by the laws allegated above in the question which begins: "I ask who is held to these hours," etc., and in the question following and following it. For the benefice is given on account of the office, as in the chapter "If," in rescripts, Book VI. And this labor consists in labor and personal action, whence it cannot be dispatched by another. This is supported by the first Clementine, allegated above, in the words "the fruit of his labors." Therefore, [it must be done] by himself and not by another, because his industry is seen to be chosen for this. This is supported by the chapter "If," concerning delegated offices. And although perhaps because of the burden incumbent upon the benefice and because of his absence, he might have it served by another, nevertheless he will not be excused from saying the hours.

And although our text speaks of a presbyter, nevertheless it is the same for a deacon and subdeacon and for one established in minor orders, provided he is beneficed, according to the common opinion of the doctors. And note that this word "presbyter" is taken broadly here, just as in the chapter "In the matter of," concerning the life and honesty of clerics, and in the chapter 2, concerning cohabiting clerics, and in the chapter "No one," 7, concerning [laws]. Not by reason of order, if he is not established in sacred orders, but by reason of the benefice conferred upon him, he will be forced to say the office. And in this, custom is not valid since it would tend toward the diminution of divine worship. This is supported by the chapter "If," in rescripts, Book VI, and the chapter "Plenary," concerning constitutions. Of this, it was spoken above in the question which begins: "I ask who is held to these hours," and see there, etc.

I ask next, who is allowed to enter the choir when divine offices are celebrated or read. Answer: According to Thomas, it is allowed for all clerics, even those simply tonsured, to enter the choir and officiate with others. This is supported by the chapter "Psalm," 73, Distinction. Except, however, those churches that, by special statute or ancient custom, do not admit extraneous clerics unless they are beneficed in the same church or hold offices, or are family members of the beneficed or officials of that same church.

In the church of Piacenza, of which I am archpresbyter, although unworthy, it is the custom that no one is admitted with others in the choir with habit or surplice to sing unless he is beneficed or holds an office in it, nor even family members.