THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS AND ORDINATIONS
OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS (LCO)
Ordinations are marked with an asterisk. ( * )
SECOND DISTINCTION
ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ORDER

SECOND SECTION

ON GOVERNMENT ITSELF

First Section: General Norms:
Second Section: On Government Itself:
Chapters:
  1. on the government of a convent; §298
  2. of a province; §338
  3. of the whole Order. §396
Third Section: On Elections:
Fourth Section: On Economic Administration:
297. bis. In transacting business, that factor has the force of law which, the majority of those who must be convoked being present, is satisfactory to the majority absolutely, that is, which exceeds half the number of votes cast without counting invalid votes and abstentions, canon 127, paragraph I, being observed.

Chapter XIII

ON THE GOVERNMENT OF A CONVENT

Art. I -- On the Conventual Prior

298. A conventual prior has ordinary power according to the norm of law, both for the internal forum and the external forum, for the brothers assigned to his convent or residing there.
299. A prior, "not taking pleasure in ruling but in serving with charity"(1):
1. should promote regular and apostolic fraternal life;

2. should provide for the brethren's needs;

3. should be concerned that the brethren fulfill their own obligations.
* 300. A prior should:
1. frequently preach the word of God to the brethren and offer the Sacrifice of the Mass for them;

2. should willingly seek the advice of the brethren, encourage them to be responsible, and foster the collaboration of all for the good of the community and the salvation of mankind.
301. I.   Ordinarily a prior takes office by canonical election confirmed by a superior. He continues in office not beyond three years, after which the same office can be accepted again, but not immediately for a third term in the same convent.

II.   His term of office begins from the date of acceptance and is terminated on the same date at the end of three years.

* 302. I.   If it should happen that a prior's three-year term of office is terminated within the three months which precede the celebration of a provincial chapter or the election of a prior provincial, the prior's authority is extended until the completion of the chapter, or if a prior provincial is elected outside a chapter, until the prior provincial has taken office.

II.   Where, for a just cause, it may seem not to be expedient that the election of a prior be celebrated within a month after a vacancy of the office, the prior provincial, having consulted the chapter of the convent, can appoint the out-going prior or the subprior in capite as his vicar for the government of the convent for not longer than six months, unless within that six-month period a provincial chapter is to be celebrated.

* 303. If he judges it opportune, a prior can appoint as his vicar any priest assigned to his convent who shall have whatever authority the prior shall have granted to him.
* 304. In the absence of the prior, the subprior, and the vicar, the priest who is older in the order of profession, having active voice and assigned to the convent, shall be regarded as vicar.
* 305. A prior who is prevented by illness from properly fulfilling his duties shall resign from office if hope of recovering his health is not evident within six months.
* 306. At the end of his term of office, a prior shall present a report on his administration according to the procedure given in the statute of each province.

Art. II -- On the Conventual Chapter

307. The conventual chapter is a gathering of the brethren under the chairmanship of the prior to consider or to resolve those matters which pertain to the common and apostolic life as well as to the good administration of the convent.
308. I.   The brethren who enjoy active voice in the convent belong to the chapter.

II.   When there is a question of acceptance for profession, all solemnly professed brothers have a vote and must be convoked in accord with n. 208.

* 309. I.   There shall be a secretary for the chapter elected by the chapter in a single scrutiny.

II.   At the prior's discretion and with the consent of the chapter, the professed brethren who are non-vocals can occasionally be summoned and heard without, however, having a vote.

310. It is the business of the chapter:
1. to elect the prior as well as a socius or socii of the prior going to a provincial chapter, n.490 being observed;

2. to give consent to the appointment or removal of a subprior when the prior proposes this;

3. to elect the members of the conventual council according to the norm of n. 315, 2;

4. to vote in accord with nn. 192, 197, 202, 206, and 207 for the admission of brothers to profession;

5. to send to a provincial and a general chapter petitions or questions to be examined there;

6. to elect a conventual lector.
* 311. I.   It is also the business of the chapter:
1. to organize community life within the limits of our laws in matters which are left to the discretion of the convent according to the determination of a provincial chapter;

2. to treat matters that in the chairman's view are more serious concerning the apostolate and the temporal administration of the convent, while preserving the rights of the prior provincial.

3. In order that the common life serve the apostolate and be enriched by the work of the brethren, each convent should work out its own program or schema of apostolic life. The schema, prepared and reviewed by all, should be approved by the prior provincial. In this way individual activity approved neither by the community nor by the prior provincial will be eliminated.
II.   A provincial chapter shall determine what matters are to be determined with a decisive vote in the conventual chapter.
* 312. I.   The right of convening the chapter, which must be held several times a year, pertains to the chairman alone.

II.   The convening of the chapter must always be done publicly and in writing.

III.   Before the chapter, capitulars can propose matters to be discussed to the chairman; if one-third of the chapter proposes some business, the chairman is obliged to present it for discussion. During the chapter, no business shall be proposed unless the chairman shall have given consent for it or shall have called for it.

IV.   Lest anything to be decided in chapter should be proposed abruptly, the entire agenda shall be made known to the vocals at least a day or two before the chapter is assembled provided there is no danger in delay.

V.   When there is a question of admission to profession, at least half must be present of those who have voice and reside habitually in the convent.

VI.   The chairman can determine what must be kept secret.

* 313. I.   In reaching decisions a simple majority of votes, not counting abstentions, is sufficient, canon 127, paragraph I, being observed.

II.   If the votes are tied, the chairman can postpone the decision for a short time before he settles the matter.

III.   Ordinarily matters shall be decided by secret votes.

Art. III -- On the Conventual Council

314. The conventual council, under the chairmanship of the prior, is a gathering of the brethren whose consent or advice he is obliged to seek according to our laws.
315. The members of the council are:
1. the subprior;

2. at least two brothers who are vocals but never more than eight, elected for three years by the conventual chapter and approved by the prior provincial. The number of those to be elected shall be decided by the chapter itself;

3. in convents of formation, moreover, the master of novices and of student and cooperator brothers, as well as the moderator of the center for institutional studies.
* 315. bis. In convents where there are eight or fewer vocals, upon a petition of the conventual chapter, the prior provincial can grant that the council of this convent not be distinct from the chapter. (A-240)
* 316. The secretary of the council is elected by the council itself in a single scrutiny; if he is not one of its members, he has no vote. He shall record in a book reserved for this purpose the matters discussed and the resolutions of the council.
* 317. I.   Except in cases expressly stated in the law, the votes of the council are decisive and not merely consultative.

II.   In more urgent cases when more members cannot be present, it is necessary that at least two councillors besides the chairman be present. (O-240; MC-278)

III.   The syndic shall always be summoned to participate in council deliberations without, however, having a vote unless he is already a member of the council.

IV.   Other officials of the convent shall be summoned to the council to be heard when the business to be dealt with pertains to their office.

318. It is the business of the council:
1. to give consent for the appointment or removal of the syndic;

2. to vote in accord with nn. 192, 197, 202, 206, and 207 for the admission of brothers to profession;

3. to dismiss both a postulant and a novice in an urgent case;

4. to give the de moribus approval required by our legislation for those about to take examinations or to receive orders;

5. to approve the report of the syndic and of other administrators as well as to decide all other matters concerning economic administration in accord with nn. 563,I, and 568;

6. to decide all those matters which are left by a provincial chapter to the review and decision of the council.
* 319. The council shall meet at least once a month and shall conduct its business according to the rules given above for the conventual chapter, nn. 312 and 313.

Art. IV -- On the Officials of a Convent

320. The subprior takes the place of the prior and provides him assistance in the administration of the convent.
321. The subprior shall have the qualifications required in n.443, I and II.   
* 322. I.   A subprior is to be appointed by the prior within three months after he accepts the office of prior, according to the norm of number 310 , # 2.If he is not appointed within this period, the right of appointing him reverts to the prior provincial. He can be reappointed to a second term immediately but not to a third term without the consent of the prior provincial.

II.   The subprior remains in office until the newly elected prior appoints a subprior according to the norm of paragraph I.   

III.   If the subprior ceases to hold office for some other reason the prior must appoint a new subprior within a month; otherwise the right of appointing him reverts to the prior provincial. (I, II, III: MC-279; C-175)

* 323. Ordination abrogated. (O-242; MC-280)
* 324. In the absence of the prior, the subprior can preside over the conventual chapter and council and can also appoint a vicar for a short time.
325. When a prior leaves office, the subprior is designated in capite, and from then until a new prior is present in the convent, the subprior by virtue of his office has the same authority and jurisdiction as a prior.
* 326. A subprior in capite cannot make notable changes in the convent and is obliged to present a report on his administration to the new prior in the presence of the council.
326. bis. I.   A conventual lector is elected for three years by the conventual chapter and is confirmed by the prior provincial.

II.   It is the duty of a conventual lector, according to the determinations of a provincial chapter: 1. to promote a study of the questions which might be connected with the program of those matters which the conventual chapter has decided (n. 307) are to be done in the apostolic life;

2. to see to it that the decisions of the commission on the intellectual life of the province which have been confirmed by the prior provincial are put into practice in his convent;

3. to promote conferences on contemporary questions;

4. to promote the permanent formation of the community as a help to the prior.
327. The syndic of the convent, under the direction of the prior, is the administrator of temporal goods; he exercises his office according to the norms established for administration.
* 328. I.   Any brother enjoying active voice can be appointed syndic of the convent provided he is truly qualified for this office.

II.   He is appointed for a three-year period and can be appointed immediately for another three years but not for a third time except with the consent of the prior provincial.

* 329. I.   When the office of syndic is vacant, the prior is obliged to see to the appointment of a new syndic within a month, observing n.318,1.

II.   A conventual prior is forbidden to fulfill the office of syndic himself.

* 330. A prior with the consent of the conventual council appoints the sacristan and the librarian. For the apppointment of other officials he may deem useful he does not need the consent of the council. (O-244; MC-282)

A provincial chapter shall determine the conditions, length of service, duties, and other opportune matters for each official.

Art. V -- On the Government of Houses


331. A superior in his house has ordinary power according to the norm of law just as a prior in his convent and is bound by the same obligations, the necessary modifications having been observed.
332. I.   A superior of a house is appointed for three years by the prior provincial, having consulted the brethren of the house, or by the regional prior if this concerns a brother assigned in a regional vicariate and unless the statutes of the vicariate provide otherwise. He can be appointed in the same manner for another three years immediately following, but not for a third time.

II.   The three-year period having elapsed, the prior provincial or regional prior is obliged to appoint a superior within a month. However, a superior of a house shall remain in office until his successor is present in the house, unless the prior provincial shall have determined otherwise.

* 333. The council of a house shall not be distinct from the chapter. The superior, however, shall decide nothing without consulting the vocals or obtaining their consent in those matters for which a conventual prior needs advice or consent.
* 334. In case of necessity, according to the judgment of the prior provincial, the superior himself can discharge the office of syndic.
* 335. I.      1. A filial house dependent on a convent can be established by a provincial chapter;
2. the superior of the convent shall appoint the vicar, who acts in all matters according to the directions given him by the same superior.
II.   Norms for the manner of appointing the vicar, for sending the brethren to a filial house, and for their rights and obligations in relation to the convent shall be determined by the provincial chapter.

III.   The brethren living in a filial house, although assigned to the convent, shall not be counted to make up the total number of brethren required for a convent properly so called.

* 336. The provincial chapter shall determine norms for the brethren living outside a convent or house, especially concerning their rights and obligations toward the convent of their assignment.
* 337. What has been established above for convents and houses holds good also for convents and houses which are immediately subject to the Master of the Order, unless in a particular case the Master of the Order himself shall have determined otherwise.

Chapter XIV

ON THE GOVERNMENT OF A PROVINCE

Art. I -- On the Prior Provincial


338. I.   The prior provincial is a major superior and the proper ordinary of the brethren.

II.   In his province he has power corresponding to that which the Master of the Order has in the whole Order, and with greater authority, to the power a conventual prior has in his own convent.

339. The duties of the prior provincial include:
1. he should strive with all his abilities to promote in his province the spirit and authentic life of the Order. Discerning the signs of the times, he should encourage the brethren to serve the people of God in the ministry of the word as diligently as possible;

2. he should have the common good of the Order very much at heart. He should willingly report to the Master of the Order on the life of the brethren and their apostolate, and he should foster collaboration between the provinces of the Order;

3. he should promote cooperation between the province and the hierarchy and between the province and other religious families so that the needs of the local church may be understood better and provided for more fully.
* 340. The prior provincial is obliged to visitate his whole province twice in four years by himself if he can or by someone else. He shall, however, visitate the convents of the novitiate and the studentate each year.
* 341. The prior provincial:
1. at the end of a visitation shall convey to the brethren his observations and ordinations in writing;

2. after a visitation he shall report to the Master of the Order, both on the brethren, whether "they are persevering in peace, assiduous in study, fervent in preaching,"(2) and faithful in regular observance, and on the relationships between the province and convents and the ecclesiastical authorities;

3. within three months before leaving office, he shall send a report on the state of the province to the Master of the Order, in such a way that it reaches him before the new election.
* 342. The prior provincial shall have a register in which he shall record his activities.
343. Ordinarily, a prior provincial takes office by canonical election confirmed by a superior, and he continues in that office for four years. He can be elected to another four years but not immediately for a third time unless the required interval of time has been dispensed.
* 344. I.   The four-year term is computed from one provincial chapter to another, disregarding the few days, weeks, or months which occasionally fall short of or exceed the completion of the four-year period, and it is terminated on the day immediately before the vigil of the beginning of the provincial chapter.

II.   If it should happen that a prior provincial's four-year term ends when the Order has no Master or within four months before a general chapter (see n. 354, I), in either case it is understood that his term is extended until the following provincial chapter which will be celebrated after the completion of the general chapter.(A-247; O-246)

345. I.   A prior provincial can at will appoint any priest as his vicar whether over the whole province or over any part of it.

II.        1. A vicar provincial appointed in this way has whatever authority the prior provincial shall have granted excepting always the appointment or removal of superiors;

2. the vicar's office expires with that of the prior provincial who made the appointment.
* 346. When he leaves his province or, in any case, the country, the prior provincial should appoint a vicar.

If no vicar shall have been designated, the socius of the prior provincial becomes the vicar ipso facto unless the provincial chapter shall have determined otherwise.

Art. II -- On the Vicar of the Province


347. The vicar of the province has the same authority as the prior provincial.
* 348. I.   When a prior provincial leaves office in accord with n.344,I, the vicar of the province, according to the determination made in the statute of the province will be: either the prior of the convent where the next provincial chapter is to be celebrated or, if that convent does not have a prior at that time, the prior of the convent where the last chapter was celebrated and so on back -- or the prior provincial himself who has left office.

II.   When the prior provincial leaves office for any other reason, the vicar of the province will be the socius of that provincial up to the day immediately before the vigil of the provincial chapter, from which day the vicar will be the conventual prior where the next provincial chapter is to be celebrated or if that convent does not have a prior at that time, the prior of the convent where the last chapter was celebrated and so on back. If there is no socius, the procedure of paragraph I should be followed. (QC-240; W-248)

III.   When a prior provincial is prevented from exercising jurisdiction, recourse must be made to the Master of the Order. If recourse is not possible, the socius of the prior provincial becomes the vicar of the province, as given above in paragraph II.   

IV.   A prior provincial who is prevented by illness from properly fulfilling his duties without hope of recovering health within six months, shall resign from office.

V.   If he cannot express his desire to resign or does not wish to do so, the socius of the prior provincial must summon the provincial council and preside over it even without the prior provincial. This council can have recourse to the Master of the Order who shall convoke an extraordinary elective chapter (see n.351, II) or appoint the vicar of the province as the vicar of the Master of the Order.

* 349. The vicar of the province remains in office until the newly elected or postulated prior provincial is present in the place where the chapter is being held who, from that moment, shall discharge the office of vicar of the province and preside over the chapter.
* 350. Anyone who shall have discharged the office of vicar of the province on the death or removal of the prior provincial must give a report on his administration to the provincial chapter.

Art. III -- On the Provincial Chapter


351. I.   A provincial chapter, over which the vicar of the province or the prior provincial presides, is a gathering of the brethren who meet to discuss and to decide those things which pertain to the fraternal and apostolic life and to the good administration of a province as well as to hold elections for a province.

II.   Besides the ordinary chapter mentioned in the preceding paragraph, an extraordinary chapter solely for carrying out the election of a prior provincial can be held.

* 352. The vocals of a provincial chapter are:

I.      1. regional priors;

2. vicars provincial elected according to the norm of n.389;

3. conventual priors; the subprior if the prior cannot be present on account of sickness or another grave reason approved by the prior provincial. (MC-283; C-178)

4. socii of priors going to a chapter, in accord with the norm of n.490;

5. delegates of the brethren, in accord with the norm of nn. 497-501;

6. a delgate of a non-prioral house with at least four brothers enjoying active voice in the territory of any nation where there is not another house of the same province. (B-263)

7. the prior provincial who immediately before the chapter completed his term of office in that province.
II.   If the number of vocals of a provincial chapter elected according to the norm of the constitutions is less than twenty, the statute of the province can provide -- but if the number is less than ten, it must provide -- for supplementary vocals who, however, shall be not more than three. These vocals are to be constituted by election and not by personal right.

III.   If it shall have been determined in the statute of the province, a non-prioral house can send one delegate to a provincial chapter, in a manner equivalent to a convent, when the house is established in a foreign nation where no presence of the same province exists. (T-87; MA-139;addition in italics by A-248; material in bold abrogated by B-263 )

353. A chapter shall be celebrated regularly every four years or when a prior provincial is to be elected and, indeed, at a time determined by provincial custom.
* 354. I.   If, however, it should happen that the chapter is to be held within six months before a general chapter, counting from the first day of the month determined in the acts for its celebration, the provincial chapter shall be postponed until after the promulgation of the acts of the general chapter to a date which the Master of the Order shall have designated after consulting the prior provincial.

II.   The celebration of a provincial chapter shall not be omitted even if a prior provincial has already been appointed.

III.   If it should happen that a prior provincial ceases to hold office before the end of the four-year term, when a general chapter has already been convoked but three months before its celebration, the Master of the Order, upon the petition of the council of the province, can allow the celebration of an extraordinary provincial chapter for electing a prior provincial (see nn. 503,II, and 351,II). (MA-94; abrogated by Avila, A-249)

* 355. The chapter, which the vocals shall not fail to attend, shall be convoked by the prior provincial or by the vicar of the province at least three months before it is to be celebrated.
* 356. When the letter of convocation has been received:
1. the election of delegates mentioned in n.352, I,5, shall be held and in convents having the right, the election of the socius or socii of the prior going to the chapter shall be held under the chairmanship of the subprior;

2. three months before the beginning of the chapter, the prior provincial shall send a report on the state of the province and the more serious problems existing in the province, and the officials of the province (see nn. 376-381) shall also send a report on their areas of competency, to the capitulars and the convents;

3. in every convent of the province, a discussion shall be held under the chairmanship of the prior in which the reports described in n.2 shall be examined and proposals or petitions to be sent to the chapter for the good of the province or the convent shall be determined.
* 357. It shall be determined in the statute of the province:
1. whether to have preparatory commissions;

2. the day on which the election of the prior provincial and the diffinitors of the chapter shall be held;

3. how many diffinitors of the chapter are to be elected, namely, four, six, or eight;

4. whether, how many, and when councillors of the province are to be elected;

5. the day on which the elections for the general chapter shall be held.
* 358. A provincial chapter shall be celebrated in the following manner:

I.   on the day before, or on the very day designated for the beginning of the chapter:

1. the testimonial letters shall be examined by the three vocals senior in the Order in such a way, however, that serious difficulties shall be referred to the chairman (praeses) and vocals of the chapter;

2. after the vocals have been approved, one actuary, or even two, if that is necessary, shall be appointed by the chairman with the consent of the vocals;

3. the chapter commissions shall be formed from the vocals themselves by the chairman with the vocals;

4. each commission shall elect its chairman and choose its secretary in a single scrutiny.
II.   The chapter shall begin with the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit. In the prayer of the faithful after the homily, petitions shall be made for the successful outcome of the chapter, and for the living and the dead, mentioning by name those who have died in the Lord since the last chapter.

III.      1. Together with the reports presented by various superiors as determined in the statute of the province, among the matters to be considered by the commissions, there should be questions on apostolic activity, the state of personnel, the disciplinary and economic aspects of the province;

2. the conclusions of each commission, when put in writing, shall be set out in a suitable place so they can be examined by all the vocals before the plenary sessions;

3. afterwards, under the direction of the chairman of the chapter, the plenary sessions of all the vocals shall begin, and it will be the duty of all the vocals to decide which conclusions of the commissions are to be retained so that they can be defined by the diffinitors.
IV.   When all these things have been done, the chairman with the diffinitors shall discuss and decide whatever they judge to be necessary or useful in such a way, however, that those things approved or rejected by a majority of the vocals cannot be changed. (C-179 approved the term in bold; B-264 abrogated it)

V.   It also pertains to the diffinitorium:

1. to make admonitions, ordinations, declarations and petitions;

2. to give assignments, to fill offices or positions, and other matters in accord with our laws.
* 359. In a provincial chapter all matters shall be decided ordinarily by secret vote. If sometimes the votes are tied, the chairman (praeses) shall break the tie with his vote.
360. Full ordinary power according to the norm of law belongs to the chairman (praeses) and the diffinitors over the whole province, convents, and brothers, until the end of the chapter, n.361, II, being observed.
* 361. I.   The chapter shall be terminated within a month. However, with the consent of the Master of the Order, it can, in a special case, be extended for fifteen days.

II.   For a reasonable cause, approved by the Master of the Order, the chapter can be interrupted, but not beyond fifteen days. During the interruption, the authority mentioned in n.360 belongs to the prior provincial.

* 362. I.   The processus verbalis (official report) of each session shall be prepared by the actuary which, having been approved by the chapter and signed by the chairman (praeses) and the actuary himself, shall be placed in the archives of the province.

II.   The place and date of the next provincial chapter shall be assigned in the acts.

III.   The names of the deceased brethren, to which a brief synopsis of their life is added, shall be placed in the acts.

IV.   The acts shall be written in Latin or a modern language accepted by the general council and five copies, certified by the signatures of the chairman (praeses), the diffinitors, and the actuary, and by the seal of the province, shall be sent to the Master of the Order as quickly as possible so they can be examined and approved.

If the acts are not written in one of the languages accepted by the general council, a translation shall be made into Latin or into one of those languages and five copies of the translation shall be sent to the Master of the Order with the addition of two copies in the original language.

After corrections have been made, the Master shall send a letter of approval along with the text to the province. One copy of the acts shall be sent to the archives of the Order and another for publication in abbreviated form in the Analecta of the Order.

* 363. I.   The acts may not be published before the approval of the Master of the Order. After approval, however, they shall be printed either in Latin or the vernacular, promulgated by the prior provincial, and sent to the convents of the province. Moreover, they shall be read publicly in each convent according to the determination of the chapter itself.

II.   The authority of the acts begins from their promulgation and is terminated with the promulgation of the acts of the following chapter.

* 364. A prior provincial cannot change or rescind the acts of a chapter, nor can such authority be delegated to him by the diffinitors; he can, however, interpret the acts of a chapter and in a particular case dispense from them.

Art. IV -- On the Provincial Council

365. In each province there shall be a provincial council whose consent or advice the prior provincial must seek according to our laws and common law.
366. Provided they are assigned to the province or are sons of the province assigned to convents under the immediate jurisdiction of the Master of the Order yet not belonging to the general council, the following belong to the provincial council:
1. the ex-prior provincial immediately leaving office;

2. the regent of studies

3. the socius of the prior provincial;

4. the diffinitors of the last provincial chapter, until the following chapter;

5. the councillors that may have been elected by the provincial chapter (see n.519,II) until the following chapter.
* 367. The secretary of the council, elected by the council in a single scrutiny, does not have a vote if he is not one of its members and is bound to secrecy just as the other members. He shall record in a book reserved for this purpose the matters discussed and the resolutions of the council.
* 368. I.   Councillors cannot be removed or cannot resign their office, except with the consent of the Master of the Order. If it should happen that a councillor leaves office outside a provincial chapter, a new councillor designated by the provincial chapter shall be substituted for him with the approval of the Master of the Order.

II.   All must be summoned to the council and be present at its deliberations unless they are dispensed by the prior provincial for a just cause.

* 369. I.   In more urgent cases when more are not able to be present, it is necessary that besides the chairman at least two councillors must be present. (O-248; MC-288)

II.   When there is concern about matters pertaining to the studium, the professors, and the students, or even about an apostolic school, the regent and the moderator of institutional studies shall always be present. (A-251; O-248)

* 370. I.   The syndic of the province shall always be summoned to participate in the deliberations of the council without, however, having a vote unless he is already a member of the council.

II.   When there is concern about matters pertaining to their office, the master of novices or students, and of cooperator brothers, the directors of schools and of colleges, and other province officials shall always be present that they may be heard.

III.   When something of particular importance concerning his community is discussed, the superior should also be present.

* 371. Lest anything that is to be decided should be proposed abruptly, the councillors should be informed of the agenda in due time unless a particular decision is urgent.
372. I.   The duty of the provincial council is to assist the prior provincial in properly fulfilling his office especially in those things which have been established by the provincial chapter and which in the course of time appear to be useful or necessary for promoting the apostolate and regular life.

II.   In the provincial council important business shall be decided by a decisive vote, unless it has been determined otherwise in our laws.

III.   If sometimes the votes are tied, the chairman (praeses) shall break the tie with his vote, canon 127, paragraph I, being observed.

* 373. Among other things, the following must be dealt with in the provincial council:
1. the appointment or removal of a regional prior and of a conventual prior;

2. the presentation or removal of a pastor, the chapter of the community to which the parish is entrusted having been consulted (C-180; B-267);

3. the establishment of a house as a convent, in accord with n.262;

4. the cassation of a decision of a conventual chapter or council, excluding the councillors assigned to that convent;

5. the transfiliation of a brother;

6. the temporary exclusion of a brother from active voice for some grave reason;

7. a declaration of fact for the dismissal of a brother in accord with common law (can. 694,2).
* 374. Those things which by our law pertain to the competency of the diffinitorium of a provincial chapter can be treated and settled by the prior provincial with his council if necessity arises outside the chapter, except for nn. 279, II, and 358, IV.   
* 375. I.   To the first provincial council that will be held following the completion of the two-year period after the confirmation of the prior provincial, the prior provincial is obliged to summon, besides the members of the council, regional priors, vicars provincial, and conventual priors, unless it shall have been determined otherwise by the provincial chapter for regional priors, vicars provincial, and priors in remote regions.

II.   In this council meeting, all those things are to be treated that shall seem useful for the good of the province; especially whether the ordinations and exhortations of the last provincial chapter have been put into practice shall be examined.

Art. V -- On the Officials of a Province

376. I.   In each province there shall be a socius of the prior provincial who shall assist him in the government of the province.

II.   The socius shall be a priest who has completed at least thirty years of age.

III.   He shall be appointed by the prior provincial with the consent of the diffinitorium of the provincial chapter.

* 377. Ordinarily the socius should not be a local superior or a pastor.
378. In each province there shall be a syndic (bursar, economic administrator, procurator, steward, treasurer) who shall have charge of the goods of the province in accord with the norms established for administration.
* 379. Neither the prior provincial nor a local superior may discharge the office of provincial syndic.
* 380. It pertains to a provincial chapter to appoint various officials according to the needs of each province and to determine their duties.
* 381. An archivist, appointed by a provincial chapter, has charge of the archives of the province in which are stored:
1. documents which have been kept in the office of the prior provincial or of other officials and are no longer needed for government;

2. documents of suppressed convents;

3. unpublished writings, letters, or other documents of the deceased brethren or of other people which appear to be of some value for the history of the province.
* 382. The prior provincial shall have a secret archive in which are kept secret documents, the importance of which he is bound to convey to his successor. These documents shall be burned after the death of the brothers mentioned in them provided this can be done without prejudice to those who are still alive.
* 383. Documents pertaining to the actual government and administration of a province shall be kept either in the secretariate of the province or with the officials concerned. (See Appendix n. 14.)

Art. VI -- On Regional Vicariates

384. I.   When a province has outside its own territory in some nation or region at least fifteen vocals and one convent properly so called, a provincial chapter can unite them into a regional vicariate so that the apostolic activity and regular life of the brethren can be better coordinated.

II.   It pertains to a regional vicariate:

1. to have its own statutes approved by a provincial chapter;

2. to celebrate its own chapters accord ing to the norm of the vicariate statutes;

3. to admit candidates to the novitiate and to first profession.

4. to admit to solemn profession and sacred orders unless there is another provision in the provincial statute.
* 385. I.   A regional prior is in charge of the vicariate and has, in addition to the faculties granted by the provincial chapter, the right to:
1. assign brothers who are in the vicariate, the rights of the prior provincial being respected;

2. confirm a conventual prior according to n.467 and appoint superiors of houses according to n.332, unless the vicariate statutes provide otherwise;

3. participate ex officio in the provincial council, unless something different has been determined in the provincial statutes;

4. participate ex officio in a provincial chapter (see 352,I,1).
II.   1. A regional prior is elected for four years by the vocals assigned in the region and is confirmed by the prior provincial with the consent of his council;
2. when the time for which the regional prior was elected has been fulfilled or when he has ceased to hold office in any way whatsoever, his office shall be exercised by the prior older in the Order in the same vicariate until the confirmation of a successor;

3. what has been determined for a conventual prior in n.302,I, holds for a regional prior, with appropriate modifications.
* 386. I.   In every vicariate there shall be a council whose consent or advice the regional prior must seek on important transactions according to the norm of vicariate statutes.

II.   The number of these councillors and the manner of their election or appointment shall be determined by the vicariate statutes.

III.   When the Prior Provincial according to the norms in LCO or determined in the Statutes of the province or vicariate needs to treat of matters which concern the vicariate, he must first consult the vicariate council before consulting the provincial council; in cases where he confirms, appoints, or removes the regional prior, he consults only the provincial council. (O-250)

* 387. All the brethren, especially those living outside the convent, shall gather periodically to discuss matters of the apostolic and regular life and, if the occasion presents itself, to formulate specific proposals for a future provincial chapter.
* 388. The officials of a regional vicariate shall be appointed according to the norm of the statutes.
* 389. Where the conditions for a regional vicariate indicated in n.384 above are wanting, a provincial chapter can establish a provincial vicariate and draw up a special statute for it. If there are at least ten vocals, they have the right of electing a vicar provincial; otherwise, having consulted the brethren, a vicar provincial shall be appointed by the prior provincial.

Art. VII -- On Cooperation among Provinces

* 390. I.   To exercise the apostolate of the Order more effectively in the service of the Church, it is necessary that provinces which are in the same region or country, especially those which are in the territory of one episcopal conference, be united not only by a bond of fraternal charity and that they help one another occasionally by mutual support, but also that they cooperate regularly in so far as possible according to special norms accepted by those same provinces.

II.   The same must be said about houses or convents under the immediate jurisdiction of the Master of the Order so that the collaboration of all entities of the Order in any one place may be attained effectively.

* 391. The following can be used to foster collaboration among the provinces of one region or nation:
1. regular meetings between the priors provincial or other officials, such as the masters of novices, and the masters of students and of cooperator brothers, of regents, professors, promoters, etc.;

2. interprovincial conferences or commissions for the study of common problems;

3. national or regional promoters for different activities;

4. a common novitiate or studentate (MC-292; C-181) or common centers, (A-261) according to norms to be approved by the Master of the Order;

5. an agreement entered into with the consent of the Master of the Order for the erection of interprovincial convents and for making assignments from one province to another. (MC-292; C-181)
* 392. If it should happen that the provincial chapters of one region are held at the same time, their diffinitoria can have a common meeting for several days to promulgate common admonitions, declarations, or ordinations.
* 393. I.   Where a province or vice-province has already been established and the members of other provinces are sent there to exercise the apostolic ministry, their work must be regulated in collaboration with the province or vice-province of that territory so that, united in the same spirit and life, they may cooperate effectively together especially for the coordination of the apostolate in that territory, and so that, solicitous for the common good, they may promote the development of the Order in that region.

II.   To foster this cooperation, suitable norms shall be drawn up in writing between the provinces of the place and the province which has brothers exercising the ministry in those territories with the consent of the chapter or council of each province and approved by the Master of the Order. These norms shall be reviewed and evaluated every fourth year by those to whom they pertain so that they retain a realistic relationship to the pastoral needs of the local church.

* 394. The brethren belonging to different provinces who work in the same region where no province has been established, should endeavor to exercise their apostolic ministry with mutual collaboration and, if possible, under unified direction according to norms established in common agreement by the provinces concerned so that the work of evangelization might be exercised more fully and the foundation of a new province might be gradually prepared. These norms shall be reviewed and evaluated every fourth year by those to whom they pertain so that they might be put into practice
* 395. I.   Conferences of priors provincial and regional priors as well as vicars shall be established according to nations or regions so that fraternal collaboration is truly organized and has a permanent character. These conferences shall be assembled regularly according to norms drawn up by the participating members and approved by the Master of the Order.

II.   To foster these mutual relationships, the assistants of the Master of the Order shall visit these regions frequently and remain there for some time. At an opportune time, they shall inform the Master of the Order and the general chapter about the activities and progress made there.

Chapter XV

ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE WHOLE ORDER

Art. I -- On the Master of the Order

396. The Master of the Order, since he is the successor of St. Dominic and the principle of the Order's unity, is the proper and immediate prelate of all the brethren, convents, and provinces, in virtue of the profession of obedience made to him by every member.
397. He obtains his office by canonical election and remains in it for nine years. The time is computed from one elective chapter to the next elective chapter, disregarding a few months -- not, however, exceeding six months -- which fall short of or exceed the completion of nine years.
398. I.   For a grave reason the Master of the Order can appoint and remove priors provincial, conventual priors, and any other officials, as well as prioresses of monasteries subject to the Order, and restrict their functions and authority; he can also do in the Order whatever he and the diffinitors of a general chapter can do according to our laws.

II.   During his term of office, the Master of the Order is obliged to visitate the whole Order, either by himself, by his assistants or by others, at least twice.

III.   The Master of the Order cannot surrender the rights of his office to the prejudice of his successors.

* 399. Whenever in letters or rescripts of the Master of the Order the term "by the authority of our office" (auctoritate officii nostri) or some other phrase equivalent to it is used, it is to be understood to embrace both the ordinary and any other kind of authority entrusted to his office.
400. The Master of the Order can appoint vicars for assisting him, either over the whole Order or over one or more regions, one or more provinces, one or more convents.
401. I.   A vicar over the whole Order has the same power as the Master himself unless something else is provided for in law or in his letter of appointment. Other vicars have whatever authority the Master himself shall have determined.

II.   All continue in office until they shall have been recalled by the Master of the Order.

III.   The office of vicar over the whole Order expires when the Master of the Order leaves office; the office of other vicars, however, continues until arranged otherwise by the new Master.

Art. II -- On the Vicar of the Order

402. The vicar of the Order is the one who, when the Master leaves office outside a chapter, takes the place of the Master of the Order until a Master has been elected.
403. On the death of the Master or his removal from office, the first assistant according to the order of profession has the power ipso iure which belongs to the vicar of the Order. However, he must convene the general council as soon as possible so that from among the assistants the vicar of the Order may be elected.
404. I.   It pertains to the elected vicar of the Order to convoke the vocals for the election of the future Master, to prepare the general chapter (see n.415) and to preside at the election of the same Master.

II.   He cannot remove from office the assistants of the previous Master, the priors provincial or conventual priors, and he cannot appoint a new assistant or change anything in the state of the Order.

Art. III -- On the General Chapter

405. A general chapter, which has the highest authority in the Order, is a gathering of the brethren representing the provinces of the Order for discussing and deciding those things which pertain to the good of the whole Order and, if the occasion presents itself, for electing the Master of the Order.
406. Three general chapters are recognized in the Order: an elective chapter, a chapter of diffinitors, and a chapter of priors provincial.
407. The following are assembled and have voice in an elective chapter:
1. ex-Masters of the Order;

2. each prior provincial;

3. from each province, a diffinitor of a general chapter;

4. vice-provincials and vicars general, concerning which in n. 257;

5. a socius of the diffinitor of a general chapter from provinces having at least one hundred professed religious, excluding, however, those who are assigned in vicariates and those directly assigned to houses under the immediate jurisdiction of the master of the Order;

6. a socius of the prior provincial going to a general chapter from provinces having at least four hundred professed religious, excluding, however, those who are assigned in vicariates; and those directly assigned to houses under the immediate jurisdiction of the master of the Order;

7. a delegate from a province having at least ten and up to one hundred brothers assigned in vicariates or houses of the province outside the boundaries of the province, elected from among them and by them according to provincial statute; furthermore, from a province having one hundred and one to two hundred brothers assigned in vicariates, another shall be elected delegate and so on in succession.

8. From among brethren directly assigned to houses under the immediate jurisdiction of the master of the Order, two delegates if they total less than one hundred, three delegates if they total one hundred or more, chosen according to the norm of # 407-bis.
II.   In transacting business after the election of the Master:
1. the recently elected Master of the Order;

2. ex-Masters of the Order;

3. all those mentioned in I, 2-8;

4. diffinitors of a general chapter;

5. vice-provincials and vicars general, concerning which in n. 257, II;

6. socii of priors provincial and diffinitors and delegates of brothers from the vicariates who took part in the election.
407. bis. For the election of delegates going to an elective general chapter, brethren of houses under the immediate jurisdiction of the master of the Order are to be joined among themselves by the general council so as to form two or three elective colleges, depending on the number of delegates to be elected. Each college must have at least twenty-five vocals. The same general council will provide for the manner of conducting this election.
408. The following are assembled and have voice in a general chapter of diffinitors:
1. the Master of the Order;

2. ex-Masters of the Order;

3. diffinitors elected by each province;

4. delegates elected from each vice-province and general vicariate;

5. delegates of other vicariates, chosen in accord with n.409 bis, excluding, however, regional priors and vicars provincial.

6. One delegate from among the brethren assigned to houses under the immediate jurisdiction of the master of the Order if the total is less than one hundred, two if the total is one hundred or more, elected according to the norm of LCO 409-ter.
409. The following are assembled and have voice in a general chapter of priors provincial:
1. the Master of the Order;

2. ex-Masters of the Order;

3. each prior provincial;

4. each vice-provincial and vicar general concerning which in n. 257, II;

5. delegates of the vicariates chosen from regional priors and vicars provincial in accord with n.409 bis.

6. One delegate from among the brethren assigned to houses under the immediate jurisdiction of the master of the Order if the total is less than one hundred, two if the total is one hundred or more, elected according to the norm of LCO 409-ter.
409. bis. Each province which has at least ten brothers assigned in vicariates or houses of the province outside the boundaries of the province has the right to send one delegate elected from and by those brothers according to the statute of the province to a general chapter either of diffinitors or priors provincial. A special arrangement shall be made by the Master of the Order with his council so that half of the provinces shall be represented in one chapter and the other half in the next.
409. ter. For the election of delegates going to a general chapter of diffinitors or priors provincial, all the brethren of the houses under the immediate jurisdiction of the Master of the Order are to be gathered among themselves by the general council to constitute elective colleges Each of these colleges should have at least twenty-five vocals. The general council will provide for the way in which this election is conducted. (C-187; B-276 with an ordination)
410. I.   Some of the assistants of the Master of the Order designated by the Master himself and the syndic of the Order are present, who have the right to speak without, however, having a vote.

II.   A delegate from every convent permanently under the immediate jurisdiction of the Master of the Order, as well as experts designated by the same Master can be summoned and heard without, however, having a vote.

411. I.   A general chapter shall be held:
1. every three years;

2. whenever the office of Master of the Order shall have become vacant.
II.   A chapter can, if it shall have judged it opportune, announce the next chapter within a shorter period of time.
412. This is the sequence of general chapters: an elective chapter, a chapter of diffinitors, a chapter of priors provincial, and so on.

From an elective chapter a new series of chapters begins according to the aforesaid order even if the election of a Master must be held before the completion of a nine-year period.

* 413. I.   The place and time of a chapter shall be determined by the preceding chapter. The date assigned for the beginning of a chapter shall not be postponed or anticipated more than six months except with the consent of a majority of the provinces.

II.   A general chapter shall be convoked by the Master or vicar of the Order by circular letter eight months before the date assigned for the celebration of the chapter. Prayers for the successful outcome of the chapter shall be indicated in this letter.

III.   When the office of Master of the Order is vacant, an elective chapter shall be convoked within a month from the date of the vacancy. This time period can be extended but not beyond six months if there is a truly grave reason and a majority of the provinces shall have given consent.

IV.   With the consent of his council, the Master or vicar of the Order can, for a just cause, change the designation of the location for the next general chapter.

* 414. The Master of the Order shall appoint a secretary general of the chapter who shall have charge of everything that pertains to the preparation and organization of the chapter.
* 415. I.   Once the convocation has been made, the brethren who have the right shall send to the Master or vicar of the Order the petitions and questions which they wish to propose to the chapter.

II.   Besides the vocals of the chapter, the right to submit proposals belongs to:

1. all superiors, the assistants of the Master of the Order, and the procurator general;

2. any chapter and council as well as an assembly of moderators of the center of institutional studies;

3. any religious provided that his proposal is undersigned by at least five brothers enjoying active voice, or is presented by any one of the vocals who shall judge whether the petition ought to be submitted or not;

4. monasteries or federations of our nuns; provincial or national councils of fraternities of St. Dominic.
III.   Councils general or federations of congregations aggregated to the Order can submit their requests and suggestions concerning the Dominican family to a general chapter.

IV.      1. questions to be proposed to the general chapter by those who have the right or faculty to do so shall be sent to the Master of the Order six months before the celebration of the chapter;

2. they shall be explained briefly and also composed in Latin or a modern language accepted by the general council and submitted on as many separate pages as there are distinct questions. (A-272; O-259)
V.         1. the Master of the Order will see to it that the questions mentioned in IV, 1, assigned to different commissions according to differing material, are conveyed to each member of the chapter as soon as possible;
2. members of these commissions are: brothers having voice in the chapter (according to the norm of nn. 407-409 bis) and the assistants of the Master of the Order (according to the norm of n. 410); priors provincial mentioned in n.258, vice-provincials and vicars general of territories pertaining to no province or vice-province or a delegate from the same in accord with the norm of nn. 407-409; (QC-251; W265; tech. A-273)

3. then the vocals shall inform the Master of the Order immediately of the three commissions to which they wish to belong according to their order of preference, saving always the right of the Master of the Order to arrange things freely according to the needs of the chapter;

4. the Master of the Order shall then appoint the chairmen of the commissions and inform the capitulars about the commission to which each one has been assigned so that in the meantime they may study more carefully the questions which have been assigned to their own commission.
* 416. Before the two-month period which precedes the celebration of a general chapter, each prior provincial shall send to the Master of the Order a critical report, approved by the provincial council, concerning the state of the province according to the form designed for this purpose by the general council in which more serious problems and statistical as- pects are illustrated distinctly. A copy of this report shall be distributed to each of the vocals at the chapter.
* 417. A general chapter, under the chairmanship of the Master or vicar of the Order, shall be celebrated in the following manner:

I.   on the day before the beginning of the chapter:

1. the testimonial letters of the vocals shall be examined by three of the brethren designated by the chairman (praeses) in such a way, however, that serious difficulties shall be referred to the vocals of the chapter;

2. at least two actuaries who can be assisted by other secretaries shall be designated by the chairman (praeses);

3. three revisors shall be designated from the vocals with the consent of the chapter whose task it will be to verify at the proper time the texts that have been approved;

4. the chairman (praeses), having consulted the chapter, shall confirm the distribution already made among the various commissions which can be modified if he deems it opportune.
II.   The chapter shall begin with the celebration of a Mass of the Holy Spirit. After the homily, in the prayer of the faithful, petitions shall be made for the successful outcome of the chapter and for the living and the dead.
1. in the first session of the general chapter, the method of procedure shall be discussed;

2. the commissions begin their work. The chairman of each commission, having heard the preference of the other members, shall designate a secretary from the vocals or from the other participants who shall record accurately the processus verbalis; a commission shall conduct and conclude all business by public or secret votes; the chairman of a commission shall report to the chairman (praeses) of the chapter as well as to the chapter itself in plenary sessions. The resolutions of each commission, when put in writing, shall be distributed to all the vocals as well as the other participants before the plenary sessions;

3. the Master shall give a report on the state of the Order;

4. the Master shall give a report on his personal receipts and expenses to the commission on economic administration which shall inform the chapter about it;

5. in an elective chapter, the election of the Master of the Order shall be conducted on the fifth day from the beginning of the same chapter;

6. the vocals with the Master shall discuss and decide business by maintaining the vote of the majority and, indeed, by a secret vote when the chairman (praeses) or a significant number of the vocals requests it. If the votes are equal, the matter shall be postponed for further examination and a new vote. If the voting is still equal, the chairman (praeses) of the chapter shall break the tie with his vote. Questions shall be resolved by way of admonition, declaration, or ordination, and if a new constitution is to be formulated, this shall be done in clear statements;

7. vocals can propose questions to be discussed even during the time of the celebration of the chapter, and they shall determine the schedule for discussing them;

8. within two days after every session, the processus verbalis as well as the approved texts verified by the revisors shall be set out in a suitable place so they can be examined by all. If a doubt should arise about an approved text, the revisors shall refer the matter to the chapter as soon as possible;

9. in the acts the time and place of the next chapter shall be indicated;

10. during the chapter the acts shall be prepared and signed by the chairman (praeses), the revisors, and the actuaries.
III.   If it should happen that the Master is away from the chapter, he shall appoint a vicar from among the vocals who will take his place in all matters.
418. I.   It is strictly forbidden lest priors provincial dare to produce anything through their decisions prejudicial to the diffinitors or diffinitors to the priors provincial. And if they shall have attempted to do this, it shall be held null and void.

II.   The secrecy of the chapter must be observed by all the participants concerning those matters which can cause harm or prejudice to the Order or to the brethren. The chairman (praeses), however, can determine if anything else must be kept under secrecy.

* 419. I.   The processus verbalis of the sessions, signed by the Master of the Order and the actuaries, together with the documents pertaining to the chapter itself shall be placed in the archives of the Order.

II.   The printed acts of the chapter shall be sent as soon as possible to all the provinces; there shall be at least two copies in every convent of the Order, and they shall be read in the manner that has been determined by the chapter itself.

420. The Master of the Order cannot change the acts and decrees of a chapter but he, and he alone, can dispense from them and clarify their meaning.

Art. IV -- On A Most General Chapter

421. A most general chapter (see n.276,II) is composed of the Master of the Order, ex-Masters of the Order, priors provincial, and two diffinitors from each province, elected by a provincial chapter.
422. The two diffinitors of a most general chapter:
1. must be elected for this purpose, either in a provincial chapter or in an extraordinary elective chapter;

2. they should have the same qualifications as diffinitors of a general chapter, except that those can be elected who served as diffinitors in the immediately preceding general chapter.
423. I.   A most general chapter shall not be convoked unless the majority of the provinces request it, and it shall be announced two years beforehand unless the need for it is urgent.

II.   The same regulations shall be observed for its convocation, preparation, and celebration as for general chapters.

Art. V -- On the General Council

424. I.   Under the chairmanship of the Master or vicar of the Order, or of their vicar, the general council is composed of the assistants of the Master of the Order and of the procurator general, and the syndic of the order, (B-279) whose consent or advice is required according to our laws and common law.

II.   The Master of the Order can convoke the councillors to seek their advice and opinion whenever it shall seem beneficial to him even if this is required by no law.

Art. VI -- On the Assistants to the Master
of the Order

425. I.   The assistants general help the Master of the Order in the exercise of his office over the whole Order; with their consent or advice the Master governs the Order, discussing and deciding questions of major importance for the life of the whole Order.

II.   The assistants general of the Master of the Order are to be not less than eight and not more than ten. Two of them are put in charge of matters concerned with the apostolate and the intellectual life in the Order respectively; to the others is entrusted the concern for the relationship of the provinces with the Order, and for other matters which may be committed to them by the Master of the Order (see n.428).

* 426. It pertains to the assistant for the apostolate in the Order, mainly:
1. to assist the Master of the Order in everything which concerns the ministry of the word;

2. to deal with problems arising from the apostolic life and evangelization for the whole Order;

3. as a special function concerning the missions of the Order, to negotiate their business with the Holy See, to help the Master of the Order in the government of the missions, and to gather and communicate mission information.
* 427. I.   It pertains to the assistant for the intellectual life in the Order, mainly:
1. to help the Master of the Order in the promotion of the Order's doctrinal mission according to LCO 90,II;

2. to help all the provinces that they may best provide for both the initial and permanent intellectual formation of the brethren;

3. to attend to all matters which pertain to centers of study under the immediate jurisdiction of the Master of the Order, including scientific institutes and the Leonine Commission;

4. at suitable times to bring together the regents and promoters of one or more regions; to foster congresses, etc.;

5. to negotiate business with the Holy See concerning studies in the Order.
II.   Other duties, which might impede him in the exercise of his office, shall not be imposed on the assistant for the intellectual life.
* 428. I.   The other assistants foster the mutual relationships of the provinces with the Master of the Order and help him by communicating the decisions as well as the directive norms of the central government to the provinces committed to them, by knowing the provinces well, and according to the arrangement of the Master of the Order, by often being present in them, and also by visiting them in his place. However, they enjoy no authority over individual provinces. (O-264)

II.   Their chief function is to help the provinces and to promote collaboration between those of the same region, putting into practice what has been said about this in nn. 390-395. According to the decision of the Master of the Order, they can also be put in charge of some Secretariates.

429. I.   All the assistants are appointed by the Master of the Order, remain in office for six years, and can be appointed again for another six years, always leaving freedom for a new Master of the Order to change the brethren belonging to the general council.

II.   The appointment of the assistants for the apostolate and for the intellectual life is to be made after all of the priors provincial have been heard. (B-280)

III.   The appointment of assistants for the relationships of the provinces with the Master of the Order shall be made after previously consulting the priors provincial concerned, who, agreeing among themselves on the matter beforehand, shall present three names to the Master of the Order. The Master of the order must appoint one of these three or ask that three new names be submitted. (B-280)

* 430. At least three months before the beginning of a general chapter, each assistant shall send to all the vocals of the general chapter a critical report on the more serious problems within the area of his competency.

Art. VII -- On the Other Officials
of the General Curia

431. I.   Other officials of the general curia are: the procurator general, the postulator general of causes of beatification and canonization, the secretary general of the Order, the syndic of the Order, the archivist, and the general promoters. Some experts and co-workers for the Master of the Order and the curia can also be present.

Some of these officials and experts can be chosen from among the assistants of the Master of the Order.

II.   They are appointed by the Master of the Order himself, having consulted his council, and remain in office for six years; they can be appointed again for another six years, always leaving freedom for a new Master of the Order to change the brethren belonging to the general curia.

III.   The Holy See shall be notified of the appointment of the procurator and postulator general.

432. It is the duty of the procurator general to transact business with the Holy See, according to the faculties granted him by the Master of the Order.
* 433. Every brother shall conduct the special business of a house or province with the Holy See through the mediation of the procurator of the Order whose competency it is to provide this service, saving always the right of anyone to manifest his desires to the Roman Pontiff with full liberty (see Lumen Gentium, n. 37), and saving LCO nn. 426,3; 427,5, and 434,1.
* 434. The postulator general for causes of beatification and canonization:
1. discharges his office according to the norms established by the Holy See and the statute approved by the Master of the Order;

2. gives reports to each general chapter on the state of each cause.
* 435. The secretary general of the Order:
1. is in charge of the general secretariate;

2. discharges the office of secretary of the general council but without having voice;

3. is distinct from the secretary general appointed for a general chapter to be celebrated.
* 436. I.   The syndic of the Order has charge of all goods according to the norms established for administration.

II.   He shall always be summoned to participate in the deliberations of the general council without, however, having a vote unless he is already a member of the council.

* 437. I.   The archivist has charge of the general archives, where documents pertaining to the history of the Order are preserved, according to the norms given above for provincial archives (nn. 381-383) with appropriate modifications.

II.   No one shall be admitted into the archives of the Order except with the special permission of the archivist; moreover, nothing shall be conveyed to externs who wish to inspect documents of a more recent period except with the permission of the Master of the Order.

* 438. I.   It is the duty of the promoter general for nuns and sisters:
1. to assist the Master of the Order and the procurator general in matters concerning the nuns and sisters;

2. to gather information concerning them or for them and to communicate with them and the different provinces.
II.   It also pertains to him to have charge of the secular institutes connected with the Order or to be connected in the future.
* 438. bis. I.   In the general curia immediately after the Master of the Order come:
1. the assistants of the Master of the Order, and among themselves according to the order of profession;

2. the procurator general of the Order;

3. the other brothers belonging to the curia, and among themselves according to the order of profession.
II.   In general chapters, however, the assistants, according to their own seniority, come immediately after the priors provincial.

III.   No brother shall be assigned to the general curia besides those who belong to it according to the constitutions.

* 438. ter. We ordain that in institutions immediately subject to the jurisdiction of the Master of the Order, the presiding officials are appointed for a six-year term by the Master of the Order after he has consulted the members of the institutions and the assistants who are concerned; they can be reappointed to the same office again.

1. Rule of St. Augustine

2. Constitutions, (1954 edition) n. 452, II)

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