The Government of a House
Subtitle
Art. V
A superior in his house has ordinary power according to law, just as a prior in his convent, and is bound by the same obligations, in so far as they apply.
constitution
Revision History
- Abrogatus ACG 2001 Providence n. 490
- Inchoata cum ordinatione ACG 1998 Bologna n. 261
In the provinces there should be no houses which do not have at least four brothers.
constitution
Revision History
- Confirmata ACG 2016 Bologna n. 283
- Adprobata ACG 2013 Traugurii n. 227
- Inchoata ACG 2010 Romæ n. 273
- After the brothers in the house have been consulted, the superior of a house is appointed for three years by the prior provincial, or by the regional prior, if the appointment concerns a brother assigned in a regional vicariate and unless the statutes of the vicariate provide otherwise. He may be appointed in the same manner for a further three years, but not for a third term.
- At the end of the three-year period, 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 determines otherwise.
In a house, the council ought not to be distinct from the chapter. The superior, however, shall make no decision without consulting the voters, or obtaining their consent, if it is a matter for which a conventual prior needs advice or consent.
If the prior provincial so judges, the superior himself may discharge the office of bursar, in case of necessity.
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- A filial house dependent on a convent may be established by a provincial chapter;
- the prior of the convent or the superior of the house shall appoint a vicar, who in all matters should act according to the directives given him by the superior.
- Norms for the appointment of a vicar, for sending brothers to a filial house, and for their rights and obligations in relation to the convent shall be determined by the provincial chapter.
- The brothers living in a filial house, although assigned to the convent, shall not be reckoned in the number of brothers required for a convent properly speaking.
The provincial chapter shall determine norms for the brothers living outside a convent or house, especially concerning their rights and obligations with regard to the convent of their assignment.
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 determines otherwise.