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A formal precept which binds under pain of grave fault:

1. shall not be imposed unless there is question of matter which our laws regard as serious either in itself or from the circumstances, this after prudent consideration and sufficient investigation, and only in a case of true necessity;
2. must always be given in writing, for a specified period and must state clearly what is to be done or what is to be omitted;
3. must be given in the requisite formula: ‘we command (or we forbid) in virtue of obedience.’