Besides the above questions, a Canonical difficulty may some-
times arise in connection with the position of a Lay-Sister. It is
asked, can a nun, professed as a Choir-Sister, be transferred to the
state of a Lay-Sister, or one professed as a Lay-Sister to that of a
Choir-Sister ?

With reference to the first point, that is, a nun professed as a
Choir-Sister being transferred to the state of a Lay-Sister, it is said
that this can be done, because the slate of Religion is not changed,
hut remains intact. All agree in saying that such a change
should not be made without a grave and just reason, as, for example,
in punishment for some great fault, or incapacity for the func-
tions of a Choir-Sister, and I believe that it could not be effected
without the consent of the nun herself. A Sister thus transferred
would not be bound any longer to the Divine Office ; because
the custom and obligation of the Office only binds the Choir
Sisters^ and when one ceases to be a Choir-Sister this obligation
ceases also as far as she is concerned.
As to the second part of the question, namely, the transfer of
aLay-Sisterto the state of a Choir-Sister, it is not quiteso certain
whether this can be done. Some declare it to be lawful, for the
reason assigned above, that is, because the state of Religion is not
thereby changed. When, however, the change is to be made
there are three conditions required : i. A just and grave cause.
