Regular observance

Regular observance, drawn from tradition by Saint Dominic, or instituted by him, regulates our way of life, supporting us in our efforts to follow Christ faithfully while enabling our apostolic life to be more effective. In order, therefore, to remain true to our vocation, we ought to cherish and wholeheartedly embrace regular observance, and live it out in practice.

All those things that go to make up Dominican life and order it through common discipline belong to regular observance. Chief among these are the common life, the celebration of the liturgy and prayer,Humbertus de Romanis, Opera de vita regulari, ed. J.-J. Berthier (Roma, 1888), vol. I, 153, 170 et 172. Cf. Mt 6, 5–6. keeping the vows, the assiduous study of truth, and apostolic ministry. Cloister, silence, the habit and penitential exercises help us to carry out these effectively.

Cloister is to be observed in our convents so that our brothers may be better able to devote themselves to contemplation and study, that more intimate family life may be achieved and the faithfulness and characteristics of our religious life may be revealed.

1. Silence is to be carefully observed by the broth­ers especially in places and at times devoted to prayer and study. Silence is the guardian of all observance and contributes greatly to the interior quality of religious life, to peace, prayer, the study of truth and authenticity in preaching. 
2. Silence is to be tempered by charity so that it never impedes fruitful communication.

The habit of the Order comprises a white tunic, scapular and capuce, together with a black cappa and capuce, a leather belt and a rosary. (see Appendix n. 3).

1. Religious consecration and the apostolic calling impel the brothers more than the rest of the faithful to practice self-denial. By taking up their cross and carrying in their own body and soul the sufferings of Jesus, they earn the glory of the resurrection for themselves and for others.
2. Imitating Saint Dominic who, ‘when he was living with us in the flesh, walked by the Spirit, not only not fulfilling the desires of the flesh, but actually quenching them at the source,’ 1  the brothers should practice the virtue of penance especially by observing faithfully all that belongs to our life.

Superiors, moderators of centres for institutional studies and masters of the brothers in formation administer correction to promote regular observance and the salutary improvement of the brothers..