The Vicar of the Order

The vicar of the Order is the one who, when the Master ceases to hold office while no chapter is in session, takes the place of the Master of the Order until a Master has been elected.

On the death of the Master or his removal from office, the first socius according to the order of profession has, as of right the power which belongs to the vicar of the Order. However, he must convene the general council so that from among the socii a vicar of the Order may be elected.

1. It is for the elected vicar of the Order to convene the vocals for the election of the future Master, to prepare the general chapter (see n. 415) and to preside at the election of the Master.
2. He may not remove from office the socii of the previous Master, priors provincial or conventual priors, and he may not appoint a new socius or change anything in the state of the Order.