Ordination

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.

1. The professors should try to create a real intellectual exchange among themselves, and also with the students; this will contribute more effectively to the intellectual formation of all, and redound to the greater benefit of each student.
2. Brothers engaged in ministry should be invited when opportune to discuss pressing contemporary issues with professors and students; this will provide an added incentive for study.

Professors should apply themselves assiduously to study so that they may become increasingly expert in their field, well-equipped for scientific research. They ought to bear in mind that a limited involvement in pastoral ministry will help in their task of studying and teaching.

To be appointed professor in a centre of institutional studies, a brother must have completed his own institutional studies, and also complementary studies especially in his own field according to the requirements of the Ratio Studiorum. Furthermore, he shall have appropriate pastoral experience and training in the art of teaching.

1. Studies should be distinguished by their rigour and scientific method.
2. Intellectual formation consists principally in the development of judgment. Therefore, a critical knowledge of sources, an understanding of principles and an ability to reason properly must be carefully cultivated, so that the brothers may be fitted to study by themselves and to take part in serious dialogue.