Ordination

For a long journey or a prolonged absence a brother needs the permission of the competent superior as determined by the provincial statute.

The brothers need the superior’s permission to go out of the house. This can be a general permission for a specific purpose.

1. The brothers should beware of acquiring novelties or comfortable life-styles. Rather, in all things and everywhere they should lead a simple life.
2. Provinces may decide on the manner of observing poverty, bearing in mind the times, the place, the personnel, and the demands of the apostolate, according to the general norms and spirit of the Order.

If the good of the Order or of the Church require that superiors give a brother a mission involving considerable danger to his life, they should never do this without first consulting him. The superiors are bound to proceed with the utmost cau- tion, gathering all relevant information and bearing in mind the opinion of prudent brothers.

1. Our brothers should not lightly have recourse from a lower to a higher authority in order to evade something imposed by obedience. If they do, recourse should not be allowed.
2. If, however, there is a reasonable case for recourse, the brother should first obey, unless in the judgement of serious people, chosen by both the brother and his superior, it is certain that serious harm would result from obeying.

Guests are to be received courteously and shown every kindness and consideration.

Trusting in the mercy of God, we care for those who have left our ranks by showing them every kindness and consideration, and offering help when necessary.

Our communion should extend with special solicitude towards brothers who are experiencing difficulties.

Superiors should take special care that those who, in order to carry out a ministry, live outside their convent of assignation can often return there, and be visited by their brothers. The community should welcome them warmly, help them in every way they can, and by encouragement and assistance share in their labours. They, on their part, ought to carry out their ministry as members of the community. They should willingly take part in meetings of the community so that they may be nourished by the apostolic zeal of their brothers and strengthened them in turn.

1. To stimulate the regular life, a meeting shall be held at least once a month, chaired by the prior or by another brother appointed by him, at which all the brothers may, sincerely and charitably, offer their opinion on a topic chosen beforehand, announced in good time, and having to do with the community’s responsibilities.
2. A regular chapter shall be held several times a year at which the brothers shall examine, in a manner determined by the conventual chapter, their fidelity to the apostolic mission of the convent and to the regular life, and shall perform some penance. On this occasion, the superior may deliver an exhortation on the spiritual and religious life, and such admonitions and corrections as he judges opportune.
3. Brothers who are in formation shall have meetings and chapters under the direction of their respective masters. They may also join fully or partially in the gatherings of the whole community in accordance with n. 309, § II.