Constitution

1. Preaching is a shared work, the responsibility of the entire community; that is why in the tradition of our Order a convent is often called a ‘holy preaching.’
2. The cooperator brothers take part in the community apostolate not only by providing for the needs of the convent but also by a ministry properly so-called, either working with their priest brothers or exercising talents in the apostolate.
3. The superior and the brothers should together reflect on the common task of preaching and make it their own, so that the whole community may become responsible. However, the right of the superior to make final decisions and accept particular ministries remains intact.
4. In fraternal gatherings the brothers should discuss their apostolic experiences and problems, studying them to- gether and joining forces in special groups in order to exercise a more effective ministry.

1. The ministry of the word is a sharing in the prophetic office of the bishops; therefore the preachers must accept the entire gospel message and cultivate a living understanding of the mystery of salvation as it is handed down and explained in the Church. Dominican preaching must always be marked by this evangelical spirit and sound teaching.
2. So that the salvific influence of our preaching may reach everyone, we must do more than merely observe the situations and aspirations of those whom we address. We must establish a living relationship with them, so that the preaching of the revealed word adjusted to their understanding, may remain the law of all evangelisation, especially among those who are far from the faith.
   Thus our spirit ought to be open both to the Spirit of God and to the hearts of those to whom the word of God is being preached, so that it may obtain a communication of the light, the love and the strength of the Paraclete.
   Consequently, the brothers should learn to recognise the Spirit working in the midst of God’s people, and to discern the treasures hidden in the various forms of human culture, by which human nature is more fully manifested and new paths to truth are opened.
3. The brothers should cultivate the spiritual life and the human virtues so that their behaviour does not weaken the impact of their message.

1. In our communities, the conventual Mass and the liturgy of the hours should be celebrated daily in choir.
2. Where the conventual Mass and the entire office cannot be celebrated in common, due to a legitimate impediment, at least Lauds and Vespers should be celebrated. If the situation is habitual it should be acknowledged by the prior provincial and his council.
3. When the divine office cannot be celebrated in choir for a just reason, according to the judgment of the major superior, it should be celebrated in another suitable sacred place.

1. In our communities, the conventual Mass and the liturgy of the hours should be celebrated daily in choir.
2. Where the conventual Mass and the entire office cannot be celebrated in common, due to a legitimate impediment, at least Lauds and Vespers should be celebrated. If the situation is habitual it should be acknowledged by the prior provincial and his council.
3. When the divine office liturgy of the hours cannot be celebrated in choir for a just reason, it should be celebrated in another suitable sacred place, especially so that the faithful can participate actively in the liturgical prayer of the brothers.

1. Through this profession, we imitate Christ in a special manner, Christ who always obeyed the Father, for the life of the world. We are thus more closely united to the Church, to whose building-up we are dedicated, for its common good and that of the Order. In this we are joined by our superiors, who by their common ministry represent God.
2. The common good is also revealed in the religious and apostolic options of the community, and by the interior enlightenment of the Holy Spirit who sustains the mission of the Order.
3. Our brothers are obliged to obey their superiors in everything that pertains to the Rule and our laws. We are not, however, obliged to obey —nor indeed may we — in matters that are against the commandments of God and of the Church, are contrary to the laws of the Order or do not allow a superior’s dispensation. If there is a doubt, how- ever, we are all obliged to obey.

1. All the socii are appointed by the Master of the Order, remain in office for six years, and may be appointed again for another six years, always leaving the new Master of the Order free to change the brothers who are members of the general council.
2. The appointment of assistants for the apostolate and for the intellectual life shall take place after the views of all priors provincial have been ascertained.
3. The appointment of assistants to deal with relations between provinces and the Master of the Order shall take place after the priors provincial concerned have been consulted. When they shall have reached an agreement on the matter they shall offer three names to the Master of the Order. The Master of the Order is obliged to appoint one of the three or to ask that three other names be offered.

1. Under the chairmanship of the Master or vicar of the Order, or of their vicar, the general council is composed of the socii to the Master of the Order and of the procurator general; their consent or advice is required according to our laws and common law.
2. The Master of the Order may convoke the councillors to seek their advice and opinion whenever it seems beneficial to him even if this is not required by law.

The following are assembled and have votes in a general chapter of priors provincial:

1. the Master of the Order;
2. ex-Masters of the Order;
3. each prior provincial;
4. each vice-provincial and vicar general;
5. delegates of the vicariates chosen from regional priors and vicars provincial in accordance with n. 409-bis;
6. one delegate from among the brothers assigned under the immediate jurisdiction of the Master of the Order if the total is less than one hundred, two if the total is one hundred or more, elected in accordance with n. 409-ter.

The following are assembled and have votes in a general chapter of priors provincial:

1. the Master of the Order;
2. ex-Masters of the Order;
3. each prior provincial;
4. each vice-provincial and vicar general mentioned in n. 257 § II;
5. delegates of the vicariates chosen from regional priors and vicars provincial in accordance with n. 409-bis;

The following are assembled and have votes in a general chapter of priors provincial:

1. the Master of the Order;
2. ex-Masters of the Order;
3. each prior provincial;
4. each vice-provincial and vicar general;
5. delegates of the vicariates chosen from regional priors and vicars provincial in accordance with n. 409-bis;