THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS AND ORDINATIONS
OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS (LCO)
APPENDICES
  1. On the nature of constitutions, ordinations and declarations.
  2. On ordinations in the Book of Constitutions and Ordinations and in general chapters
  3. On the habit
  4. Associations attached to the Order
  5. Declaration and protestation for admission to the Order or to simple or solemn profession
  6. Testimonial statement on the beginning of the novitiate
  7. Letter of appointment for a master of novices if this must be done outside a provincial chapter
  8. Testimonial statement after making simple or solemn profession
  9. Testimonial statement on the renewal of simple profession
  10. Dimissorial letter for those to be ordained
  11. List of provinces of the Order, vice-provinces, and general vicariates
  12. Letter of Assignment (mandamus)
  13. Norms and uses of privileges
  14. Basic documents to be preserved in provincial archives
  15. Official report (processus verbalis) of the election or postulation of a conventual prior
  16. On habitual residence
  17. Letter of confirmation of an elected or postulated prior
  18. Profession of faith
  19. Letter of cassation of an election or postulation of a conventual prior
  20. Letter of appointment of a conventual prior
  21. Official report (processus verbalis) of the election or postulation of a regional prior conducted by mail
  22. Letter of appointment of a vicar provincial in a provincial vicariate
  23. Testimonial letter of the socius of a prior going to a provincial chapter
  24. Testimonial letter of a delegate to a provincial chapter
  25. Official report (processus verbalis) of the election or postulation of a prior provincial
  26. Testimonial letter for a general chapter
  27. Reports to be sent regularly to Superiors

The following sections have directive force unless either by their nature (privileges, for example) or by a determination of our legislation they have binding force.

APPENDIX 1: On the nature of constitutions, ordinations, and declarations (LCO 1, IX; 275, I)

From number 85 of the Acts of the General Chapter celebrated in River Forest in 1968:

Constitutions are the fundamental laws of the Order, that is, evangelical and theological principles, as well as determinations about the nature and purpose, the way of life, and the government of the Order.

Other particular norms which, in view of the times, are given for the application or execution of the Constitutions are called ordinations.

Declarations which are made in the acts of chapters are either interpretations of laws or suspensions of their obligations.

APPENDIX 2: On ordinations in the Book of Constitutions and Ordinations and in general chapters (LCO 1, IX; 285)

From numbers 29 to 32 of the Acts of the General Chapter celebrated at Madonna dell'Arco in 1974:

We declare that the computation of two general chapters which are required according to the norm of LCO 285, II, for the definitive abrogation of an ordination found in the same LCO, begins from the general chapter celebrated in Tallaght in 1971 or from subsequent general chapters in such a way that if the revocation of an ordination was made in the Chapter at Tallaght, the definitive abrogation can take place in the present General Chapter; but if a revocation is made in this Chapter [Madonna dell'Arco], definitive abrogation of the given ordination can take place in the following general chapter. And thus the procedure continues on.

We declare that the computation of general chapters which are required according to the norm of LCO 285, I, for inserting an ordination in the same LCO, begins from the General Chapter celebrated at Tallaght in 1971, or from subsequent general chapters, in such a way that if an ordination made in the Chapter at Tallaght remains in effect through five continuous general chapters and is approved in the sixth chapter, it must be inserted in LCO; but if an ordination shall have been made in the present General Chapter, then the computation of general chapters is to begin from this Chapter. And thus the procedure continues on.

We declare that the word "ordinations" contained in LCO 285, i, is to be understood both as ordinations of general chapters which change or replace the text of ordinations found in LCO and as those which determine something different that are placed in various sections in the acts of general chapters according to the diversity of subject matter.

We declare that the term "ordinations which are found in the book of constitutions and ordinations" contained in LCO 285,II, is to be understood as ordinations printed in italics (in the Latin version) [N.B. In the English version they are marked with an asterisk.] which, in fact, are found in LCO. Ordinations of this kind remain in LCO unless they are abrogated.

APPENDIX 3: On the habit (LCO 50)

The tunic, closed in the front and back, is to reach to the ankles in- clusively and no lower. The cappa should be four fingers shorter than the tunic, and the scapular a little shorter than the cappa and of such width as to cover the juncture of the sleeves with the tunic.

The opening of both the white and the black capuce shall not be more than a palm's breadth longer than the face. It shall not come down farther than the breastbone in front, and at the back not farther than four fingers below the belt; at the sides it shall extend from the shoulders no lower than halfway down the bone that is between the arm- pit and the elbow.

[NOTE: Additional details on the color of shoes and of clothing worn under the habit, on simplicity of hairstyle, and on the need to obtain the provincial's permission to wear a beard were suppressed by ordination of the General Chapter celebrated at Madonna dell'Arco in 1974 (Acta, p. 163).]

APPENDIX 4: Associations attached to the Order (LCO 152)

The Associations of the Order are those of:
the Most Holy Name of Jesus;
the Most Holy Rosary, as well as the Perpetual and Living Rosary;
the Angelic Warfare;
Blessed Imelda.

APPENDIX 5: Declaration and protestation for admission to the Order or to simple or solemn profession (LCO 174, I-II; 191, I)

We declare to you that after your profession you will be obliged to the observance of the three vows, namely, of obedience, chastity, and poverty. Also that you will be held to the observance of the laws of the Order; and that, finally, your profession will be null and void if you have kept silent or answered untruthfully about any grave impediment of health because of which you would have been rightfully rejected.

We also declare to you that you will be able to receive no payment for any kind of work whatsoever that you may have done for the Order.

Brother ___________________ , O.P. Prior

Brother ___________________ (the candidate)

Brother ___________________ , O.P. witness

Brother ___________________ , O.P. witness

Before profession, whether simple or solemn, this declaration and protestation is to be made in the same manner.

APPENDIX 6: Testimonial statement on the beginning of the novitiate (LCO 178, II)

LINK: app06.pdf
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APPENDIX 7: Letter of appointment for a master of novices if this must be done outside a provincial chapter (LCO 182, I; 213, III)

LINK: app06.pdf

APPENDIX 8: Testimonial statement after making simple or solemn profession (LCO 194)

LINK: app08.pdf

APPENDIX 9: Testimonial statement on the renewal of simple profession (LCO 203, I)

LINK: app09.pdf

APPENDIX 10: Dimissorial letter for those to be ordained (LCO 248, I)

LINK: app10.pdf

APPENDIX 11: List of provinces of the Order, vice-provinces, and general vicariates (LCO 259, I)

PROVINCES

  1. Spain
  2. Toulouse
  3. France
  4. St. Dominic in Italy
  5. Roman Province of St. Catherine of Siena
  6. St. Thomas Aquinas in Italy
  7. Germany
  8. England
  9. Poland
  10. Aragon (Valencia)
  11. Bohemia
  12. Croatia: Annunciation of the B.V.M.
  13. Portugal
  14. Betica (Granada)
  15. Netherlands
  16. Ireland
  17. St. James in Mexico
  18. St. John Baptist in Peru
  19. St. Louis Bertrand in Colombia
  20. St. Catherine of Siena in Ecuador
  21. Our Lady of the Rosary (Spain and the Orient)
  22. St. Rose in Flanders
  23. St. Augustine in Argentina
  24. St. Joseph (U.S.A.)
  25. St. Pius V in Malta
  26. St. Dominic in Canada
  27. Holy Name of Jesus (U.S.A.)
  28. Upper Germany and Austria
  29. St. Albert the Great (U.S.A.)
  1. Assumption of the B.V.M. (Australia and New Zealand)
  2. Friar Bartholomew De Las Casas in Brazil
  3. Annunciation of the B.V.M. in Switzerland
  4. Queen of Martyrs in Vietnam
  5. Philippines
  6. St. Martin de Porres (U.S.A.)
  7. St. Joseph the Worker (Nigeria & Ghana)
  8. India

VICE-PROVINCES
  1. Son of Mary in Pakistan
  2. St. Vincent Ferrer in Central America
  3. Our Lady of the Rosary in Slovakia

GENERAL VICARIATES
  1. Hungary
  2. St. Lawrence the Martyr in Chile
  3. St. Thomas Aquinas in Belgium
  4. Democratic Republic of Congo
  5. South Africa.
  6. Queen of China (Taiwan)
  7. Guardian Angels (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bielorussia
  8. Russia & the Ukraine
  9. Holy Cross in Puerto Rico

APPENDIX 12: Letter of Assignment (mandamus) (LCO 271, III)

LINK: app12.pdf

APPENDIX 13: Norms and uses of privileges (LCO 275, I)

1. The Master of the Order, by apostolic authority (see Bull of Julius II, December 14, 1509), for the peace of conscience of the brethren, is able to interpret declaratively not only our constitutions but also any privileges granted or to be granted by the Holy See.

2. Among these privileges is this: that the authentic interpretation of the privileges which have been granted to our Order or to regulars in general by the Holy See is reserved to the Holy See, excluding the rights of Ordinaries or of lesser judges to interpret them.

3. Our brethren are to use the privileges granted by the Holy See not in a spirit of singularity but for the good of the Church and the Order.

4. Neither the brethren nor superiors can validly renounce privileges originating from the Holy See; certainly not by way of law without the authority and assent of a general chapter.

APPENDIX 14: Basic documents to be preserved in provincial archives (LCO 383)

· Acts of the Holy See and of the Master of the Order received by the prior provincial;
· authentic acts, official reports (processus verbales) and documents from provincial chapters;
· record of provincial council deliberations;
· basic acts and record of accomplishments of the prior provincial;
· meetings with local ordinaries;
· authentic documents on regional or conventual elections;
· reports from conventual priors, both annual reports and reports at the end of their terms;
· contracts and documents on economic administration;
· a copy of various reports sent to the Master of the Order;
     a) whether of the prior provincial himself after canonical visitation or at the end of his term, or for a general chapter,
     b) or on studies, the missions, economic administration, etc.

APPENDIX 15: Official report (processus verbalis) of the election or postulation of a conventual prior (LCO 453, I; 480, II, 2; 482)

LINK: app15.pdf

APPENDIX 16: On habitual residence (LCO 458)

From the Acts of the General Chapter celebrated at Tallaght in 1971 (n.159):

We declare that the term habitual residence must refer to the residence which a brother has in any place by reason of employment and for a period of time which is extended longer than in the house of his assignment; but not, however, to the residence which perhaps he has for a long time by reason of sickness, recuperative apostolate, etc., since in this case it is clear that his residence must be considered to be the convent of his assignment.

APPENDIX 17: Letter of confirmation of an elected or postulated prior (LCO 465; 481, I; 482)

LINK: app17.pdf

APPENDIX 18: Profession of faith (LCO 471)

I, Brother ___________________ , with firm faith believe and profess each and every item contained in the Creed, namely:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day, he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is wor- shipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

I also firmly embrace and hold each and every doctrine asserted or declared by the Church concerning faith or morals, whether defined by solemn definition or by her ordinary teaching authority, just as they are proposed by her, especially those teachings which relate to the mystery of Christ's Holy Church, her sacraments and the Sacrifice of the Mass, and the Primacy of the Roman Pontiff.

APPENDIX 19: Letter of cassation of an election or postulation of a conventual prior

LINK: app19.pdf

APPENDIX 20: Letter of appointment of a conventual prior (LCO 474; 481, II; 482)

LINK: app20.pdf

APPENDIX 21: Official report (processus verbalis) of the election or postulation of a regional prior conducted by mail. (LCO 480, IV, 5-8)

LINK: app21.pdf

APPENDIX 22: Letter of appointment of a vicar provincial in a provincial vicariate (LCO 483)

LINK: app22.pdf

APPENDIX 23: Testimonial letter of the socius of a prior going to a provincial chapter. (LCO 495)

LINK: app23.pdf

APPENDIX 24: Testimonial letter of a delegate to a provincial chapter (LCO 500)

LINK: app24.pdf

APPENDIX 25: Official report (processus verbalis) of the election or postulation of a prior provincial (LCO 508, II)

LINK: app25.pdf

APPENDIX 26: Testimonial letter for a general chapter (LCO 524)

LINK: app26.pdf

APPENDIX 27: Reports to be sent regularly to Superiors (See Appendix 14)

WITHIN A PRIORY
BY WHOM TO WHOM WHEN SUBJECT MATTER LCO REFERENCE
Any brother Prior Return from journey Receipts & expenses 598
Procurator House Council Each month Receipts, expenses,

credits & debits

 563, I; 318,5
Sacristan House Council Each month Masses received & celebrated 594
Any prioral administrator House Council Each month Receipts & expenses 562; 318, 5
Subprior in capite House Council After new prior begins his term His government in capite 326
Prior House Council End of his term His government 306
Examiners of candidates Prior As often as necessary Suitability for profession 192, I

WITHIN A PROVINCE
Admissions Board Provincial As often as necessary Suitability for novitiate 173, II
Novice Master Provincial At least twice a year Prioral discussion of novices 185
Student Master Provincial As often as necessary Suitability of brother for solemn profession 209
BY WHOM TO WHOM WHEN SUBJECT MATTER LCO REFERENCE
Master of Cooperator Brothers Provincial As often as necessary Suitability of brother for solemn profession 209
Regent of Studies Provincial As often as necessary Suitability of brother for solemn profession 209
Praeses of prioral election Provincial After completion of election Outcome of the election 453, I
Prior Provincial As often as necessary Information and vote for admission to profession 192, II
Prior Provincial chapter Every four years Status of the priory 353, III, 1
Prior Provincial Every year Status of administration; budget 563, II; 318, 5
Praeses of election Provincial After completion of election of regional prior Outcome of the election 453, I
Regional prior Provincial chapter Every four years State of the vicariate 358, III, 1
Provincial Syndic Provincial Every month Receipts & expenses 566
Provincial Syndic Provincial Council Every year Receipts & expenses; budget 566; 581, II
Any provincial administrator Provincial council Every year Receipts & expenses 562; 568
BY WHOM TO WHOM WHEN SUBJECT MATTER LCO REFERENCE
Provincial syndic Provincial chapter Every four years Receipts & expenses 569
Officials of the province Capitulars & priories Every four years Area of their competency 356, 2
Provincial Provincial chapter Every four years State of the province and its problems 356, 2
Provincial Provincial chapter End of his term of office Personal administration 572
Vicar of the province Provincial chapter End of his term of office Administration 572

WITHIN THE ORDER
Centers of academic studies & universities Master of the Order Every year Status of the centers 93bis, II
Regent of Studies Master of the Order Every year Status of intellectual life of province 93, I, 8
Prior of convent under the immediate jurisdiction of the Master Master of the Order Every year Status of administration; budget 571
Provincial Master of the Order Every year Economic status of the province 567; 581, II
Provincial Master of the Order After visitation Status of the province 341, 2
Provincial Master of the Order Time of general chapter Status of the province 416
BY WHOM TO WHOM WHEN SUBJECT MATTER LCO REFERENCE
Provincial Master of the Order Within three months before the end of his term Status of the province 341, 3
Vicar of the province Master of the Order After completion of election of provincial Outcome of the election 453, I
Postulator general of causes General chapter Every chapter Status of individual causes 431, 2
Syndic of the Order Master of the Order Every year Receipts & expenses 570
Administrators appointed by the Master Master of the Order Every year receipts & expenses 562; 571
Syndic of the Order (with approval of Master) All provinces Every year Economic status of the Order 578
Syndic of the Order General chapter Every chapter Economic status of the Order 569
Assistants of the Master Vocals of the general chapter Every three years More serious problems within their competency 430
Master of the Order General chapter Every chapter Status of the Order 417, II, 2
Master of the Order General Chapter (pertinent commission) Every chapter Personal economic administration 417, II, 3; 572

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