From April 22 to 25, 2025, friars from different Provinces gathered together at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Philippines, for the first assembly of Dominican canonists in the Order.
In the most recent General Chapter held in Tultenango, Mexico, the capitulars recognized the essential role of a canon lawyer in the structure and life of a province (ACG 2022 Tultenango 249). In support of this very important ministry, plans were initiated by a steering committee constituted by the General Curia in collaboration with friars from the two Faculties of Canon Law in the Order: Br. Benjamin Earl, OP (Procurator General); Br. Florentino Bolo, OP (Socius for the Apostolic Life); Br. Loïc-Marie Le Bot, OP, and Br. Gian Matteo Serra, OP (Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas—Angelicum, Rome); Br. Isaias Tiongco, OP, and Br. Arden Dacuma, OP (UST Manila).
With its main theme centered on Canon Law in service of the Order, the assembly set the following objectives: to organize the forum for Canonists; to consider the current needs of the Order in the field of Canon Law; to facilitate better coordination between the entities and the General Curia; to promote the study of Canon Law in the Order; to support and promote the two institutions of the Order that offer degrees in Canon Law; and to explore collaborative opportunities.
Presentations were focused on canonical issues currently affecting the Order: Br. Loïc-Marie Le Bot, OP (Province of Toulouse), on the ACG 2022 Tultenango Commission Work; Br. Christophe Holzer, OP (Province of St. Albert the Great in Austria and Germany), on the canonical accompaniment of the Nuns; Br. Benjamin Earl, OP (Province of England), on the canonical accompaniment of the Nuns, the presentation of canonical cases to the General Curia, separation from the Order, and some case studies; Br. Gregory Pearson, OP (Province of England), on preliminary investigations, and Br. Mirosław Sander, OP (Province of Poland), on administrative penal processes.
Thirty friars from 12 provinces and 10 countries were present, including the Master of the Order, Br. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, OP, who celebrated the Opening Mass on April 22 at the UST Central Seminary Chapel. He likewise welcomed the participants during the opening plenary on the next day, together with the Socius for Asia Pacific, Br. Jamshed Gill, OP, and the Prior Provincial of the Province of the Philippines, Br. Filemon de la Cruz Jr., OP. Evenings were spent visiting the different communities of friars in Manila, namely, the Convent of St. John Lateran in Intramuros, the Convent of St. Dominic in Quezon City, and the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas.
While the activity was primarily intended for friars working as canonists for the province, the invitation was extended to the brethren who hold a degree or are currently undertaking studies in Canon Law. Some also participated online in the conferences. At the conclusion of the assembly, the brothers agreed to organize the event every three years, a few months before the celebration of the General Chapter.
