Constitution

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.

From the goods which divine Providence has bestowed on it, a community, with their superior’s consent, ‘should willingly contribute part of what they possess for the other needs of the Church and for the support of the poor, whom all religious should love in the heart of Christ.’ (Vatican II, Decree Perfectae caritatis, n, 13)

1. It is not permitted to contract debts and financial obligations unless it is established with certainty that inter est on the debt can be paid from regular income, and that the principal can be liquidated within a reasonable period of time
2. When asking permission to contract debts or obligations, all other debts and obligations with which the contracting party is burdened to that date must be declared, without exception; otherwise the permission obtained is invalid.
3. Contracts concerning incurring debts or obligations must be submitted for examination by the economic council.

All important contracts to do with economic matters should be made in writing in accordance with the norms established in the province’s administrative statute.

When they travel, brothers are to be given their expenses by their superior. On completion of their journey they must give him an account of that money and of any other money they received while outside the house convent.

Every brother who, ex officio or by appointment, is entrusted with the administration of goods is obliged to give an account of his administration.

Without prejudice to n. 543, all brothers, even superiors, are obliged to give to the bursar all money or accruals of any sort, so that these can be recorded accurately in the account books and, respecting the rights of any third party, be added to the goods of the community.

In economic administration the requirements of civil law must be strictly observed, as must the Church’s law and our own.

Immovable and movable temporal goods must be administered in accordance with the Church’s law and our own legislation, and also in accordance with a province’s or the Order’s special statutes on administration.