Rule of Life

General Statutes

THE CONGREGATION IN THE CHURCH
(On C. 2)

01. The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R.) unites priests, deacons and lay members who, both in the religious house and outside of it, work together in brotherly union, carrying out one and the same mission. Each and all of these, even though they follow Christ in his living of the hidden life, aim at becoming the leaven of the Gospel in the world:

· either by devoting themselves to the preaching of salvation and the ministry of the liturgy;
· or by undertaking other works that are, properly speaking, apostolic;
· or by engaging in technical and professional work.

02. The Congregation may take as associates 'oblates' both cleric and lay. In doing so, it should envisage and seek to recruit helpers for our apostolate. They may be either permanent or temporary. (Vice)provinces should define in more detail the actual forms this association will take (cf. 085).

03. The Congregation is governed both by the common law of the Church and by particular law. This latter is contained in the constitutions approved by the Apostolic See, in the general statutes and the norms of the directories laid down by the general chapter, and in the (vice)provincial statutes, i.e., those made by (vice)provincial chapters.

The Directory of Chapters has force of law. The Directory of Superiors, however, has force of law only where it lists the matters in which superiors and councils are competent, or where it merely cites the common or particular law, and then the obligation is that of the law it cites.

04. The Congregation enjoys exemption. Nevertheless, its communities and members in fact and in law are part of the local church, and share its benefits and fortunes, its difficulties, its persecutions and trials. Consequently they have the responsibility of coming to the assistance of the people of God in their needs and of co-operating wholeheartedly with the local church as its pastoral programme requires, always keeping in mind the particular character of the Congregation (cf. CC. 18, 66, 135). [1]

05. The members honour the Most Holy Redeemer as the titular patron of the Congregation. They honour the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of the lmmaculate Conception, under which title she has been officially designated patroness of the Congregation. They honour her also under the title of Mother of Perpetual Help, and the Congregation has been commissioned by the Holy See to spread devotion to her under this title. They honour Saint Joseph; the holy Apostles; Saint Alphonsus, their founder, their father and model; Saint Clement, renowned for his part in spreading the Congregation; Saint Gerard, who is especially the model of the brothers' life; Saint John Nepomucene Neumann, outstanding for his pastoral zeal, and Blessed Peter Donders, distinguished for his missionary service directed to the salvation of the whole human person; and also Blessed Kaspar Stanggassinger, tirelessly devoted to the promotion of priestly and religious vocations, and Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli, faithful companion of St. Alphonsus. [2]

06. The seal of the Congregation consists of a cross with a lance and sponge mounted on three hills; on either side of the cross are the abbreviated names of Jesus and Mary; above the cross is an eye sending forth rays; over all a crown. Around the seal is the motto: "With Him is Plentiful Redemption" (cf. Ps. 129:7).

07. The use of our religious habit is to be determined in more detail by the (vice)provincial statutes, taking account of C. 45, 4°.

08. Let the members value highly the contemplative apostolate of the nuns of the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer. They have a common origin with us, are dedicated to the same purpose and participate in the ministry of the Congregation. For this reason they should be regularly informed of our labours, so that through their spiritual help the word of God may spread and be received with honour. We must also be ready to help them in a brotherly spirit.

A special secretariat in the general curia deals with matters concerning the nuns of the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer.

CHAPTER I

THE MISSIONARY WORK OF THE CONGREGATION
(On CC. 3-20)

Art. 1: The People to be Evangelized (On CC. 3-5)

09. Criterion:

a. The members of the Congregation must be tireless in seeking out people who are more deprived of spiritual help, especially the poor, the powerless and the oppressed. In doing this, they should be guided by the norms given by the (vice)provincial chapter, take into account the particular needs of each region and act in co-ordination with other pastoral workers.

b. Redemptorists can never be deaf to the cry of the poor and the oppressed, but have the duty to search for ways of helping them, so that they themselves will be able to overcome the evils that oppress them. This essential element of the Gospel must never be lacking in the proclamation of the word of God.

010. Groups of the Faithful for whom the Church has not net been able to provide Sufficient Means of Salvation

Such can be considered those groups who are spiritually abandoned, either because of shortage of priests, or because of social conditions. The following would be examples:

· country people in some regions;
· very many emigrants, exiles, refugees and others like them;
· those who live or work in overcrowded areas of large cities;
· those who "see themselves unjustly excluded from the principal civil rights enjoyed by others, because of their race or colour." [3]

011. Those who have never heard the Church's Message

a. The Congregation recognizes that the greatest work of missionary charity and the primary mission of the Church is the preaching of the Gospel to peoples who are ignorant of the message of Christ and of his saving mercy.

The Church realizes that in this field a vast amount of missionary work still remains to be done. [4]

Our Congregation is already engaged in this primary mission of the Church, and has every intention of devoting greater efforts to it.

Complying with the wishes of the Church, individual (vice)provinces must examine whether they can co-operate with provinces already working in the missions, by sharing personnel or temporal goods, or even by taking on new missions themselves.

b. Members who take on this apostolate follow the Redeemer in an eminent way, and, moreover, put into effect the intention of our holy founder who used earnestly to exhort his sons to "cultivate a genuine concern for peoples not yet Christian", and wished them to bind themselves by a vow to "undertake missions to non-Christians." [5]

c. Members intending to enter a new mission territory must be versed in the science of missiology, because close co-operation between the people called to the faith and the missionaries is essential for the thorough adaptation of the whole Christian life. They must make every effort to master the language of the people, study their culture, and get to know their religion and customs.

They should highly esteem whatever they find to be good and true in the tradition of the people and methodically incorporate it into their life of faith. In this way they build up a Church that is truly native to the territory and is at the same time a sign of the universal Church. [6]

In order to hand on the riches of the Church's religious tradition, let the members also endeavour to plant our Congregation where they are working on the missions, so that it may be better able to serve the people in accordance with their character and natural talents. [7]

Foreign missioners should always regard themselves as called to help the people of the territory in such a way that, when the time comes, in a spirit of charity and self-denial, they gladly make way for local clergy.

d. To secure the best possible co-operation, superiors of the Congregation should draw up an agreement regarding mutual rights and obligations with the ordinary of the place. Likewise, a clear inventory should be made of the property that belongs to the Congregation and of the property of the diocese. [8]

012. Those who do not receive the Church's Message as the 'Good News'

These are persons or groups "in the midst of whom the Church already exists", but who do not set any value on Christ or are estranged from the Church.

Atheism infiltrates life and institutions very considerably in many areas. The members of the Congregation must make a serious study and appraisal of it in all its aspects, including the positive ones; for this can help to promote authentic Christian belief. (cf. St. 014b ) [9]

013. Those who suffer harm because of division in the Church

The members must encourage whatever can contribute to the union of all who believe in Christ. This holds good for all Redemptorists who work in this our pluralistic society, but above all for those who are expressly assigned to ecumenical work.

For this task missionaries need genuine self-denial, humility and gentleness in the service they give, as well as brotherly open-mindedness towards others. Therefore, their success in promoting the union of all Christians will be in proportion to their own earnest efforts to lead a life ever more in accord with the Gospel. [10]

014. The Faithful in Need of Continual Conversion

a. The missionary work of the Congregation among the faithful is always prominent, since the Church must continually preach faith and repentance to believers. Moreover, it is from among the faithful that missionary vocations must be cultivated if the Congregation is to carry on its work everywhere. [11]

b. The approach in missionary work with those who belong to the family of the faith should be directed principally to renewal of faith. This is necessary because the faithful in our time are undergoing a widespread crisis of faith. For the social climate, marked as it is by cultural pluralism, can no longer be called Christian, nor does it give support to the external structures of the faith.

Nevertheless, the new conditions which affect religion in life itself challenge people to a purification of that life and to a more earnest commitment to faith. [12]

c. Let the members teach the laity that their special vocation in the Church is to live in the spirit of the Gospel, and so co-operate in sanctifying the world, acting on it as it were from within after the manner of a leaven .

Let them bring the people of God to intensify their apostolic activity, since the apostolate of the laity has its own most necessary role in the mission of the Church. For the Church is not fully alive, nor is it a perfect sign of Christ among people, unless there is a laity true to their call living and working in it. [13]

d. The members will show affection and give special attention to young people, who exert a very powerful influence in modern society. They will do so especially where they exercise the parochial ministry, so that the young may become genuinely new persons who will mould a new humanity. The members should inspire and cultivate missionary fervour in them, so that future preachers of the Gospel may come from among them. [14]

015. Pastoral Service for Priests

Priests assigned generally to the ordinary care of souls are the natural educators in faith.

However, no one is unacquainted with the difficulties which confront priests in conditions of modern life.

There are new obstacles to faith; there is the apparent lack of results from their work; there is the distressing loneliness which they may experience. Such things can put them in danger of losing heart.

For these reasons our missionaries must show special concern for priests. They must try to strengthen their faith and sustain their hope in the midst of today's pastoral conditions, through human contacts and through every means at their disposal. [15]

Art. 2: Certain Forms of Missionary Work (On CC. 13-16)

016. General Principle

The forms of the ministry mentioned in the following statutes are to be employed resolutely and courageously where they are really effective, and they should be constantly adapted to pastoral needs. [16]

017. Missions to the People

a. The Church is holy, and yet it is always in need of purification. Since it embraces sinners in its fold, it follows continually the way of repentance and renewal.

History shows that for this purpose missions have proved a most effective means. They are a form of the extraordinary pastoral ministry which proclaims the message of salvation and conversion (kerygmatic preaching). Indeed they are a continued redemption which the Son of God is always effecting in the world through means of his ministers.

b. The giving of spiritual renewals or repetitions of the mission is strongly recommended as a way of consolidating the fruits of the mission. The giving of renewals is a distinctive mark of the Congregation.

018. The Parochial Ministry

Members assigned to this ministry should perform their parochial duties with wholehearted dedication. They should bear well in mind that the more they are activated by the missionary spirit, the more they are, as it were, engaged in a continual mission.

019. Catechesis

Let the members do everything possible to promote catechetical education in whatever type of pastoral activity they are engaged. Its object is, through means of instruction, to enlighten people's faith, give them a greater understanding of it, and make it a living faith that will show itself in action. They should co-operate with catechetical institutes established for this purpose. [17]

020. Spiritual Exercises

The members should conduct spiritual exercises for clerics, religious and lay people either in their own houses or elsewhere. With a zeal that is truly ecclesial, they should make every effort to bring people to a deeper understanding of the mysteries of salvation, with the result that they become real missionaries.

Lay people especially should be brought to understand clearly what their role in the Church is, and to realise the responsibility they have as Christians towards their brothers and sisters. (cf. St. 014 c, d).

021. Promoting Justice and Human Progress

The Church is sent to bring freedom and salvation to the whole human person and to form all people and the whole world in Christ, something which must always be borne in mind in the work of evangelization. Therefore the members should try to establish works which have for their aim human and social progress, and this above all in regions which are still in a state of development.

They should do this in ways that are in keeping with the varying local circumstances, and the needs of evangelization. They should co-operate closely with organizations and institutions already set up for this purpose. [18]

(Vice)provincial statutes will regulate this matter in more detail, always keeping in mind the Congregation's missionary charism in the Church.

022. The Apostolate through Communication Media

The communication media help considerably in spreading the kingdom of God and strengthening it. The Congregation employs these extensively in its pastoral ministry. It makes use of publications, both popular and scientific, the arts, and audiovisual presentations.

Chapters should examine the question of carrying on the apostolate through these communication media. (Vice)provincial governments also should make it possible for members who are capable to be trained in their use. [19]

023. The Study of Moral and Pastoral Theology

Members should devote themselves to the study of theological and human sciences in compliance with the wishes of the Church. Through this study they will be qualified to offer to the people of God the helps necessary for salvation in the living of their daily lives. They should give particular attention to the study of moral and pastoral theology and of spirituality as required by the character of the Congregation and taking example from its history. [20]

It is for this purpose that the Alphonsian Academy has been set up in Rome. It should be maintained and supported by the whole Congregation, since its scope is very closely connected with the purpose of the Congregation.

024. Spiritual Direction

Saint Alphonsus was highly distinguished by his charism for spiritual direction, and our tradition has always held it in high esteem. It is exceptionally important in our times when people are given to such continual self-questioning. [21]

This ministry must be given new forms suitable to the mentality of the people of today. These could be: counseling, questions and replies in periodicals, etc. Where such forms already exist, our members should make use of them, but making contributions that are distinctive of the Congregation. [22]

Art. 3: Adaptation of Methods in the Apostolate (On CC. 17-19)

025. a. (Vice)provincial meetings of the members should be promoted under the inspiration and guidance of the (vice)provincial superior and with the co-operation of the secretariats concerned. They should deal with theological, pastoral and similar branches of knowledge and with the adaptation of methods in the apostolate. Such meetings must be held regularly so as to give them a certain stability (cf. C. 126; SS. 0114, 0155);

b. To develop the work of the apostolate, it seems very opportune that (vice)provincial governments, in conjunction with the secretariat for apostolic life, should set up particular groups of members to experiment with new types of missionary work. Experiments of this kind should be carried out in collaboration with the local church (cf. CC. 36-38; SS. 045, 049).

CHAPTER II

COMMUNITY LIFE
[On CC. 21-45)

Art. 1: The Importance of Community

026. Those also share in community, of which C. 22 speaks, who by way of exception, and with the authority of the community, live alone, because their ministry demands it and engage in a work which is a concern of the community.

027. Both superiors and the members themselves will see to it that the members of the different houses come together at stated times to foster the spirit of fraternal cooperation. And this holds in a particular way for those confreres who live and work alone by mandate of the community itself. while keeping united with it in spirit.

Art. 2: A Community of Prayer

028. a. Since the eucharistic mystery manifests community and is the source of its life and growth, it is very much to be desired that it be concelebrated or celebrated with community participation.

Over and above this, the members should have much at heart daily conversation with Christ the Lord in thanksgiving after communion, in visits and personal worship of the Most Holy Eucharist.

b. Moreover, a since the divine office is the voice of the Church publicly praising God " (SC, 99), care must be taken that at least some part of it is celebrated in common (cf. C. 30).

c. The (vice)provincial statutes will decide how often the members must come together every day for prayer in common in accordance with C. 30.

029. They will give themselves more completely to interior communion with God through means of the spiritual exercises for one day almost every month and for eight days every year.

(Vice)provincial statutes will make more detailed provision on this.

Art. 3: A Community of Brothers

030. The administrative structure of the community should always be such that it brings the members into communion with one another and promotes a spirit of fraternity. This, of necessity, has first place in their community life. [23]

For this reason the community should be organized in the way that best preserves and develops this spirit. This should be borne in mind especially in the case of large communities.

031. All the members should make every effort to be always faithful in meeting the innumerable demands of charity, which help to develop human and Christian maturity; such things as showing mutual respect, helping one another, showing concern in a very discreet way for confreres beset with difficulties or afflicted with worries; being generous in welcoming and showing hospitality to visiting confreres; a spirit of brotherly service, taking one's share in domestic chores and similar things.

032. They should, above all, regard fraternal correction, as it is called (cf. Matt. 18:15), as a most important contribution to the building up of the community and its preservation, since community has its foundation in personal relationships and evangelical friendship (cf. C. 34)

033. All should, likewise, take special care that confreres beginning their career in the ministry of the Congregation become genuinely merged in the life and activities of the community.

034. Sick and aged confreres, weighed down as they sometimes are by loneliness, must always receive special care and assistance, above all as their last hour approaches.

On their part, these confreres, whether sick or advanced in years or burdened with other afflictions, should at Christ's invitation accept their condition in a spirit of faith and generosity. Their life of prayer, the experience they have acquired, and the services they still are able to render can be a source of inspiration to the younger confreres.

035. The relatives, especially the parents of the confreres, the benefactors of the Institute, as well as its devoted helpers, are closely linked with our religious family. Therefore, they have a special claim to consideration and affection, particularly if they are in need or in difficulties.

036. The charity of the members must also embrace deceased confreres and other deceased who deserve to be remembered with gratitude.

(Vice)provincial statutes are to decide what suffrages are to be applied for them. With regard to the entire Congregation, the names of deceased members are to be communicated to the (vice)provinces by the general government.

Let the general government make provision for the suffrages to be applied for a superior general, even one who was no longer in office.

Art. 4: A Community of Work

037. In each community the superior must be the one who gives impetus to continual adaptation. Consequently, at times laid down by (vice)provincial statutes, he will arrange to have meetings of the members for the discussion and review of those theological, pastoral and similar branches of knowledge which bear more directly on their activity. These meetings should result in the members being strengthened in the hope of their calling, and in acquiring a fresh approach to their ministry (cf. CC 38, 73, 90, 103, 136, 139; St. 048).

In such study sessions they should always give consideration to the needs of the local church and keep its pastoral programme always before their minds (cf. CC. 18, 135; St. 04).

When some apostolic work has been completed, or when they come to the end of a period of community living, the members will make a review of it in a suitable way to try to discover the designs of God, and look to the interests of the Church more effectively.

Art. 5: A Community of Conversion

038. In order to make spiritual progress and to correct their faults and mistakes, the members will make a review of life by means of some community exercise. They will make it several times a year at times decided by the (vice)provincial statutes. In this exercise they must examine how they perform their duties and how they observe the constitutions and statutes, especially in matters regarding brotherly love and missionary charity. This review of life is fittingly included in the monthly recollection where it is made in common.

039. (Vice)provincial statutes will lay down certain community penitential exercises to be performed on one or other day in the week and at certain seasons of the liturgical year. [24]

040. Our priests approved for hearing confessions by any superior of the Congregation are thereby approved for all the houses and members of the Congregation, unless their own or another competent superior expressly refuses this extension of jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction is granted to every confessor, approved by any ordinary whatsoever, to whom a member wishes to make his confession.

Art. 6: An Organized Community

041. Norms for the proper ordering of communities have reference especially to the following:

a. Human relations, such, for example, as the manner of leaving the house, paying visits to relatives and outsiders, etc.

b. The conditions that are conducive to study, common prayer, relaxation of mind and the personal progress of each, e.g., silence and the order of the day.

The (vice)provincial statutes will lay down which of these and similar matters are to be decided by the local communities themselves and which by the (vice)provincial council (cf. C. 137 b).

CHAPTER III

THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY DEDICATED
TO CHRIST THE REDEEMER
(On CC. 46-76)

Art. 1: Chastity

042. In their efforts to be faithful in cultivating chastity, the members should put their trust in the words of the Lord. Let them never presume on their own strength, but rely on God's help and on the abiding assistance of the Blessed Virgin.

Art. 2: Poverty

043. The Congregation's own law, to which C. 68 makes reference, is contained in the decree of Pius X "Ut tollatur" of 31 August, 1909 and that of Benedict XV of 7 May, 1918.

044. The voluntary pooling of all goods in common leads in a wonderful way to the desire for fellowship and sharing with those in lowly circumstances, especially the poor.

For poverty implies mutual sharing, after the example of Christ who gave all things to us.

Therefore, since the members belong to an Institute devoted to the evangelization of the poor, they must be keenly sensitive to the poverty of the world and to the grave social problems afflicting practically all peoples.

Poverty of every kind, whether it be material, moral or spiritual, must challenge their apostolic zeal.

The legitimate aspirations of the poor will be their aspirations.

045. The members can, in certain cases, be called upon, with the consent of the community, to share the actual destitution and insecurity of the poor in lowly conditions.

Opportune experiments in this matter which manifest and contribute to the human and Christian maturity of the apostolic worker can be made in accordance with the requirements of each (vice)province.

046. 1° The community has the obligation of supplying the members with all they need; the (vice)provincial statutes shall determine this matter in greater detail.

2° The common life of the members must be truly adapted to the mentality of each region and give effective witness to poverty and solidarity with the poor. For this purpose the (vice)provincial statutes shall lay down concrete norms, especially on the following:

a. the dependent use of material goods in everyday life and the asking of permissions;

b. the life style of the individual and the community, taking into account conditions in particular places;

c. periodic review with the aim of furthering the practice of poverty in a really genuine way;

d. new ways of living poverty and of taking on personal responsibility in the matter.

047. For this purpose a definite sum of money determined by (vice)provincial decrees can be granted habitually to the members for their own use, either by reason of their office or of necessity. This can be done provided its use is defined, an account of its spending is given to the superior, and even the appearance of a peculium is avoided.

Art. 3: Obedience

048. a. With an obedience that is thoughtful and active, the members exercise their common responsibility in searching for means suited to the different places where they must carry out the mission of the Congregation.

b. When the community has taken a decision on any matter, all will wholeheartedly unite their efforts in carrying it out.

049. The Holy Spirit dispenses gifts and charisms for the apostolate (cf.1 Cor. 2:1-30). Because he has received these charisms, each member has the right and duty to employ them in the service of the ecclesial community (ib. 12:7), in communion with his confreres and especially with those in charge (ib. 12:28). It is for the latter to pass judgment on the nature of these gifts and their proper use, not indeed to extinguish the Spirit, but so as to test all things and retain for use what is good (cf. 1 Thess. 5:19-22; 1 John 4:1-7). The members should bear in mind that the "higher charisms" (1 Cor. 12:31) are directed to charity as to a "more excellent way" (ib. 13:1).

CHAPTER IV

FORMATION OF THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY
(On CC. 77-90)

Art. 1: The Careful Selection of Vocations

050. Every (vice)province will organize all that is required for encouraging, seeking out and developing vocations. It should always do this in a spirit of genuine co-operation with those appointed for this pastoral duty in the universal Church and especially in dioceses and regions. [25]

051. The suitability of candidates for life in the Congregation must be clearly established. Therefore careful inquiry should be made:

a. concerning the physical and mental health required of the candidates for our apostolic life, and their capacity for normal social relationships. These qualifications should be established by common norms and, when necessary, confirmed by reliable tests carried out by experts. [26]

b. concerning the moral character of the candidates, their immediate family background and their family history.

c. concerning the candidates' intellectual fitness for the work of our apostolate.

d. above all, concerning those qualities of mind and heart which are required if the candidates are to give themselves totally to God and their neighbour within the community life of the Congregation.

052. New ways of promoting vocations must be found, so as to ensure the young men's freedom of choice in a way that is more human and more in touch with reality. They must be ways that promote and consolidate the maturity required in the candidates.

Among these ways should be included institutes and programmes which take care of what are called late vocations. [27]

053. There are (vice)provinces which maintain secondary or high schools for boys and young men for the purpose of developing incipient vocations. In these schools particular attention should be given to the human and religious formation of the students, a formation which will bring them to that maturity and give them that human culture which will be a solid foundation for the strengthening and development of their faith. Thus they will be led to follow Christ the Redeemer with generosity and purity of heart.

The students should, as far as possible, lead a life similar to that of young men of their own age. They should have appropriate experience of life in the world, and retain contacts with their own families.

They should receive the cultural and scientific training which qualifies young people in their country for higher studies. [28]

Art. 2: Training of Candidates

054. The candidates should be given an integral training throughout the whole course of formation. It should be one that takes in every aspect of human and Christian life.

If, however, there are some who are not suitable, they should be told in good time, so that they can withdraw from our life, and with full awareness of their Christian vocation, be helped to enter readily on the apostolate of the laity.

I. Attaining Maturity

055. The psychological maturity which the candidates must achieve consists in that stability of mind which is required for the dedication of oneself to God through celibacy as a charism, and for the living of the other evangelical counsels. It is also required that they be able to make balanced judgments concerning people and events, and be capable of coming to well-considered decisions, so that they can live the life of the apostolic community. [29]

II. Spiritual Formation

056. The candidates are to be thoroughly trained in how to seek Christ the Redeemer through constant meditation on the word of God, especially the Gospels, through prayer and the celebration of the sacred liturgy. Imbibing the spirit of the evangelical counsels and the beatitudes and drawn to their practice, they will follow Christ with an ardent love. They must be penetrated with a sense of the mystery of the Church and learn to share its total life. Let them love and venerate with great trust the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles, Saint Alphonsus and the other saints of the Congregation. [30]

III. Formation for Community Life

057. They shall be trained also in the practice of the virtues necessary for the apostolic community life. These are: brotherly love, self-denial, availability to all, especially the lowly and the poor, the ability to work in close co-operation with others in the labours of the apostolate, daring and firm confidence, simplicity and sincerity of heart, tolerance and kindness, the ability to suffer cheerfully in want, in labours, in trials and affliction and in persecutions for the sake of Christ (cf. C. 20; 2 Cor. 3-7; 10-12). [31]

IV. Pastoral Formation

058. The pastoral orientation of the whole course of training is a distinctive feature of missionary formation, and this must be clearly in evidence. Everything relating to formation - both studies and spiritual life - must be combined with practical apostolic exercises and experience, in order that the candidates may be able to renew and increase their own faith in the mystery of salvation and so be prepared to preach the Gospel with confidence to others. [32]

059. Lest they prove unequal to their task, as members of a religious institute dedicated to the apostolate, they should be properly instructed, according to the intellectual gifts and personal talents of each, in the prevailing behaviour patterns of contemporary social life and in its characteristic ways of feeling and thinking. [33]

Art. 3: The Teachers

060. The teachers shall play an active part in the work of formation and co-operate closely with directors. They should be duly trained in the method of teaching, qualified in the subjects they teach, and be provided with appropriate aids for their office. [34]

To secure more fruitful results from the programme of formation of the members, the staff of each institution should consult together at definitive intervals, and afterwards harmonize their plans with those of the other institutions of formation. Nor should they neglect association and collaboration with the personnel of other seminaries which may be within easy reach.

Art. 4: First Formation for the Apostolic Life

061. It is left to the (vice)provincial statutes to decide the obligation, the nature and the duration of the postulancy within the limits of the common law.

062. a. The novitiate begins canonically on the day determined by the (vice)provincial superior in a legal document, and it must be made in a house designated by the superior general with the consent of his council.

b. It is the function of the (vice)provincial superior with the consent of his council to admit candidates to the novitiate and novices to temporary profession and to admit temporarily professed members to perpetual profession. [35]

c. The (vice)provincial superior with the consent of his council has power, according to the norm of C. 86, 2° d, to prolong the time of probation in the novitiate.

063. The (vice)provinces themselves are to determine the dress to be worn by the candidates (postulants) and the novices.

064. The novices must be separated to a certain degree from the other members. It is for the (vice) provincial superior, after consulting the master of novices, to decide what communication there should be between the novices and the other members or communities.

A novitiate made for one category of members is valid likewise for the other.

065. The (vice)provincial superior with the consent of his council may allow transfer from one category to the other.

066. The (vice)provincial superior, with the consent of his extraordinary council, after hearing the secretariat for formation, shall lay down appropriate norms regarding the studies which, within the limits determined by common law, are allowed in the course of the novitiate.

067. The general government approves for each (vice)province the programme of training in the novitiate, in keeping with the norm of the constitutions and statutes on formation (cf. St. 081).

068. According to the norm of (vice)provincial statutes, the duration of the novitiate can be for one or two years.

069. In addition to the twelve months of the novitiate spent according to the norm of law, the novices are allowed to complete their training by spending one or several periods of time outside the novitiate community. These periods are to be devoted to formative activity in keeping with the character of the Congregation. This may be done if the master of novices, with the consent of the (vice)provincial superior, given after he has heard his consultors, considers these useful for their formation. [36]

070. The (vice)provincial superior, after hearing those concerned, must see that the spiritual exercises are duly performed for eight whole days before the novitiate begins and before profession.

The exercises before promotion to sacred orders are governed by the prescriptions of the common law.

071. The word 'profession', unless something is expressly said to the contrary, has a general meaning. It includes both temporary and perpetual vows.

072. Temporary vows are made for at least one year.

073. The superior general, with the consent of his consultors, determines for each individual case the time and manner of probation which is to precede the perpetual profession of a religious who is transferring to our Congregation, observing Can. 684 §2.

074. The (vice)provincial superior with the consent of his council decides for each individual case the time that is to elapse between the novitiate and the making of perpetual vows, taking account of the common law (cf. C. 86, 2°, e).

075. Some form of preparation, after the manner of a novitiate, is to be made for perpetual profession; it should last for at least a month.

076. Perpetual profession is required for the reception of sacred orders.

077. When the time for profession is approaching, the candidate shall make a petition in writing to the (vice)provincial superior for admission to it.

078. Before admitting a candidate to profession, the (vice)provincial government shall seek written reports on his suitability from the directors concerned, and if the case requires it, the opinion of the community.

These reports are to be sought several times in the course of the time of formation in accordance with (vice)provincial statutes. This is necessary if the (vice)provincial superior with his council is to be able to form a proper judgment on the candidates.

079. a. Unless something else is stated to the contrary, the superior of the house of formation, the prefect of students and the master of novices are delegated by law to accept profession.

b. An authentic document of the profession is to be drawn up. It is to be signed by those who made profession, the one who accepted it, and by those who acted as witnesses.

080. To recall to the memory of all the members the importance of their dedication to God by religious profession, there shall be a community renewal of this same profession twice a year in all communities at a time to be decided by the (vice)provincial statutes.

081. a. It is for the (vice)provincial council, after hearing the secretariat for formation, to arrange the programme for the formation of our priests in accordance with the decrees issued by the Holy See. This programme must be approved by the general government (cf. SS. 01 67, 01 68).

b. It is for the (vice)provincial chapter, however, with the help of the secretariats for apostolic life and formation, to determine the conditions required for the reception of the permanent diaconate, taking into account the decisions of the National Conference of Bishops. Norms governing this matter need the approval of the general government.

082. The prefect of students shall be imbued with the priestly and apostolic spirit, disposed towards accepting mutual fraternal co-operation in the common work of education, open and alert in perceiving the needs of the Church in the world. He should have had pastoral experience in the ministry of the Congregation and be trained in spirituality and methods of teaching.083. Those who are sent to Rome to pursue advanced studies reside at the Higher College of Saint Alphonsus, concerning which the following are laid down:

a. The Higher College is commended to the special care of the superior general as an important means for the renewal of the whole Congregation.

b. The government and programme of life in this Higher College are to be approved by the general government.

c. At the end of the scholastic year the director of the Higher College will send a report on their students to the (vice)provincials.

d. Each year a short course on the history and life of the Congregation is to be given to all the students of the Higher College.

Art. 5: Continuing Formation

084. It is the function of the (vice)provincial chapter, with the help of the secretariats for apostolic life and formation:

a. to give attention to the regular training of the brothers, and investigate in what works of the apostolate they may be suitably employed, so that each in his own way may really share in the mission of the Congregation.

b. to arrange means and periods of time for the special renewal - scientific, pastoral and spiritual - of all the members, so that formation may be effectively carried on throughout their whole life (cf. St. 0140 c).

Art. 6: Oblates

085. Oblates who share the spirit and missionary zeal of the Congregation must have the benefit of proper initiation and constant contact with the Congregation, according to norms to be laid down in the individual (vice)provinces (cf. St. 02).

CHAPTER V
GOVERNMENT OF THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY
(On CC. 91-148)

086. In our law:

a. The term "government" always includes the superior and also, when it is required, his council, ordinary and extraordinary if there is one, having consultative or deliberative vote.

b. The term "council" when it is used alone means the college of which the superior is president and part, and which makes its decisions by majority vote.

First Section
The Structure of the Congregation

Art. 1: The Different Parts of the Congregation

087. Provinces and viceprovinces normally have a territorial demarcation.

088. A province is not to be erected unless it consists of at least five communities and fifty members, and provision is made for its being financially independent.

Similarly, a viceprovince is not to be established unless it consists of at least three communities and twenty members.

089. Before the general council proceeds to the erection of a new (vice)province it shall carry out full consultation both among the members who will belong to the (vice) province which is being erected, and if the case requires it, with the governments of those provinces whose territory is being divided.

090. Should apostolic needs recommend it, provinces and viceprovinces can establish a region; this needs the approval of the general council and is constituted a moral person in law.

If, however, a viceprovince erects it, the approval of the extraordinary provincial council is also required.

An agreement between the province or viceprovince on the one side and the region on the other will determine mutual rights and obligations, but this agreement needs the approval of the general council.

091. a. Members are united in local or personal communities for the purpose of carrying out the apostolic mission of the (vice) province. The place where they habitually dwell may be:

- either a house, i.e., canonically erected and having the status of a moral person in law;

- or a residence, i.e., not canonically erected.

b. A house shall not be canonically erected unless it is prudently foreseen that at least three members of the Congregation will be habitually assigned to it in the future.

092. Members who by way of exception live and work alone must be attached either to some local community according to the norm of the preceding statute, or at least to a (vice)province in accordance with the (vice)provincial statutes.

093. All members, whether they live in community or especially if they live outside it, should feel themselves really part of the whole (vice)province and that they share its fortunes. They should observe its norms and show zeal for its apostolic enterprises.

Art . 2: Superiors in General

094. a. Superiors shall protect the rights of the members who are entrusted to their authority and their care. In the same way, with all charity, prudence and fortitude, they shall draw the attention of the confreres to their defects, especially if they cause harm or are a source of annoyance to the community and are injurious to apostolic activity

b. So that superiors do not remain in office continuously for too long a period, (vice)provincial statutes must decide the length of time that members may hold the office of local superior without an interval; the length of time that members may hold the office of (vice)provincial superior; not, however, for more than three triennia; [37]

c. The Superior General shall not remain in office for more than two periods of six years.

095. a. Unless otherwise stated in particular law or by mandate of a competent superior, a superior enters on office when he is inducted according to the legitimate form.

b. This superior takes lawful possession of his office when the authentic document establishing that he has been appointed or elected and, if this is required, confirmed, to the office in question, is read in his own presence or that of his proxy, before any community of the (vice)province if he is the (vice)provincial superior, or before his own community if he is a local superior.

The (vice)provincial statutes may add other solemnities to this essential formality, while his obligation to make personally the profession of faith according to the norm of law remains.

c. If, however, when his period of office has elapsed, a superior is appointed or elected to the same office, a new installation in the office is not required.

d. Superiors remain in office until their successors assume office.

Before he is installed in office. the one appointed or elected superior must on no account intervene in government.

e. When the new superior has been installed in office, offices depending on the former superior cease without any declaration.

f. After he has been installed in office every superior shall keep in mind the ancient custom in the Congregation of making the spiritual exercises at an opportune time.

g. Superiors of communities must live each