256-bis

1. For the union or fusion of several provinces or vice-provinces the following are required:
   1. the consultative vote of the councils of the provinces with respect to the mutual negotiations to be worked out about the union or fusion;
   2. as far as circumstances dictate permit, consultations of the brethren of the provinces involved in a way worked out by the Master of the Order.
   3. the decision of the Master of the Order with his council; the first superior of the new entity is appointed by the Master of the Order.
2. If it seems necessary, a special statute of provisions can be promulgated by the Master of the Order.
3. If a province is to be divided, the procedures to be followed shall be worked out by the provincial council and approved by the Master of the Order with his council.