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GENERAL CONSTITUTIONS
THE MISSION OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER IN THE CHURCH
CHAPTER I THE MISSIONARY WORK OF
THE CONGREGATION
First Section: Evangelization of the Poor
Second Section: The Work of Evangelization
Art. 1: The Gospel of Salvation
Art. 2: Evangelization Itself
Art. 3: The Purpose of the Missionary Work
Third Section: The Manner of Performing the Work of Evangelization
Art. 4: Dynamism in Mission Work
Art. 5: Co-operation in the Church
Art. 6: Dialogue with the World
The Redemptorist Missionary
CHAPTER II THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY
Art. 1: The Community Itself
Art. 2: The Presence of Christ in the Community
Art. 3: A Community of Prayer
Art. 4: A Community of Persons
Art. 5: A Community of Work
Art. 6: A Community of Conversion
Art. 7: An Open Community
Art. 8: An Organized Community
CHAPTER III THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO CHRIST THE REDEEMER
Art. 1: The Mission of Christ the Redeemer, the Reason for their Dedication
Art. 2: Signs and Witnesses
Art. 3: The Mission Unifying their Whole Life
Art. 4: All are Missionaries
Art. 5: Profession, a Response of Love
Art. 6: Chastity
Art. 7: Poverty
Art. 8: Obedience
Art. 9: The Vow and Oath of Perseverance
CHAPTER IV FORMATION OF THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY
Art. 1: The Scope of Formation
Art. 2: The Fostering of Vocations
Art. 3: Formation in General
Art. 4: Directors of Formation
Art. 5: First Formation in the Apostolic Life
Art. 6: Continuing Formation
CHAPTER V GOVERNMENT OF THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY
General Principles
First Section: The Structure of the Congregation
Art. 1: The Parts of the Congregation and its Institutions
Art. 2: Chapters and Superiors in General
Second Section: Government at the General Level
Art. 3: The General Chapter
Art. 4: The General Government
I. The Superior General and His Vicar
II. The General Consultors
Art. 5: The Officials of the General Curia
Third Section: Government at the (Vice)Provincial Level
Art. 6: The Province
I. The Provincial Chapter
II. The Provincial Government
III. Officials and Institutions of the Province
Art. 7: The Viceprovince
Art. 8: Government of Communities in the (Vice)Provinces
Art. 9: Co-operation between (Vice)Provinces
Fourth Section: The Temporal Goods of the Congregation
Art. 10: Purpose of Temporal Goods
Fifth Section: Departure From the Congregation
Notes on
the Constitutions
THE MISSION OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER IN THE CHURCH
1. The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, founded by Saint Alphonsus,
is a clerical missionary religious Institute of pontifical right, enjoying
the privilege of exemption, and having members belonging to various rites.
Its purpose is to "follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, by
preaching the word of God to the poor, as he declared of himself: 'He sent
me to preach the Good News to the poor'." 1
In this way the Congregation shares the mandate given to the Church, which,
since it is the universal sacrament of salvation, is missionary of its very
nature.2
It does so by responding with missionary thrust to the pressing pastoral
needs of the most abandoned, especially the poor, and by devoting itself
entirely to evangelization.
The Redemptorist Congregation truly follows the example of Christ in the
apostolic life, which comprises at one and the same time a life specially
dedicated to God and a life of missionary work.
2. In carrying out its mission in the Church the Congregation unites members
who live together and form one missionary body. These dedicate themselves to
God by profession, and so devote themselves to their mission as a living
unit, each contributing through the ministry that belongs to him.
All Redemptorists, urged on by the apostolic spirit, and imbued with the
zeal of their founder, continue the tradition developed by their confreres
in the past, and are ever attentive to the signs of the times. "Sent as
helpers, companions and ministers of Jesus Christ in the great work of
redemption:"3 to preach the word of salvation to the poor (Chapter 1), they
build up an apostolic community (Chapter 11), specially dedicated to the
Lord (Chapter 111), sustained by adequate formation (Chapter IV), and by
suitable forms of government (Chapter V).
1 [Rule of St.Alphonsus] cf.SHCSR 16 (1968) 400.
2 LG 48; AG 2. 35.
3 [Earlier Constn. No.42]
CHAPTER I
THE MISSIONARY WORK OF THE CONGREGATION
First Section
Evangelization of the Poor
3. The most abandoned, to whom in particular the Congregation is sent, are
those for whom the Church has not yet been able to provide sufficient means
of salvation, those who have never heard the Church's message, or at least
do not receive it as the "Good News", and finally those who suffer harm
because of division in the Church.
At the same time the Congregation directs its apostolic zeal towards the
faithful who enjoy ordinary pastoral care; for they need to be strengthened
in faith, continually converted to God, and bear witness to the faith in
everyday life. 1
4. Among groups of people more in need of spiritual help, they will give
special attention to the poor, the deprived and the oppressed. The
evangelization of these is a sign of messianic activity (cf. Luke 4:18), and
Christ, in a certain sense, wished to identify himself with them (cf. Matt.
25:40). 2
5. Preference for situations where there is pastoral need, that is, for
evangelization in the strict sense together with the choice in favour of the
poor is the very reason why the Congregation exists in the Church, and is
the badge of its fidelity to the vocation it has received.
Indeed the Congregation's mandate to evangelize the poor is directed to the
liberation and salvation of the whole human person. The members have the
duty of preaching the Gospel explicitly and of showing solidarity with the
poor by promoting their fundamental rights to justice and freedom. The means
employed must be effective and at the same time consistent with the Gospel.
3
1 SC 9.
2 CD12; PO 6; LG 8.
3 AG 2-4. 8.
Second Section
The Work of Evangelization
Art. 1: The Gospel of Salvation
6. All Redemptorists, ever following the magisterium of the Church, must be
humble and courageous servants among people of the Gospel of Christ, the
Redeemer and Lord, who is the head and model of the new humanity. 4
This message has for its special object plentiful redemption; it proclaims
the love of God the Father "who first loved us and sent his Son to be the
expiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10) and through the Holy Spirit gives life
to all who believe in him. 5
This redemption affects the entire person. It brings to perfection and
transforms all human values, so as to unite all things in Christ (cf. Eph.
1:10; 1 Cor. 3:23), and thus lead them to their completion in a new earth
and a new heaven (cf. Rev. 21:1).
Art. 2: Evangelization Itself
7. As witnesses of the Good News of the grace of God (cf. Acts 20:24) they
proclaim before everything else the very high destiny of the individual and
of the whole human race. They know very well that all are sinners, but
equally they know that, at a deeper level, all have been chosen, redeemed
and gathered together in Christ (cf. Rom. 8:29 ff). 6
Therefore, they will strive to encounter the Lord where he is already
present and at work in his own mysterious way.
8. According to the situations in which they find themselves, they will
eagerly try to discover what they should do or say: whether to proclaim
Christ explicitly, or confine themselves to the silent witness of brotherly
presence.
9. Should circumstances make it impossible for them at times to proclaim the
Gospel directly and immediately or to preach it fully, then the
missionaries, with patience and prudence, but at the same time with great
confidence, must give witness to the charity of Christ and do all in their
power to make themselves neighbours to everybody. 7
This charity will show itself in prayer, in genuine service to others and in
witness of life whatever form it may take.
This form of evangelization gradually prepares the ways of the Lord, and is
a true exercise of the Redemptorist missionary vocation. 8
4 AG 2-4. 8.
5 LG 2-4; UR 2.
6 GS 3. 12; AG 3.
7 AG 6. 12; GS 27.
8 AG 11-12.
10. Witness of life and charity opens the way to the testimony of the word
(cf. Rom. 10:17), according to actual circumstances and the capabilities of
each. Indeed Redemptorists have as their special mission in the Church the
explicit proclamation of the word of God to bring about fundamental
conversion.
When the opportune time comes, and the Lord opens the door to them for the
preaching of the word (cf. Col. 4:9), the members are always ready to give
witness to the hope that is in them (cf. 1 Pet. 3:1~). They bring to
completion the silent witness of their brotherly presence by preaching the
mystery of Christ with confidence and constancy (cf. Acts 4:13, 29, 31).
They will never grow weary of invoking the Holy Spirit, so that they may
always be able to co-operate more wholeheartedly in bringing the mystery of
redemption in Christ to full effect. For the Spirit has command of every
situation, puts the appropriate word on the lips of the preacher and opens
hearts to receive it
Art. 3: The Purpose of the Missionary Work
11. Blessed by God with the ministry of reconciliation (cf. 2 Cor. 5:18),
the members announce the good news of salvation and the "favourable time" (2
Cor. 6:2), so that people be converted, believe in the Gospel (cf. Mark
1:15), really live their baptism and put on the new self (cf. Eph. 4:24).
Redemptorists are thus "apostles of conversion", in so far as the chief
object of their preaching is to lead people to a radical choice regarding
their life - a decision for Christ- and draw them firmly and gently to a
continuing and total conversion. 9
12. The conversion of the individual, however, is brought about in the
ecclesial community. And therefore the object of their whole missionary
activity is to raise up and develop communities that will walk worthily in
the vocation to which they are called, and exercise the priestly, prophetic
and royal offices with which God has endowed them.
The missionaries lead those who have been converted to share fully in
redemption which is at work in the liturgy, especially in the sacrament of
reconciliation, where the Good News of God's mercy in Christ is so
wonderfully proclaimed and celebrated, but most of all in the Eucharist
through which the Church is built up. 10
In this way the Christian community becomes the sign of God's presence in
the world. For, nourished by the word of God, it bears witness to Christ and
continually passes with him to the Father in the mystery of the Eucharist.
As a result it walks in love, aflame with the apostolic spirit.
9 SC 9.
10 AG 15
Third Section
The Manner of Performing the Work of Evangelization
Art. 4: Dynamism in Mission Work
13. The Congregation strives earnestly to carry out its mission with bold
initiative and wholehearted dedication.
Since it is called to perform faithfully the missionary work entrusted to it
by God from one age to another, the Congregation develops and adapts the
form of its missionary activity.
14. Indeed the apostolic work of the Congregation is distinguished more by
its missionary dynamism than by any particular forms of activity; in other
words, by evangelization in the true sense, and by service of persons and
groups who are poor and more neglected within the Church and society (cf.
CC. 3-5).
15. The mission of the Congregation, then, demands of the members that they
be free and unimpeded in their choice of the peoples to be evangelized and
the means to be employed in the mission of salvation.
Since they are always obliged to seek new apostolic initiatives under the
guidance of legitimate authority, they cannot allow themselves to settle
down in surroundings and structures in which their work would no longer be
missionary. On the contrary, they will diligently pioneer new ways of
preaching the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
16. For this reason they hold in high esteem the different forms of
missionary activity born of the missionary zeal of the members in the past,
in their efforts to meet the needs of various places. Likewise, in time to
come the Congregation will adopt any new form which, in its judgment,
corresponds to its pastoral charity.
17. The decision whether certain priorities, established or to be
established in relation to apostolic works in the (vice)province correspond
to the missionary character of the Congregation, belongs to the (vice)provincial
chapter, with the consent of the general council.
And so it is evident that all the members, especially when assembled in
chapters, must periodically ask themselves whether the means of
evangelization employed in their region answer to what is expected of them
by the Church and the world. They should examine, too, whether their
missionary methods need to be renewed and how this should be done. They
should then retain whatever methods have proved successful modify those
which are inadequate and abandon those no longer useful. 11
11 GS 44; AG 10. 11. 17.
Art. 5: Co-operation in the Church
18. Because of the particular nature of their pastoral charity, communities
and individual members shall do all in their power to harmonize their own
work with the enterprises of the universal and local Church. 12
For the task the Congregation has assumed in the Church is in the service of
Christ, and as a consequence, must necessarily also be in the service of his
Church. Because their ministry is directed towards the good of the universal
Church, the members are primarily subject to the Supreme Pontiff, even by
virtue of the vow of obedience. Nevertheless, according to the principles of
exemption, they are also subject to the local ordinary in what relates to
their particular ministry in the local church.
In working out and maintaining fraternal co-operation, the members shall
keep in view both the pastoral programme of the territory they work in and
the charism proper to the Congregation. With a sincere desire to be of
service, and a generous availability, they shall fit in with the missionary
works and structures which the diocese or the region has established to meet
the more urgent needs of the Church and the times.
Art. 6: Dialogue with the World
19. In order that missionary work may develop and be really successful,
adequate knowledge and practical familiarity with conditions in the world
are essential as well as co-operation within the Church. For this reason the
members of the Congregation confidently engage in missionary dialogue with
the world.
In a spirit of brotherly concern they should try to understand people's
anxious questionings and try to discover in these how God is truly revealing
himself and making his plan known. 13
Indeed they know that only the mystery of the Word Incarnate throws true
light on the mystery of humanity and on the full reality of its calling.
With this knowledge they reveal the all-embracing nature of redemption, and
give witness to the truth that whoever follows Christ, the perfect human
being, becomes more human. 14
THE REDEMPTORIST MISSIONARY
20. Strong in faith, rejoicing in hope, burning with charity, on fire with
zeal, in humility of heart and persevering in prayer, Redemptorists as
apostolic men and genuine disciples of Saint Alphonsus follow Christ the
Redeemer with hearts full of joy; denying themselves and always ready to
undertake what is demanding, they share in the mystery of Christ and
proclaim it in Gospel simplicity of life and language, that they may bring
to people plentiful redemption. 15
12 CD 33. 35.
13 CD 3.
14 GS 11. 22. 41; AG 11; cf. CD 13.
15 Cf. AG 25; Earlier Constn. 42-48
CHAPTER II
THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY
Art. 1: The Community Itself
21. To fulfil their mission in the Church, Redemptorists perform their
missionary work as a community. For apostolic life in common paves the way
most effectively for the life of pastoral charity.
Therefore, an essential law of life for the members is this: that they live
in community and carry out their apostolic work through community. For this
reason the community aspect must always be kept in mind when any missionary
work is being accepted.
Community does not truly exist when members merely live together; it
requires as well genuine sharing on the human and spiritual level.
22. The whole purpose of community life is to have members, like the
apostles (cf. Mark 3:14; Acts 2:42-45; 4:32), in a spirit of genuine
brotherly union, combine their prayers and deliberations, their labours and
sufferings, their successes and failures, and their material goods as well,
for the service of the Gospel.
Such concrete forms of this community life are to be set up as will meet the
demands of evangelization and the requirements of brotherly love, bearing in
mind that the term "community" can refer to the whole Congregation, to the (vice)province,
or to a local or personal community.
Art. 2: The Presence of Christ in the Community
23. Since the members are called to continue the presence of Christ and his
mission of redemption in the world, they choose the person of Christ as the
centre of their life, and strive day by day to enter ever more intimately
into personal union with him. Thus, at the heart of the community, to form
it and sustain it, is the Redeemer himself and his Spirit of love. And the
closer their union with Christ, the stronger will become their union with
each other.
24. So as to share truly in the love of the Son for his Father and for
people, they will cultivate the spirit of contemplation which deepens and
strengthens their faith. 1
This will enable them to see God in the people and in the events of everyday
life. They will see his plan of salvation in its true light, and be able to
distinguish between what is real and what is illusory.
1. PO 15. 18.
25. They will be docile to the Holy Spirit who works without ceasing to
conform them to Christ, so that they learn to view all things as Christ does
(cf. Phil. 2:5ff), and be of one mind with him (cf. 1 Cor. 2:16). This same
Spirit moves them interiorly through a variety of ministries for the work of
the apostolate. 2
For the gifts of the members and of communities vary "according to the
measure of Christ's giving" (cf. Eph. 4:7), "but the Spirit is one and the
same" (cf. 1 Cor. 12:14).
Art. 3: A Community of Prayer
26. Let the members ever take to themselves the exhortation of Christ the
Redeemer: "they ought always to pray and not lose heart" Luke 18:1). Let
them imitate the disciples of the first community in the Church: "they
devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and the prayers," (Acts 2:42) "all these with one accord devoted
themselves to prayer, together with Mary the mother of Jesus " (Acts 1:14).
Indeed, they will make every effort to have Saint Alphonsus' spirit of
prayer in their own lives.
27. They will find Christ especially in the principal signs of salvation.
For this reason their community life must be nourished by the teaching of
the Gospel and the sacred liturgy, particularly the Eucharist. 3
28. The word of God gives support and energy to the Church, strengthens the
faith of her children, nourishes the soul and is the pure and never-failing
wellspring of the spiritual life. 4
Therefore, as ministers of the revelation of Christ's mystery among people,
the members shall often have recourse to his living and life-giving word and
steep themselves in it, both by constant reading of the Scriptures and by
community celebrations of the word of God. With faith enlivened in this way,
they become more effective apostles in every good work (cf. 2 Tim. 3:17).
29. In the liturgy they discover and live the mystery of Christ and of
salvation. This is true in a special way of the Eucharist, which they
recognize as the summit and source of their whole apostolic life, and the
sign of their missionary solidarity. 5
Consequently, priests will give first place to the daily celebration of the
eucharistic sacrifice. Other members who are not priests will participate
every day in the eucharistic sacrifice, taking account of the circumstances
of life and work in their own community. 6
2 PO 12. 18
3 PC 6. 15; PO 18
4 DV 7. 21. 25.
5 SC 5-7. 10
6 De vita contemplativa religiosorum (1980); cf. SC 48.
30. Since the members must live and work in community, they will come
together for prayer in common. Each community will discover forms of
community prayer, to be approved by the competent superior, which will give
expression to the unity of the members and foster their missionary zeal. 7
In addition to the celebration of the liturgy, that is of the Eucharist and
the Liturgy of the Hours, the members have the right and duty to devote at
least one hour every day to prayer. This prayer can be made either in
private or in common.
The general statutes, however, will decide how often the members must come
together to pray in common each day, and the arrangement will be included in
the order of the clay for each community.
31. In order to participate more deeply and fruitfully in the most holy
mystery of the Eucharist and the liturgical life, and to nourish more
abundantly their entire spiritual life, the members, both in the religious
house and outside, will attach the greatest importance to mental prayer (cf.
Matt. 6:6). They will direct it principally to the contemplation of the
mysteries of redemption. 8
The general statutes will determine the spiritual exercises to be performed
by the members.
32. Let them take the Blessed Virgin Mary as their model and helper. For she
went on her pilgrim way in faith, and embraced with her whole heart the
saving will of God. She dedicated herself completely as a handmaid of the
Lord to the person of her Son and to his work, and thus served the mystery
of redemption. Indeed she still serves it, as the perpetual help of God's
people in Christ. Therefore, let them relate to her as a mother with all the
love and veneration they owe her as sons. 9
Let them be generous in fostering devotion, especially of a liturgical
nature, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and celebrate her feasts with special
fervour. 10
All the confreres will honour the Blessed Virgin Mary every day, following
the tradition of Saint Alphonsus. To all is recommended the recitation of
the holy rosary, so that with grateful hearts they may reflect upon and
imitate the mysteries of Christ in which Mary had a share.
33. They will try to reproduce in their lives the apostolic zeal of their
founder in ways that are accommodated to the needs of our times. They will
have very much at heart the development in their own lives of his way of
thinking with the Church, for this is a sound criterion of their missionary
service. To achieve this, let them carefully study his life, and make
frequent use of his writings.
7 SC 13; PC 6; PO 8
8 ES II, 21; SC 12.
9 LG 56; PO 18
10 LG 66. 67.
Art. 4: A Community of Persons
34. Christian community truly exists in every personal relationship which is
formed between the members: "where two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20). This gathering
together in the name of Christ brings into being that Gospel friendship
which gives life to the apostolic community even in its juridic and
administrative dimension; it is this Gospel friendship which also maintains
and gives growth to the community life of the members.
35. Therefore, in community all the members are of themselves equal. Through
the exercise of co-responsibility each in his own way plays his part in
living the life and carrying out the mission to which they have dedicated
them.
36. The community must further the personal growth of its members, develop
interpersonal relations and build up genuine brotherhood. This will demand
that persons, with their values and qualities, be highly esteemed. Moreover,
opportunities must be given the members to make their own personal
decisions, in order to promote real development of maturity and
responsibility.
37. In this way the life and vigour of the community is maintained and
strengthened, whether it be its internal life as a community or the work of
evangelization entrusted to its members. There is, moreover, continual and
fruitful interaction between the community and its individual members, by
which the community supports and enriches each one's vocation.
38. Gathered in unity of purpose in Christ and in a spirit of mutual
respect, they will readily reach a decision on what the common good of the
entire group requires, both in regard to the practice of brotherly charity
and the exercise of their missionary work. In their efforts to reach the
common goal the individual members will then contribute all that is in them
to the actual carrying out of whatever has been decided in the community in
a spirit of complete self-sacrifice and moved by their love for each other.
Art. 5: A Community of Work
39. In keeping with his qualifications and talents, each one will undertake
in accordance with the arrangements of the competent superior, that share of
the labours of the community, and shoulder those burdens which his
missionary calling requires. For such an exercise of his mission forms a
special part of religious observance.
Art. 6: A Community of Conversion
40. It is most important that the members regard the community as something
which must aim at continual progress through constant interior renewal.
41. 1° The members must give all their attention to putting on the new self,
created in the image of Christ crucified and risen from the dead, so as to
purify their motives in judging and acting. For conversion of heart and
continual renewal of mind should characterize their whole daily life. 11
This effort entails continual self-denial, which eliminates egoism, and
opens the heart to others generously and fully, in accordance with the
demands of the apostolic calling. Spending themselves for others in this way
for the sake of Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 4:10ff), they will acquire that interior
freedom which brings unity and harmony into their whole life. 12
2° The members will examine their consciences daily, and it is praiseworthy
to have this examination within a community exercise of prayer. To make this
necessary conversion of heart more complete, they will frequently celebrate
the sacrament of reconciliation. 13
42. To deepen this interior conversion and give it expression in their
lives, they will willingly choose for themselves some practices of
mortification.
'
The community itself must similarly give expression to this same conversion,
so that day by day it may give effective witness, and acquire a complete
generosity which will be a worthy response to the word of God. 14
Art. 7: An Open Community
43. For the members, the religious community is their first and basic
community. Nevertheless, it must be open to the world in such a way that,
through contact with people, it may learn to understand the signs of the
times and of places, and adapt itself more fittingly to the demands of
evangelization (cf. C. 19). For, in a certain sense, the members belong to
other communities also, above all to the groups among whom they work.
This does not mean that they withdraw from their own religious community,
but that they really share with all the joy the Gospel has brought into
their lives. Thus they become like a leaven in the world and are a living
witness of hope.
Art. 8: An Organized Community
44.Each community needs suitable organization and a way of life in common
determined by certain norms, if it is to manifest and further the
development of persons who have committed themselves as a body to pastoral
charity.
The members will lay down for themselves opportune rules of life, to be
decided according to the norm of the general statutes, which are in keeping
with the human conditions of the community. These they will select from
Christian and Redemptorist tradition, from social life, and in accordance
with the rights which are inseparable from the human person.
11 PO 13. 18.
12 AG 24.
13 PO 18.
14 SC 110.
45. 1° Every member should accept these norms as binding on him. They must
of their nature be adaptable to the requirements of the missionary work.
They should be capable of being modified, too, according to what the Church,
circumstances of time and place, and the particular culture and character of
a nation require.
2° Through common dialogue let all collaborate in creating a climate which
is favourable to prayer and work, to solitude and review of life, to rest
and relaxation.
3° The legitimate superior is to define the extent to which every community
is open to outsiders, while keeping a special section of the house reserved
for itself and duly observing the norms on enclosure.
4° The religious habit traditionally worn in the Congregation is retained.
Its use is to be regulated by the general statutes. When the members do not
wear the habit, they are to observe the prescriptions of the local
ordinaries regarding dress.
CHAPTER III
THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO CHRIST THE REDEEMER
Art. 1: The Mission of Christ the Redeemer, the Reason for their Dedication
46. The members of the Congregation confirm their personal and community
life by religious profession, so as to bind themselves totally to the work
of the Gospel and to the perfect practice of apostolic charity, for this is
the very purpose of the Congregation. 1
47. Profession is deeply rooted in baptismal consecration, and is a fuller
expression of it. Consequently, by this act, the members are incorporated in
a particular way into the mission of Christ as ministers of the Gospel,
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 2
48. In order to fulfil his mission, which is essentially the exercise of
pastoral charity, Christ "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant"
(Phil. 2:7) and submitted himself to the will of the Father in the work of
redemption to which he dedicated his entire life.
49. The members, set apart for the work to which they are called (Acts
13:2), are prepared to remain steadfast for life in their vocation. They
renounce themselves with all they possess to become followers of Christ, and
to be all things to all (cf. 1 Cor. 9:22).
1 RC 2.
2 LG 3. 44; PC 5; AG 24
50. The members walk the same way as Christ himself, the way of virginity,
poverty and obedience, the way of service and sacrifice of self unto death
from which he ascended victorious through his resurrection. They do this
within the Church which continues and unfolds the mission of salvation. 3
Thus, they participate in a special way in the mystery of the Church, and
are drawn to share more intimately in the paschal mystery.
Art. 2: Signs and Witnesses
51. Through this total dedication to the mission of Christ, the members
share the self-renunciation of their crucified Lord, the virginal freedom of
his heart and his wholehearted offering of himself for the life of the
world. They must, therefore, become signs and witnesses before people of the
power of his resurrection, proclaiming the new and eternal life. 4
Art. 3: The Mission Unifying their Whole Life
52. Apostolic charity, through which the members share in the mission of
Christ the Redeemer, is the principle that unifies their entire life. For it
identifies them in a certain sense with Christ, who continues to fulfil the
will of his Father by carrying on the redemption through them. 5
53. Since the glory of God and the salvation of the world are one, and since
love for God and love for people are the same, the members live their union
with God in the form of apostolic charity and, through missionary charity,
seek his glory. 6
54. In this way pastoral charity gives soul and unity to the life of the
members. Community life is really at the service of the apostolate.
Continual conversion, the result of their total surrender to God, increases
their availability for the service of others. Indeed the very religious
bonds, by which the members dedicate themselves to God, necessarily involve
commitment to the apostolate and strengthen that commitment.
Religious profession, therefore, becomes the definitive act of the whole
missionary life of Redemptorists.
3 LG 44; PC 1. 5
4 LG 44; PC 25.
5 AG 24.
6 LG 41; PO 14; PC 8.
Art. 4: All are Missionaries
55. This profession makes all Redemptorists truly missionaries, whether they
are engaged in different activities of the apostolic ministry or hindered
from working at all, whether they are occupied with various services on
behalf of the Congregation or the confreres, or are advanced in age, sick,
or incapable of external work or whether, above all, they are suffering and
dying for the salvation of the world.
Art. 5: Profession, a Response of Love
56. Moved and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, the members spare no effort
to arrive at a total gift of themselves. They aim to become, through Christ,
a response to the Lord "who first loved them" (l John 4:10). They express
this response in the profession of the vows of chastity, poverty and
obedience.
Art. 6: Chastity
57. Religious chastity, which brings with it the obligation of perfect
continence in celibacy, reveals the presence of God's kingdom on earth (cf.
1 Cor. 7:34; Eph. 5:25-32), because like marriage, though in a different
way, it signifies and embodies the love of Christ and his Church. 7
58. The members of the Congregation, giving themselves to this same mystery
of love, choose celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (cf. Matt.
19:12). They do so to dedicate themselves, as individuals and as a
community, to God and the mission of Christ (cf. John 17:19), so that they
may concern themselves wholeheartedly with the things of the Lord, love and
serve their neighbour (cf. 1 Cor. 7:32), manifest the Church's own love of
Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 11:2) and proclaim the future realities of heavenly life
(cf. Luke 20:35, 36).
59. Those to whom the Father has given this gift of grace, are so captivated
by what the kingdom of God offers them, that only by choosing this religious
chastity can they respond personally and fully to God's love for them.
To arrive at a more perfect understanding of the mystery of chastity and
live it in freedom and joy, the members will pray with earnestness and
humility in union with the Church, and they should constantly use suitable
means of fostering it.
60. They should make use of all the means and helps towards mental and
bodily health which the sciences offer. Above all, they must not neglect to
follow those ascetical norms which have been tested by the experience of the
Church. All, and especially superiors, should remember moreover that
chastity is better safeguarded where there is an atmosphere of fraternal
charity in the community (cf. CC. 23. 34). 8
7 PO 16; PC 12.
8 PO 16; PC 12.
Art. 7: Poverty
61. As missionaries, Redemptorists will embrace in a spirit of trust the
poverty of Christ, "who, being rich, became poor for our sakes, that by his
poverty we might become rich" (2 Cor. 8:9). 9
62. They will make every effort to live in the spirit that permeated the
community of apostolic times. In this way they become the sign of that
fraternal life of Christ's disciples, of whom it is said: "the whole group
of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use
anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common" (Acts
4:32).
Therefore all goods should be simple in style, in keeping with their state
and held in common for common use.
Whatever the members acquire by their industry or in view of the fact that
they are religious, they acquire for the Institute, and for that reason it
must be incorporated in the goods of the community. 10
63. Without neglecting traditional forms of poverty, they will willingly
seek to discover new ways of practising it, which will be ever more in
accord with the Gospel, and provide both personal and community witness of
evangelical poverty.
64. As poor men, let them regard themselves as bound by the law of labour,
so that performing his duties, each will contribute to the best of his
ability to his own support and that of others.
65. Missionary charity requires of the members that they live a life that is
really poor, and adapted to the condition of the poor they are evangelizing.
By doing so, they show solidarity with the poor and become a sign of hope
for them.
66. In the same way, they will endeavour in all sincerity to understand
those values that are held in esteem by other peoples though they may not
perhaps appeal to themselves or their own culture. From this will be born
that fruitful dialogue which brings to light the rich endowments God has
entrusted to different nations.
67. Similarly, they will cheerfully accept any conditions that may require
their moving from place to place and, in a spirit of self-denial, live in
the freedom of which the Gospel speaks (cf. Luke 9:58-62).
Living their poverty will also ensure that they gladly take their place as
faithful ministers of the Gospel in various organizations where, in the
interests of their mission, they may be of service to all people (cf. C.
18).
9 PO 17; PC 13
10 [Cf. Can 668, 3]
68. The vow of poverty taken by the members requires that they live a life
that is poor in spirit and in fact, a life of labour, a life of moderation
detached from earthly riches, a life which involves dependence and
limitation in the use and disposal of material goods, according to the norm
of the particular law of the Congregation.
69. The members are bound to make a will which is valid in civil law. The
obligation of making this, however, may be deferred to the time immediately
preceding perpetual vows.
70. To encourage the practice of poverty, the members are allowed to
renounce the patrimonial goods they already possess or may acquire in
future. If such a renunciation is made, however, it should be undertaken
only by members of mature age, with the consent of the supreme moderator. In
so far as possible, it should be made in a manner which is valid in civil
law. Members and superiors should take care that this renunciation is made
according to the principles of prudence and equity. 11
A legal document is to be drawn up on the matter as a protection against any
difficulties that might arise.
Art. 8: Obedience
71. Following the example of Christ, who came to do the will of his Father,
and give his life as a redemption for many (cf. John 6:38; Matt. 20:28), the
members through the vow of obedience dedicate their own will to God, and are
obliged to submit their will to their lawful superiors when they issue
commands in accordance with the constitutions and statutes. 12
They should bring all their resources of mind and will, as well as their
gifts of nature and grace, to the execution of commands and the discharge of
the tasks assigned to them.
Let them do all this in a spirit of faith and love for God's will, realizing
that they are seeking the kingdom of God, and are sharing intimately in the
paschal mystery of Christ, which is the mystery of obedience.
72. Superiors should be docile to God's will in the exercise of their
office, realizing that they will have to give an account of the souls
entrusted to them (cf. Heb. 13:17). They should use their authority in a
spirit of service for their brothers, so that they show forth how God loves
them.
They should govern their brothers as sons of God and with respect for the
human person, and thus lead them to a submission that is truly voluntary. 13
They should lead the members in such a way that they will co-operate with an
active and responsible obedience in applying themselves to their duties and
to the activities they undertake.
Accordingly, let them willingly listen to the members and win their
co-operation for the good of the Institute and the Church, and thus help
them to activate their missionary zeal.
11 PC 13 [cf. Can 668, 4; Acta Cap. XX : 1985, 174.]
12 PO 15; PC 14.
13 PC 14.
73. 1° All the members are co-responsible and mutually dependent with
superiors in carrying out the apostolic mission of the Congregation. The
Holy Spirit gives life to the communities and inspires the members with a
readiness to serve God in the Church and the world. Under his influence, let
superiors and members engage in dialogue and fraternal discussion, in order
that together they may discover God's will and devote themselves to its
implementation. For he speaks through the voices of people and the signs of
the times (cf. CC. 37, 38).
2° Although all contribute to the making of decisions through means of
community discussion, nevertheless the superior retains the authority to
make the decision and order what is to be done, unless particular law states
otherwise.
3° Lawful superiors can impose formal precepts of obedience on the members
of their community concerning matters contained in the constitutions and
statutes. Ordinarily, however, they should not use this power unless there
is a grave reason and with the consent of their consultors.
The members, because of the obedience they have professed before God, are
bound to obey such precepts willingly and promptly.
74. "Since the fundamental norm of the religious life is the following of
Christ as presented in the Gospel, this must be considered as the supreme
rule" (PC, 2, a) in our Congregation.
Superiors and members then, united in community by the Holy Spirit, must
observe constitutions, statutes and decrees legitimately promulgated,
looking on them as the authentic means whereby individual confreres and
communities show their constant fidelity to God's will. In this way they
carry out the mission of Christ who said of himself: "I have come down from
heaven not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me" (John 6:38).
75. Evangelical obedience contributes to the true development of the human
person dedicated to Christ. It bears witness before the world to the genuine
freedom of the children of God and to their common union in Christ, and
fills the missionaries with apostolic energy.
Art. 9: The Vow and Oath of Perseverance
76. In making perpetual profession, the members will add to the vows
mentioned above a vow and oath of perseverance, by which they will bind
themselves to live until death in the Congregation.
CHAPTER IV
FORMATION OF THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY
Art. 1: The Scope of Formation
77. The apostolic purpose of the Congregation must inspire and penetrate the
whole formation process of its members. This process includes the selection
of vocations, the different periods of training and the formation which must
last throughout the whole of life. 1
78. The aim of formation for both candidates and members is to lead them to
such a degree of human and Christian maturity that, with the help of God's
grace, they will be able to dedicate themselves intelligently, willingly and
wholeheartedly to the service of the missionary Church in Redemptorist
community life, in order to preach the Gospel to the poor. 2
They should learn progressively what the following of Christ demands of
them, required as it is by baptismal consecration and confirmed by religious
profession, and thus become true missionaries.
Art. 2: The Fostering of Vocations
79. The vitality with which the Congregation pursues its apostolic mission
depends on the number and quality of the candidates who seek admission to
the Redemptorist community. 3
For that reason, all the confreres, out of love and appreciation for their
own vocation, should zealously engage in the apostolate of fostering
vocations to the Congregation.
80. It is the Spirit of Christ himself who raises up missionaries in the
Church. But ordinarily he makes use of human contacts and relationships to
make Christ's invitation known to his apostles. Therefore every member,
through his contact with people in the course of his apostolic ministry,
must be ever alert to discover and evaluate the gifts which the Spirit
imparts to so many young people. In addition, let each one remember that the
best and most successful ways of promoting vocations are his own apostolic
zeal, the example of his life and constant prayer (cf. Matt. 9:38, Luke
10:2). 4
1 PC 8. 18; OT 19
2 GE 2; Ot 11; PC 5.8.; AG 25
3 PC 24.
4 AG 23; LG 12; PC 24
Art. 3: Formation in General
81. Willing help should be given to the candidates, so that they be led to
assume full responsibility for the decision they make. They should be guided
and encouraged towards making their choice in perfect freedom, and should be
helped to prepare for the forms of the apostolate that are in accordance
with the spirit of the Institute. 5
Since their duty one day will be to preach the word of God, they must be
abundantly nourished by it. They must constantly give themselves to
meditation on the mystery of salvation. Let them think deeply too, on the
needs of the world which are the Church's concern and which evoke sympathy
in their own hearts. In the light of God's word, let them make every effort
to discover, together with their confreres, in what way they ca help to
respond to these needs. 6
The candidates must be animated also by unwavering faith if they are to be
adequately prepared for the trial of loneliness and for the uncertainties
which accompany the apostolic ministry. This faith will also lead them to
seek a life of brotherly union, in order to hasten the coming of God's
kingdom in which Christ desires to unite all. 7
Becoming imitators of the apostle Paul, as he was of Christ (1 Cor. 4:16),
and nourished by his teaching, they will be rooted in an inexhaustible and
radiant hope which never deceives, for it is founded on charity (Rom. 5:5).
Art. 4: Directors of Formation
82. All the members share responsibility in the work of formation. They
share it not only for those who are beginning life in the Congregation, but
for all the confreres. For the whole Congregation is continually in process
of formation and development, to be ready to meet the needs of the people to
whom its members preach the Gospel.
But the chief responsibility in this matter rests on major superiors whose
duty it is to provide for formation, particularly by appointing a team of
qualified personnel. For those in charge of formation must be prepared by
special training, and have adequate missionary experience in the
Congregation. 8
83. Those directing formation, in mutual harmony of mind and purpose, will
follow a well thought-out programme which is of genuine service to those who
look to them for assistance.
With the. help of experts let them try to exercise discernment regarding
vocations. They should so arrange conditions for the young men, that the
choice they make will be free and deliberate. Let them look upon themselves,
not so much as teachers imparting knowledge, but as servants of the truth,
searching for it with patience and humility together with those committed to
their care. 9
5 OT 6. 7. 11; PO 18
6 PC 6.
7 OT 9; AG 25.
8 PC 18; OT 4. 5. 6.
9 OT 6
Let the candidates co-operate humbly and generously with those directing
them. In the light of faith nourished by meditation on the word of God, let
them learn from them how to seek God at all times, interpret the signs of
the times, see Christ in all people and have a proper appreciation of human
values. They will so saturate their lives with the wisdom of the Gospel,
that they become faithful witnesses and heralds of the Good News.
Art. 5: First Formation in the Apostolic Life
84. The time of preparation includes not only the novitiate but also the
periods that precede and follow it, according to the norms of common law and
the law of the Congregation.
85. The members are gradually incorporated into the Congregation in
different stages. From the very beginning they will live in the spirit of
the evangelical counsels. But when they have become sufficiently mature and
stable in this evangelical way of life, they dedicate themselves in a more
perfect way to the mission of Christ the Redeemer, in the Congregation, by
making vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
86. 1° It is the function of the general government to decide on the
erection of the novitiate, and designate by a written decree some house of
the Congregation where it will be situated; it defines the programme of
training for the novitiate and determines other matters in accordance with
the common law and the general statutes.
2° The aim of the novitiate is to have the candidates consider more
thoroughly whether they are really called by God to follow Christ by making
religious profession in the apostolic life of the Congregation.
The candidates are to experience our way of life, get to know the history
and life of the Congregation, have their minds and hearts imbued with its
spirit and have their determination and suitability put to the test.
a. That the novitiate be valid, it must be made for twelve months, spent in
an approved house.
However, to complete the training of the novices, in addition to the time
above, the general statutes can prescribe one or more periods of apostolic
activity to be engaged in outside the novitiate community.
The novitiate is not to be extended beyond two years.
b. To the master of novices, under the authority of the (vice)provincial
superior, belongs the government of the novitiate. The master and novices,
however, are subject to its superior in regard to the discipline of the
whole house.
c. The major superior with the consent of his council, according to the norm
of the general statutes, admits candidates to the novitiate, and to
temporary or perpetual profession.
d. When the novitiate has been completed, if the novice is judged suitable
he is admitted to temporary profession. Otherwise, he is to be sent away, or
if there is doubt about his suitability, the time of probation can be
prolonged according to the norm of the general statutes, but not for more
than six months.
e. The temporary profession to be made after the novitiate is not to be
shorter than three years. This time can be prolonged, but not beyond six
years, aside from exceptional cases.
f. The profession is to be made or renewed according to the approved formula
(cf. Appendix). 10
87. The members who aspire to the priesthood shall be trained with the
object of forming them in the image of Christ the Eternal Priest. Let them
learn to unite themselves with him, and endeavour to explore thoroughly the
total mystery of Christ, by a scientific and systematic study of the sacred
sciences and by a deeper knowledge of the human sciences. 11
They will likewise share fully in community life, and participate in an
appropriate way in the missionary apostolate.
88. During the whole course of studies our students will be entrusted to the
special care of a prefect, whose function it will be to train their minds
for the apostolic life, and help them to relate their theological studies
and spirituality in such a way as to give unity to their life.
89. The other members are to be trained in a similar way. They, too, must be
more intimately conformed to the mystery of Christ and share in the life of
the Congregation, since all work together in the same missionary vocation,
each contributing the service that is proper to himself. As far as possible,
therefore, each must acquire the professional and ministerial competence
that is needed.
Art. 6: Continuing Formation
90. Redemptorists will become more efficient as missionaries the more they
are able to constantly adapt their skills in a suitable way in the work of
the apostolate. With this adaptation they will unite continual self-renewal
in spiritual, scientific and pastoral matters.
Therefore every member should eagerly try to give new life to his ministry.
He should endeavour to make it more fruitful by constant study of the sacred
and human sciences, and by fraternal sharing with his confreres.
The (vice)provincial superior, moreover, must make provision for the
continual and progressive formation of all the members. This should be done
by means of theological and pastoral courses or institutes, by availing of
courses in colleges and universities, or by attending regional or national
conferences.
In addition, following in the steps of our holy founder, our Congregation
promotes higher studies of the sacred sciences, in order to attain its
missionary purpose more successfully.
10 [and Can 646-648. 650. 653]
11 OT 8. 17; PO 19
CHAPTER V
GOVERNMENT OF THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY
General Principles
91. The general principles embodied in the constitutions must inspire the
entire government of the Congregation. It is these principles which should
give true human and apostolic value to the norms ratified in the
constitutions and statutes.
92. All members and communities must, in their own way, play an active and
responsible role in the government of the Congregation in its different
parts, making use of the various instruments of government with which it is
provided. To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the sake
of the common good (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7; cf. C. 72). 1
93. For this reason approved norms of decentralization shall be followed. In
other words, each section, under the leadership of the general government,
conducts its own affairs, whether by making laws and decrees and applying
them, or by co-ordinating the life of the members, in communion with the
other parts of the Institute, with the local church and with civil society
of which it is part.
94. Furthermore, by virtue of the principle of subsidiarity, all the
structures of government must serve to promote the responsibility of the
members and communities. This is achieved when all the members and
structures at lower level take their part in deciding matters which relate
to themselves, and which they can implement with the means at their own
disposal. When the occasion arises, higher-ranking structures must come to
the assistance of those of lower rank in matters where the latter need their
help. 2
95. The principle of solidarity, which ensures real co-operation between
institutions of the same level and between the members themselves, should
also be maintained. Let superiors make every effort to establish the best
possible conditions for fostering the apostolic life of all the members. 3
96. Finally, the Congregation must adapt its own structure and institutions
to its apostolic needs, and adjust them properly to the different character
of each particular mission, always of course, in fidelity to the charism of
the Congregation. 4
1 LG 13; Gs 31. 75. PC 14
2 ES II, 18.
3 GS 32.
4 SC 1; PC 2-4
First Section
The Structure of the Congregation
Art. 1: The Parts of the Congregation and its Institutions
97. The Congregation is made up of provinces and viceprovinces, which are
composed of communities through which they live and carry out their mission.
In the Congregation there are also regions.
1° It belongs to the general council to erect provinces and viceprovinces,
to join them together after erection, or to change their boundaries.
2° It is also the function of the general council to suppress provinces and
viceprovinces, and dispose of their property after suppression.
3° However, provinces and viceprovinces are empowered to establish and
suppress regions, with the approval of the general council. 5
98. The chapter is the primary institution through which the members
exercise responsibility for the apostolic life of the Congregation, and make
provision for its government. For it is in chapters, held at determined
times, that all the members either directly or through elected delegates,
enter into consultation and unite their resources in the interests of the
whole Congregation, or of their (vice)province, to bring about the renewal
and adaptation of the Congregation and strengthen its unity.
99. The entire Congregation, as well as each (vice)province and community,
has its own superior who is assisted by his council. In addition, there are
appropriate institutions, either of a permanent or temporary nature, which
provide means for the participation of the members in the task of
government.
Art. 2: Chapters and Superiors in General
100. By reason of the ministry they have received from the Church, chapters
and superiors possess the power to govern, according to the norms of
universal and proper law, both communities and members; furthermore, since
the Congregation is a clerical institute of pontifical right, they also
possess the power of governance or of jurisdiction for both the internal and
external forum. The Congregation is also exempt. 6
Let superiors exercise this power, however, in a collegial spirit together
with their consultors, who represent the participation of the members in
government.
5 PC 14; Es II, 18
6 [Cf . Can 596, 2. 618. 622.]
101. In dealing with the affairs of government, according to the norms of
common and particular law, there are some matters in which consultors have a
consultative vote; others in which they have a deliberative vote; and
finally others, expressly determined, in which the council must decide the
matter collegially, by an absolute majority.
An appeal against the decision of the majority can be made to the immediate
major superior. Such an appeal will have suspensive effect, if it is a
question of incurring expenses or alienation of property. In other matters,
however, saving the common law, it will have only devolutive effect.
102. In matters that are purely disciplinary, superiors can grant
dispensations from the constitutions and statutes, both general and (vice)provincial,
according to the following norms:
a. If the dispensation concerns an individual member, and the case,
especially if it is public, is likely to be prolonged, the superior of the
community can grant it, but he must first hear his council.
b. But if there is question of dispensing an entire community in a matter of
greater importance, the superior of the community, after he has heard his
consultors, must have recourse, if time allows, to the (vice)provincial
superior, who is empowered to grant the dispensation, after he has heard his
own council; if, however, time does not allow, the superior himself, after
he has heard his council, can dispense the community, but he must inform his
(vice)provincial superior of the matter.
c. To obtain a dispensation for a whole viceprovince, its superior, after he
has heard his council, is to have recourse to the provincial superior who
can, with the consent of his council, grant the dispensation; if, however,
time does not allow, the viceprovincial himself, with the consent of his
council, can grant the dispensation, but must inform his provincial of the
matter.
d. In the same way, if a whole province is to be dispensed, its superior,
after he has heard his consultors, must have recourse, if time allows, to
the superior general who can, with the consent of his consultors, grant the
dispensation; if, however, time does not allow, the provincial superior
himself, with the consent of his council, will have power to dispense it,
but he must inform the superior general of the matter.
e. But if it is a question of dispensing the whole Congregation, the general
council has power to dispense it until the next general chapter, which will
decide whether to prolong the dispensation as circumstances require, or
revoke it. Should the chapter, however, make no decision about such a
dispensation, it is to be regarded as revoked.
103. Superiors should periodically ask themselves if they have a right
understanding of their office, and if they exercise it in the proper way.
For this purpose they should take counsel together and, as far as possible,
take part in seminars for the formation of superiors.
It will also be very profitable to hold meetings with superiors of other
Institutes concerning this matter.
Second Section
Government at the General Level
Art. 3: The General Chapter
104. The general chapter, legitimately convoked and constituted, is the
supreme organ of internal government of the Congregation; it also represents
it. It is an expression of the concern and participation of all members in
promoting the good of the whole Institute. 7
The general chapter, both ordinary and extraordinary, is convoked by the
superior general, according to the norms contained in the general statutes
and the Directory of Chapters.
105. The ordinary chapter is convoked every six years. The general statutes
are to decide when an extraordinary chapter must be convoked.
106. To every general chapter will come: the superior general, the
consultors, procurator, treasurer and secretary general, as well as
legitimately designated representatives of the (vice)provinces. The superior
general is the president of the general chapter.
The superior general, the consultors, procurator, treasurer and secretary
general, even though not re-elected, continue as members of the general
chapter which elected their successors, until its conclusion, or if it has
other periods of sessions, then until the end of the first period.
107. It is the function of the general chapter to care for the interests of
the apostolic life of the entire Institute, to strengthen the links that
bind its individual parts together, and to further the adaptation of the
institutions and norms of life in the Congregation to the needs of the
Church and humanity.
108. To carry out so serious a task adequately, the general chapter will
subject the whole Congregation to a careful examination, to discover if it
remains faithful to its own proper mission, in accordance with the spirit of
the founder and its sound traditions. It will also examine whether the
Congregation is giving willing attention to the voice of God who is ever
challenging it through the Church and the world.
109. a. The general chapter will present suitable guidelines to the
Congregation so that, renewed in accordance with its own proper spirit, it
may continually be able to devote itself more wholeheartedly to the service
of the Church and of people.
7 PC 14.
b. The general chapter is competent:
1° with a two-thirds majority vote to grant a general dispensation from the
prescriptions of the constitutions, in accordance with the norm of C. 102 e;
2° with an absolute majority vote, to make amendments to the statutes,
abrogate them and make new ones; to issue decrees; to confirm or revoke
decisions of the general government, and grant particular dispensations for
a time from the prescriptions of the constitutions in disciplinary matters
(cf. CC. 102 e and 119).
3° with a two-thirds majority vote, to change the constitutions. But this
change must be confirmed by the Holy See, to which it also belongs to give
an authentic interpretation of the constitutions.
110. a. The general chapter makes provision for the general government of
the Congregation, by electing for six years or reelecting the superior
general, his vicar and the other members of this same government.
b. For the election or re-election of the superior general and his vicar, a
two-thirds majority vote is required. But for the election or re-election of
the general consultors an absolute majority vote suffices.
111. Moreover, the general chapter deals with any other matters of greater
importance which may arise concerning the life and government of the
Congregation.
Art. 4: The General Government
112. The superior general together with the general consultors, who are
co-responsible in governing the whole Congregation, form the general
government, which is a permanent directive and executive body.
113. The general government must give inspiration, and act as a stimulus to
continual renewal, by being present regularly in the (vice)provinces in a
way that is effective and provides leadership.
I. The Superior General and His Vicar
114. a. To be elected superior general a member must be a perpetually
professed priest, have lived for at least seven years in the Congregation
since perpetual profession, and must be at least thirty-five years of age.
b. The superior general, as supreme moderator of the Congregation and as
president of the general council, has before all else the duty of seeing
that the mission entrusted to the Congregation by the Church is properly
carried out. Consequently, he must seek to give new vitality to the
apostolic life of the Congregation, in accordance with the constitutions and
statutes, the decrees and guidelines of the general chapter.
c. Therefore either himself or through another he shall visit the (vice)provinces
to give inspiration to and co-ordinate the mission of the Congregation under
all its aspects.
115. a. The superior general has authority, according to the norms of common
law and the law of the Congregation, over all provinces, viceprovinces,
regions, communities and members of the Congregation.
b. The superior general, as the one who principally activates and
co-ordinates the Institute, must apply himself to understanding ever more
thoroughly the mind of the Church and its needs, especially in places where
the Congregation exercises its ministry. He should also endeavour to deepen
his understanding of the mission of the Congregation in the Church.
116. a. The superior general is the official representative of the entire
Congregation. He sees to it, moreover, that the Congregation has due contact
with the Holy See, and that it also enters into co-operation with other
ecclesiastical and civil institutions.
b. The superior general may resign his office either in the presence of the
general chapter or in the presence of the general consultors, but in the
latter instance confirmation by the Holy See is required. A majority of
two-thirds of the votes is required so that the resignation be regarded as
accepted.
117. The vicar of the superior general is elected by the general chapter
from among the general consultors. He takes the place of the superior
general when he is absent or impeded. In the event of his death, or
termination of his office, the vicar succeeds him both in office and title
until the next ordinary general chapter.
Should the vicar general renounce his office or be impeded, provision is to
be made according to the norms of the general statutes.
II. The General Consultors
118. The general consultors, to be elected by the general chapter, shall be
at least six in number.
Their principal duty is to promote the good of the Congregation. On their
energy and ability depends the implementation of the decisions of the
general chapter. It is through their co-operation that the power given to
the superior general becomes effective, and all the (vice)provinces are
brought to work together in promoting the missionary work of the
Congregation.
119. The general council has the faculty -limited in time, i.e. up to the
next general chapter-
1° of giving an authentic interpretation of the statutes, prescriptions of
the directories, and of any decisions made by the general chapter;
2° of suspending decrees of the general chapter, provided it informs the
Congregation of the reasons for suspending them;
3° of issuing new decrees.
It is for the general chapter to confirm or abrogate such acts. If, however,
it makes no pronouncement regarding them, they cease automatically (cf. C.
109 b, 2°).
Art. 5: The Officials of the General Curia
120. After appropriate consultation, the general council will choose the
major officials, namely: the procurator, the treasurer, the secretary and
the postulator general, and set up whatever bodies it considers necessary or
useful.
Third Section
Government at the (Vice)provincial Level
Art. 6: The Province
121. The Province is an organic unit of the Congregation, consisting of
several communities under one superior, which is constituted as a moral
person in law by the general council. It has the structures required for its
own life so that through its various ministries and gifts it can effectively
attain the end of the Congregation in communion with the other parts of the
Institute, under the authority of the general government.
I. The Provincial Chapter
122. a. In the government of the province the provincial chapter is the
primary institution; it is a collegial, moral person, composed of
representatives of all the members.
b. The Chapter is composed of members ex officio and members chosen by
election, according to the norm of the general statutes.
123. It is the duty of the provincial chapter to give continual attention to
the renewal and adaptation of the apostolic life and government of the
province.
II. The Provincial Government
124. The provincial superior:
a. together with the provincial consultors, who are co-responsible with him
in dealing with the affairs of the province, form the provincial government,
which is a permanent directive and executive body. It must give an account
to the provincial chapter of the task entrusted to it.
b. is to be designated in accordance with the norm of the general statutes.
To be chosen for the office of provincial superior, however, a member must
be a perpetually professed priest, have lived in the Congregation for at
least five years after perpetual profession, and be at least thirty years of
age.
125. The provincial superior, as moderator of the province and president of
the provincial council, has a mandate to direct and govern the province in
accordance with the constitutions and statutes, both general and particular.
126. Let the provincial superior exercise his office as a pastor, leader and
co-ordinator of all the communities and members of his province. He should
make himself completely available to them, while encouraging them to live
worthily the vocation to which they are called, and to confidently undertake
and carry through their apostolic enterprises.
127. A vicar of the provincial superior is to be elected, ordinarily from
among the provincial consultors. He takes the provincial superior's place
when he is absent or impeded; in the case of his death or other termination
of his office, he succeeds him in office unless the provincial statutes
decide otherwise.
128. The provincial superior, his vicar and the provincial consultors are to
be designated for a period of time determined in the general statutes.
III. Officials and Institutions of the Province
129. It belongs to the provincial chapter or to the provincial council,
according to the norms of the provincial statutes, to designate the
officials of the province. In addition, care should be taken that the
government of the province has appropriate institutions, such as
secretariates and the like.
Art. 7: The Viceprovince
130. A viceprovince is the union of several communities constituted as a
moral person in law by the general council. It usually takes its origin from
the province on which it is dependent according to the following norms (CC.
131-134).
131. The viceprovince manifests the apostolic vitality of the entire
Congregation, especially of the province by which it was founded.
It is established and erected to serve the Church, especially where a
missionary situation exists, after ample consultation among the members who
belong to the province, and the matter has been arranged with the general
government.
132. In so far as a viceprovince has taken its origin from a province and is
not fully sufficient of itself, it has a right to look for assistance from
the province in regard to personnel and temporal goods.
133. The viceprovince has the same structure, the same institutions and the
same competence to decide the manner of conferring offices as the province
itself. Therefore all that is said about the province is valid also for the
viceprovince, unless the law states otherwise, or it is evident from the
nature of the matter in question.
134. The viceprovince enjoys the freedom and authority required to adjust
its own manner of life in a suitable way to the particular needs of its
mission, in order to carry out its apostolate.
Art. 8: Government of Communities in the (Vice)provinces
135. The (vice)province, in keeping with the needs of the apostolate and to
promote the welfare of the local church, is responsible for establishing
communities, whether they be houses or residences, through which it carries
on its life and work.
It belongs to the general government to canonically erect houses or suppress
them, observing the norms relating to this matter laid down by the Holy See.
136. The members of the community are to be called together by the superior
for meetings at stated times, to unite their efforts in strengthening the
spiritual energy of their own community, and to secure the progress of their
apostolic undertakings and make decisions relating to them.
137. a. The (vice)provincial statutes must issue norms for establishing the
government of a community and its organization in keeping with the different
conditions in which communities are situated.
b. Matters which are left to the decision of communities by the (vice)provincial
statutes, or in accordance with the decrees of the (vice)provincial chapter,
must be approved by the (vice)provincial council.
138. a. The superior of a community must be a perpetually professed priest
and is designated according to the norm of the general statutes.
b. Superiors of communities are to be designated for a period of time
determined in the general statutes.
139. The superior of a community must first of all be a spiritual pastor and
then a rector and administrator. His chief duty is to serve the community,
so that it may be formed and grow in Christ and that all, with united
effort, may devote themselves to the work of evangelization.
He must likewise look upon himself as being co-responsible, by reason of his
office, for the welfare of the whole province.
140. A vicar of the superior of the community is to be designated according
to the norm of the general statutes. He takes the place of the superior when
he is absent or impeded, and succeeds him in accordance with the norms of
the general statutes.
Art. 9: Co-operation between (Vice)provinces
141. Though each (vice)province carries out its missionary work according to
the needs of people and places, it must always do so in co-operation with
the whole Congregation, so that the stronger (vice)provinces come to the
assistance of the weaker ones.
142. Where several (vice)provinces are faced with similar problems,
especially in matters relating to apostolic works and the formation of
members, it is much to be desired that they work in co-operation. Matters of
common interest and concern should be reviewed in a spirit of charity and
mutual harmony. They should be discussed in a spirit of friendship, with the
object of finding a common solution, and one that will be in the best
interests of the Church.
143. To further co-operation, the general government should encourage
inter-provincial meetings, since it is its function to invigorate and
co-ordinate the missionary apostolate of the whole Congregation.
Fourth Section
The Temporal Goods of the Congregation
Art. 10: Purpose of temporal Goods
144. a. The members of the Congregation must use temporal goods for the
purposes to which it is allowed to direct them, namely, to support
themselves in a becoming way, to carry out works of the sacred apostolate or
of charity, especially in favour of the poor, and to meet the expenses
connected with divine worship. 9
b. Let them procure what is necessary for their sustenance and work, but
without worrying too much about it, entrusting themselves to the providence
of their Father in heaven. 10
c. The right to dispose of temporal goods belongs to superiors, councils and
chapters according to the norm of the constitutions and statutes, always
saving the common law.
9 PO 17.
10 PC 13; PO 17.
Fifth Section
Departure from the Congregation
145. Only the Supreme Pontiff or the superior general can dispense from the
temporary or perpetual vows made in the Congregation; and they are always
considered to be made on this condition.
146. Members can be dismissed according to the norm of common law.
When dismissal takes place, however, the vows are dissolved when the Holy
See has given confirmation of the decree of dismissal; but in the case of
dismissal ipso jure, they are dissolved after the declaration of the fact
has been issued.
147. The decree of dismissal given according to law is to be made known as
soon as possible to the member in question, who has the right to make
recourse to the Holy See, with suspensive effect, within ten days.
148. Members who leave the Congregation when the period of temporary vows
has elapsed, or after obtaining an indult of secularization or laicization,
or who have been dismissed from it, cannot make any claims for services they
have rendered to the Congregation.
If, however, the one who has left or has been dismissed is not able to
support himself from his own goods or by his own labour, the Congregation
has, in the meantime, the obligation to give him charitable subsidy,
according to the instructions of the Holy See.
NOTES ON THE CONSTITUTIONS
1 SH 1968,p. 400; LG 48; AG 2, 35.
3 SC 9.
4 CD 13;PO 6;LG 8.
5 EN 9, 30-34.
6 AG 2-4, 8; LG 2-4; UR 2.
7 GS 3, 12; AG 3.
9 AG 6, 11-12; GS 27.
11 SC 9.
12 AG 15.
17 GS 44; AG 10,11, 17.
18 CD 33, 35.
19 GS 3, 11, 22, 41; AG 11; cf.DC 13.
20 Cf. AG 25; CR 42-48.
24 PO 15, 18.
25 PO 12, 18.
27 PC 6, 15;PO 18.
28 DV 7, 21, 25.
29 SC 5-7, 10; VC; cf. SC 48.
30 SC 13;PC 6; PO 8.
31 ES 11, 21; SC 12.
32 LG 56, 66, 67; PO 18.
41 PO 13, 18; AG 24.
42 SC 110.
46 RC 2.
47 LG 3, 44; PC 5; AG 24.
50 LG 44; PC 1, 5.
51 LG 44;PC 25.
52 AG 24.
53 LG 41, PO 14,PC 8.
57 PO 16; PC 12.
60 PO 16; PC 12.
61 PO 17; PC 13.
66 AG 11.
70 PC 13.
71 PO 15; PC 14.
72 PC 14.
77 PC 8, 18; OT 19.
78 GE 2; OT 11; PC 5, 8; AG 25.
79 PC 24.
80 AG 23; LG 12; PC 24.
81 OT 6, 7, 9, 11; PO 18; PC 6; AG 25.
82 PC 18, OT 4, 5, 6.
83 OT 6.
87 OT 8. 17; PO 19.
92 LG 13; GS 31, 75; PC 14.
94 ES II, 18.
95 GS 32.
96 SC 1; PC 2-4.
98 PC 14; ES II, 18.
104 PC 14.
139 PC 14; CD 16; LG 27.
144 PO 17: PC 13.
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