All those groups constituting the Dominican Family (see Fundamental Constitution 1, § IX) share a common vocation, each serving the mission of the Order in its own distinctive way.

Let the brothers follow the example of St Dominic who at home and on the road, by day and by night, was devoted to the liturgy of the hours and private prayer, and celebrated the divine mysteries with great devotion.

1. A special examination must precede the exercise the office of confessor. The manner in which this examination is to be conducted is laid down in the Ratio Studiorum Generalis.
2. Brothers must take this examination within six months of completing their basic theological studies, or within six months of ordination to the priesthood if this is postponed for any reason.
3. Before this examination, a vote is to be taken on the moral behaviour of the candidate as mentioned in n. 318, 4 This is required for validity.

1. After completing their course of studies, young priests should apply themselves responsibly to the religious and apostolic life so that their priestly ministry will truly nourish their spiritual and intellectual life. They should be aware of the special problems which are part of the first years of priesthood.
2. the brothers, especially superiors, should help the young priests in their ministries with brotherly care and advice.

1. Student priests living outside the studentate are to be introduced gradually to the priestly life and apostolate through appropriate conferences and activities. This is the responsibility of the prior or another father brother priest designated by the prior provincial.
2. They are, however, always under the authority of the prior with due provision for the rights of the regent in matters of study.

1. Superiors shall not admit a person to orders unless, after careful inquiry, they are satisfied about his religious conduct (de moribus religiosis), his suitability for priestly office and his progress in study.
2. Superiors shall question each of those due for ordination in order to satisfy themselves that they freely and deliberately want to be ordained as religious (cf. CCL 1036).

The most suitable time and method of voting on the religious conduct [de moribus] of candidates before examinations should be decided by the provincial chapter, with due regard for the prescriptions of n. 251, § III.

1. Brothers shall pursue complementary studies in special institutes, as determined in the province’s plans (see n. 107 above), and in accordance with each one’s abilities and interest.
2. Students may prepare for these studies while still engaged in institutional studies.

Bearing in mind their talents and regional conditions, brothers may be sent to universities for further studies on the recommendation of the group of professors and with the permission
of the prior provincial. This can take place during their normal course of studies. However, such studies must be at one with the Order’s intellectual formation. Furthermore, when such university studies have been finished, brothers shall complete the studies proper to the Order, if they have not already done so.

With respect to philosophy and theology to be offered, the decree Optatam totius (nn. 13-19) of the Second Vatican Council should be observed, paying special attention to the following:

1. the scientific study of sources, and especially in the context of theology, those of Sacred Scripture;
2. the importance of the search for a systematic synthesis through speculation, under the guidance of the master, Saint Thomas (see n. 82 above);
3. the more urgent problems of the day, which will vary from place to place.