The Religious Formation of Clerical Brothers

Clerical brothers after first profession ordinarily move to the studentate where, normally, they remain until ordination or until the end of institutional studies, continuing and completing their formation.

Priests in temporary vows are to remain in the studentate for at least three years under the guidance of the master so that they may be confirmed in the Dominican spirit, and in the  observance of regular discipline. If the prior provincial with his council so decides, they may live elsewhere under the guidance of another father brother priest.

Since clerical brothers are destined to lead their Dominican lives in the exercise of a priestly apostolate, they should be taught how, by imitating Christ, they can harmonise their religious life with the demands of their future priesthood, thus achieving a more complete integration of their Dominican vocation,

The students’ progressive formation should be conducted in such a way that the religious life is nourished by study and study is nourished by the religious life.

1. From the very first years of the curriculum of studies, suitable programmes in diverse works of the apostolate should be methodically introduced under the guidance of experts; as far as possible these should take place during the academic year and particularly during vacation time, according to norms worked out by each province.
2. In line with the needs of different provinces, and according to the resolutions decided by their respective chapters or councils, studies may be interrupted for the sake of apostolic activity if this is deemed necessary for formation.