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THE MISSIONS
Preliminary.
From her divine Founder, the Church has received a missionary mandate
having no limits of time or space. Euntes in mundum universum; praedicate F
vangelium Omni creaturae'.
The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican has arrived at a new
understanding of this divine command and has clearly demonstrated the truth
that the whole Church is of its nature missionary and that individual
Christians are also called to be missionaries in spirit and work, in so far as the
conditions of their state allow.'
Various speeches of the Council Fathers expressed the determination of
"not separating the Church and the missions, of not presenting the missions as a
life distinct from that of the Church in lands of the ancient traditions", and also
the hope of organizing in a worthy and effective manner the aid rendered by all
the faithful to the work of evangelization'.
The Salesian congregation through its 19th General Chapter shares
these aspirations with the Church of today, and revives the ideal of Don Bosco
who wished that the work of the missions should be a permanent preoccupation of
the congregation to the extent of being part of its nature and end.
The Salesian congregation when she accepts from the Church territories or
missionary enterprises, assumes complete responsibility for them and pledges
itself to find the personnel and the means for their development.
While we pay tribute to the generous efforts of the congregation in the
ninety years of its missionary endeavour, we must, however, take notice of the
disproportion between the number of missionaries
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THE FORMATION OF THE YOUNG
CHAPTER I
SOME GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR OUR MISSION
AS EDUCATORS TODAY
THE AIMS OF SALESIAN EDUCATION
Our aims are those of all truly human and Christian education, the salvation of souls,
according to the spirit and practice of Don Bosco, It is our task "to co-operate with divine
grace"' in order to form every boy into the complete roan, the complete Christian. This
requires that we allow him to acquire gradually true liberty, involving spiritual self-
mastery and a sense of values, together with genuine faith, which means embracing
Christ who brings salvation to the Church, We have to give every boy the capability
and the desire to take up an effective position in the world and in the Church of to-day.
Pius XI's encyclical, Divini Illius Magistri, remains the magna charta of Christian
education, but the encyclicals of Pope John, especially Mater et Magistra, add further
details for the human, Christian and, in particular, social education of the young.
Moreover, whilst we await explicit directives from the Second Vatican Council
concerning the task of Christian education and of the Catholic school, we can take as an
ideal the figure of the Catholic layman, as defined in the Constitution, De Ecclesia:
a living member of the Body of Christ and of the People of God, called to share in the
priestly, prophetic, kingly and missionary role of Christ and
1. Encyclical Divini Illius Magistri.
2. Constitution De Ecclesia, numbers 30-38.
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of His Church, called, above all, to seek the kingdom of God by shaping
according to God's will, all the material world as He has ordained'. This is a personal call
to holiness'.
THE CHARACTERISTICS AND NEEDS OF MODERN YOUTH
Understanding and respecting the young
Just as Don Bosco strove to pin-point the needs of the youth of his day and to
provide for them with the best means at his disposal', so, too, to-day the Salesian who
is faithful to Don Bosco's spirit will strive to understand the changed mentality of
the youth of our times, and he will strive to meet their needs with breadth and generosity.
He will therefore seek to understand both the positive and negative aspects of
contemporary humanism, embracing whatever it contains of true value and presenting
this to the boys; he will foster the harmonious wholeness of human and Christian values
in a way which fits in with what we could call the `Salesian humanism' hinted at in the
epistle of St. John Bosco's Mass : "Alt that rings true, all that commands reverence,
and all that makes for right; all that is pure, all that is lovely, all that is gracious in the
telling... let this be the argument of your thoughts."`
A keen sense of liberty
A prime feature of the mentality of young people to-day is the desire for liberty
and for the expression of their entire personality as individuals, The Salesian must try
to produce an enlightened awareness of the meaning of Christian liberty, helping the
young to attain to it by means of grace, and by appealing to all their deepest powers.
To this end, in complete harmony with the traditional Salesian style of education
summed up in the phrase "reason, religion, kindliness", he must prepare the young
to assume their manifold social
1. Ibidem 31.
2. Ibidem 39-42.
3. Constitutions, article 1.
4. Philippians 4, 8.
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responsibilities and develop their powers of personal decision by means of definite
occasions for responsible choice during the actual period of their education.
A keen social sense
Another aspect of the mentality of the young today is their desire for wider contact
with others, especially with those of their own age. They are particularly keen to prepare
to take their place in our intensely socialized adult world.
Therefore, following Don Bosco and the example of the Church which emphasizes
the need for dialogue at all levels, the Salesian educator will develop all the social
potentialities of the young, using every means to hand. Such means might be : the
ordinary activities of the Salesian house; modern means of information about events
and problems, whether in the Church or in society; normal contact with the world about us.
It is the Salesians' duty, as precise as it is complex, to prepare their boys for their future
social conduct at various levels : family and professional life, political life and
international awareness, missionary and ecumenical spirit, and consciousness of the
problems of the universal Church.
A keen sense of belonging to the modern world
A third aspect of the mentality of the young today is their enthusiasm for
modern discoveries and a keen desire to share in the benefits and progress of
civilization.
The Salesian educator will further whatever is positive in this attitude. Don Bosco
himself declared that he wished to be always "in the vanguard of progress" and with
the Church. Now, with Pope John 's Pacem in Terris, the Church encourages
modern man to "possess the earth'',' at the same time putting him on his guard against
materialism, whether capitalist or Marxist.
All Salesian educators, especially those who exercise their apostolate in the world of
the workers, must make it possible for the young to contribute towards the building of the
world in a fully human
1. Encyclical Pacem in Terris, 147-150.
2. Genesis, chapter I, 20.
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sense; they must nourish a faith which can integrate these technical and historical forces
and give them their final significance in Christ. In this task the spirit of poverty and the
effective detachment of the educator have an important part to play.
The presence of sin and symptoms of weakness
The above-mentioned aspects of the modern mind contain positive values : however,
they also carry with them certain dangers: an instinct for anarchy, a readiness to follow the
crowd and to give way to deviationist influences, an ever-present materialism in the
social milieu. Moreover the young are today assailed and enfeebl4d by the
reality of sin, which appears under the guise of laicism, hedonism naturalism and
worldliness. Breathing this poisonous and intoxicating atmosphere, the young can be
undermined almost imperceptibly.
Hence arises the ever more urgent necessity of strengthening them with the
supernatural weapons of the word of God and of grace. This is merely the traditional
teaching of Don Bosco.
Appropriate action
In practice, the Salesian must adapt his educative action to the requirements
arising from the following factors:
• the background and mentality of the boys;
• their age and stage of development (physical, mental, cultural);
• their level of religious development and growth in faith.
THE POSITION AND TASKS OF THE SALESIAN EDUCATOR
The Salesians
Don Bosco owed his success as an educator largely to his holiness
and his powerful personality. Added to these undeniable personal riches was the
decisive role which he gave to personal relationship with the boys. In this matter he
demanded a great deal from his Salesians.
Following the example of our father, the Salesian, more convinced today than ever,
that education involves a truly personal relationship, has to acquire a personality that is
balanced, humanly speaking, while irradiating the supernatural; he has to enter into a
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personal relationship with the young, a relationship more or less permanent,
according to the circumstances.
Every Salesian should realize that assistance has lost nothing of its value or necessity
in education. It should, however, be remembered that assistance in its true Salesian sense is
a positive, constructive thing not merely negative or preservative.
A Salesian educator must also be convinced that the total formation of the boys is the
work of the entire community. As a result he must learn to relate his problems to those of the
other members of the community: together a kind of educational examination of conscience
should be made, so that a common line of action is followed, based, perhaps, on a plan
drawn up for the entire province, with some sort of annual programme.
Non-Salesian helpers
Faithful to the fundamental ideas of Don Bosco's system the Salesian
educator is ready to place his work at the disposal of the vast educative organism of the
Church and of the society. The more outstanding and specialized his work is. the more he
will strive to preserve and reaffirm the original Salesian spirit and method of approach.
It should not be forgotten that both by law of nature and in virtue of the
sacramental grace of marriage, parents have the prime responsibility as regards education.
Salesians must, consequently, maintain and intensify the link with the parents of the
teenagers. Their aim should be Threefold: to know the boys better, to co-ordinate their
work as educators and to help the parents to carry out their most important task.
The exact nature of these contacts in individual cases is determined by each educator's own
responsibilities within the field of religious obedience.
Even though they are not part of our religious community. the laymen working in
our houses should be considered as close collaborators: they should be effectively
integrated into the group of Salesian educators, In choosing them, three requirements should
be home in mind: Are they suitable from a moral and religious point of view? Are they
competent as educators? Will they adjust themselves to our spirit? Choice should therefore
be made, as far as possible, from amongst our co-operators and old boys.
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We have a grave obligation to form these men in our spirit and to help them to he
exemplary Christians and genuine collaborators. This will be the duty chiefly of the
Rector, the catechist and the headmaster.
The Church
Today the Salesian is an ambassador of the Church to the young. He
acts with the Church's mind, the Church's intentions. In consequence he must
strive to make his own the declarations of the Pope and the decisions of the Council.
He should, accordingly, seek to make his work part of an integrated
pastoral whole: he should fall in with the directives of the local bishops and with the needs
of the diocese where each particular house is situated.
Let every effort he made to insert our boys into the fundamental communities of
the parish and the diocese, Let us prepare genuinely Christian laymen for the various
forms of Catholic Action and for the Christian revitalization of society.
CHAPTER II
CATECHETICS
The congregation considers the teaching of religion to the young the most
important activity in our Salesian apostolate. We are therefore asked to re-think and to
re-plan so that all our work will be directed towards the formation of the man of faith and
towards the promotion of every kind of catechetical activity, according to the needs and
circumstances of each country.
Commissions are being set up to study the question, also centres to direct the work
at varous levels (central, inter-provincial, provincial) with the scope of analysing the
pastoral catechesis of each country and co-ordinating the appropriate action.
The 19th General Chapter recognizes the massive effort made in this sector by
our Congregation, seen in the setting up of the library of Christian doctrine, the
Salesian catechetic centre and the courses in catechetics within the institute of pedagogy.
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Amongst the activities to be promoted within the congregation we should now
number the teaching of religion in outside schools which are linked to our apostolate.
It is haid down that the teaching of religion should be entrusted to the most able and
best qualified confreres; it should be the object of particular care. Let all contribute to the
formation of the man of faith, emphasizing in particular the close connection between
human values and the plan of redemption. This should be done both in school and by
means of other youth work.
Young confreres should he prepared for this apostolate in the studentates and houses
of formation. During their practical training they should have practice in teaching
catechism to boys.
The priests should attach the greatest importance to the liturgy of the word, to the
homily at holy _Mass and to teaching religion, whether systematically or occasionally. It is
desirable that they should periodically attend refresher courses in order to make themselves
ever more competent hearers of the Word of God.
All Salesians should remember that our schools are supposed to prepare not only
convinced Christians but future lay apostles. To this end courses should be arranged, with
the approval of the bishops, in order to prepare the young for the catechetical apostolate.
Some of the bigger boys might be enlisted to help in teaching catechism on Sundays.
1. DAILY MASS
CHAPTER III
PIETY AND THE LITURGICAL LIFE
Introductory observations. The sacrifice of the Mass is "the culminating
point towards which the whole action of the Church is directed."' It is the source of
supernatural life, and so is the centre of the day for any true Christian.
In the educative system of Don Bosco "frequent confession, frequent communion and
daily Mass are the pillars which must sup
1. Constitution De Sacra Liturgia, number 40.
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port the whole educational edifice,' and they are the ideal supernatural foundation for art
institute of education.
If a boy can enjoy, or at least accept, assistance at holy Mass, there will gradually
develop, through the appeal of the liturgy, of the ceremonies and chant, and
especially through the formative action of grace in his soul, a participation that is full,
conscious, fruitful and active both internally and externally.'
The General Chapter:
---- solemnly confirms that the Salesian tradition concerning daily Mass retains all
its force,
-- Calls upon all the confreres to reaffirm their faith in these principles in the full
awareness of the gravity of this matter which touches upon the fruitfulness of their work
as educators. Let all recall that training the boys in piety is the task of the entire
community and let all be united in an energetic effort to form in the boys the spirit of
faith and a sense of the liturgy. Thus the boys will assist at Mass in a way that
corresponds with the mind of Don Bosco and with the will of the Church today.
-- Recognizing that special circumstances exist, the Chapter entrusts their
examination and solution to the competence of the various provincial conferences,
always, however, in the light of the preceding principles, The Provincial should he
watchful and carefully follow these circumstances. giving a full account of them each
year to the superior council.
---- The Provincial should ensure that every school has a ch*pel capable of holding all
the boys, and the Rector should see that Mass is celebrated at the most opportune
moment in the day.
2. DAYS OF OBLIGATION
On these days there shall be one Mass, celebrated at the most opportune time and
forming the true centre of the day. It should be more solemn than an ordinary daily Mass.
The day as a whole should
1. Regulations, article 94.
2. ConstitutionDe Sacra Liturgia, number19.
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suggest the spirit of Easter joy, even in the arrangement of the timetable and in the
manner of filling in free time.
Day boys should be encouraged to attend Mass in their own parishes, though they
can also be given the chance of attending Mass in the Salesian house according to their
particular needs and dependent upon an understanding with their parish priest.
In the afternoon there should be a second liturgical function. This must contain
some instruction and be followed by short adoration and benediction. Vespers in the
vernacular or a bible service are other acceptable forms of service.
DA11.Y PRAYERS
Morning prayers should he recited in some suitable place and will include prayers in
use in the locality or particular country. The following is the general norm: The Angelus; I
Adore Thee: Our Father; Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity; Hail Mary; O, My Good
Angel: Prayer to St. Dominic Savio.
Evening prayers will follow the pattern in use in the various countries, The
following will be the norm: I Adore Thee; Our Father; I Believe; Hail, Holy Queen;
Dear Mother Mary, Ever Virgin (3 times, but omitting the final Gory be to the Father); O
My Good Angel: Eternal Rest. All the intentions of our Salesian family and of the boys
themselves should be gathered together into a 'Prayer of the Faithful' (for the Pope,
parents, superiors, missionaries, co-operators, old boys, etc.), and this should he concluded
by a paraphrase of the collect from the Mass of Don Bosco. After, the examination of
conscience the act of contrition is recited, with the final ejaculations, "Jesus, Mary and
Joseph..". The exhortation. "Whilst we are undressing ourselves..." etc. is omitted.
On particular occasions the evening prayers can he replaced by complite or the holy
rosary,
The catechist, aided by the various religious associations, shall make it his special
care to train the boys to make a brief daily meditation.
The boys should he taught to pray personally and spontaneously. Whatever formula
is most appropriate may he used for the prayers before and after various actions.
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The recitation of the rosary should be fostered, and a suitable ti me and place for ft
should be found in the day's programme. Attendance at ft should be promoted by the
religious associations. Those confreres who are free from other duties should also be
present. On feasts of Our Lady during the week the whole community could recite the
rosary together, finishing with the blessing of Our Lady Help of Christians.
4. MONTHLY DAY OF RECOLLECTION
The monthly day of recollection for the exercise for a happy death will follow these
lines:
A whole evening, entirely free from work and study, shall be devoted to the
exercise, as well as part of the next morning up to the time for Mass. The boys should be
assisted with appropriate aids to the task of individual reflection. Some adaptation of the
above will be needed to meet the requirements of the day-boys.
All the boys should be given a talk. Great importance attaches to the monthly
confession; there should be adequate preparation, extraordinary confessors should be
provided and a suitable time set aside for the confessions.
It is suggested that the prayers for a happy death he modified so that they may reflect
the true Christian view of death as linked to the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ.
Occasionally during the year on more solemn occasions it would be well
for groups of boys to make the complete day of recollection away from the house, in some
suitable place. This full day's retreat, at which attendance would be optional, might well
take the place for the bigger boys of the triduum at the beginning of the school year.
5. RETREATS
There should be separate retreats for the older and younger boys. The retreat is the
most important spiritual event in the whole year.
It is the Rector's inalienable task to see that the retreat is a true initiation into the life
of prayer, bringing them into close awareness of God's nearness: it is a time for seeking
one's true vocation as a Christian and for reviewing and redirecting one's whole life.
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For the success of the boys' retreat two things need to be emphasized:
firstly, the retreat should not be made by too large a group of boys simultaneously;
secondly, the teachers should be persuaded to attend the retreat and help in making it a
success.
It is suggested that in every province there should be a retreat house for the
confreres. This can also be used by our boys and by other youth groups. Moreover, in
every province a group of priests should he trained and made available for the
preaching of retreats in our colleges, as well as for retreats to groups of boys
from the parish or the diocese. This should be treated as an important sector of our
Salesian apostolate.'
6, THE LITURGICAL COMMISSION
It is suggested that a liturgical commission be formed in every province or group of
provinces. To it will be entrusted the work of drawing up "directives concerning the
liturgy and practices of piety."
CHAPTER IV
THE SPIRITUAL. DIRECTION OF THE YOUNG
The Salesian community, the choice of boys, the surroundings of the college or
oratory, all these things go to make up the formative atmosphere in a Salesian house.
Things liturgical. prayer, the teaching of religion, the 'Good Night', class, the
religious organization, these, on the other hand, are means of formation.
All the Salesians are engaged in the task of educating the boys, since "all have the
duty of giving advice and counsel to any boy of the house every time there is reason to
do so."' "Like loving fathers let them speak to the boys, give the example in every kind
of activity,
1. Constitutions, article 8.
2. Regulations, article 102.
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advise and, when necessary, correct.' They should "give the pupils every opportunity of
expressing their thoughts freely.
It is primarily the Rector's duty to speak to the boys about their personal problems
concerning their growth in faith and piety, and in that goodness which consciously faces
responsibilities. In other words, he must be "a steady guide, the faithful friend of their
souls... in order to make them taste what the spiritual life is."' He should direct his
special personal attention to the bigger boys, to those of difficult character and to those
who have some clear awareness of a vocation.
In this wonderful and indispensable work he should seek the help of the regular
confessors, so that souls, by the solving of their problems of conscience, may progress
towards the acquisition of a truly Christian mentality that remains orientated
towards what is right, even amidst the difficulties of life.
To the catechist, the Rector should also entrust the task of having a personal chat
with the boys under his care. If necessary he can, with an understanding with the
Provincial, make use also of some other priest to help the boys in their needs.
It should be possible to obtain unity of method and aim in this work of direction by
holding a periodic meeting, under the Rector's guidance, of the confessors, the catechist
and any others engaged in this work. Great discretion is needed in determining the
frequency and the procedure of these meetings, if harmful side-effects are to be avoided.
This meeting should not take place in the room where the boys are normally
interviewed.
Anyone who takes on the delicate task of directing the souls of the young needs to
prepare and school himself in particular in the following:
a) the knowledge of the psychology of the young in general and, more particularly,
of their moral and religious psychology;
h] a deep knowledge of Christian ascetics, as taught by St. Francis de Sales, always
keeping in mind in addition, the example of Don Bosco and the means and methods used
by him in educating the young,
1. Regulations, article 88.
2. Regulations, article 104.
3. DON BOSCO: Memorie dell'Oratorio, page36.
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It is suggested that the training of our confreres in this regard be furthered, and that
there be drawn up a handbook of spiritual direction of the young. This will be done by a
post-capitular commission and will contain directives on education for love and purity,
following the lines traced out by the General Chapter.
CHAPTER V
EDUCATION FOR LOVE AND PURITY
The General Chapter
-- in view of the special importance, delicacy and complexity, both for youth and
for educators, of education towards love and purity, having affirmed that this
problem must be harmoniously resolved within the context of the boys' development
in personality throe rh the practice of all the Christian and human virtues, so that they may
thus take their place in the family, the state and the Church lays down:
1. that a post-capitular commission shall draw up a handbook of guidance of
the young, This shall deal fully with the solution of the above problem in the light of papal
documents, of psychology and of sound pedagogy;
2. that the approach in this present document is to be approved and that it
should serve
--- to indicate the lines to he followed by the above-mentioned post-
capitular commission;
-- to guide all those Salesians directed by obedience to form the young in love and
purity, until the hoped-for handbook is published.
In the meantime the General Chapter requests the superiors concerned,
Provincials and Rectors, to see that no confrere, other than those expressly commissioned
and adequately trained for the task, presumes to discuss these most important and delicate
matters with the boys in our schools, or with other boys.
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GENERAL LINES TO BE FOLLOWED IN EDUCATING OF CHRISTIAN
LOVE
The efforts of the educator must he directed towards gradually setting the young
person free from slavery to his sensible, sentimental instincts, and towards eliciting from
him the complete giving of himself to God and to his fellow men. This is our own
Salesian tradition, found implicit ir the directives of the Major Superiors.
Don Bosco gave this kind of education a lasting efficacy by teaching each boy
to love the sublime persons of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. He led each
to a manly devotion towards Our Blessed Lady, so that personal relationships
with other people were warmed by a sense of consideration for others. In fine, he opened
their hearts to the prospects of adult love in its most universal and most intimate forms,
making them see their future careers as a form of service and radiating of Christ.
All the powers of affection and feeling in a youth ought to meet in this
expression of self-giving: hence the double task of educating to love and developing the
powers of feeling. To acquire the requisite self-mastery clearly involves training the will
to mortification and effort. The educator :must know how to infuse a conviction of the
necessity of this asceticism and of its positive value.
Affection, one of the foundations of our system, requires great self-mastery in the
educator, so that he can love the young with rectitude and complete dedication. This will
call forth a heartfelt response that is also pure, and thus there is achieved that perfect
family spirit which allows the young to experience what it is to live in a social group
where existence is governed by love.
DIRECTIVES FOR THE GUIDANCE OF SHE YOUNG
A ) Education of the affections
In order to attract the young to true ideals and to the effort needed to realize them, we
must learn how to make more attractive three things that Don Bosco set great store by: the
splendour of the liturgical functions, the finding and presentation of attractive models of
youthful sanctity, the positive use of cultural audio visual aids.
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Friendship amongst the boys is in itself a thing of positive value, even though the
educator needs to be vigilant in case it should degenerate into a harmful type of
friendship. Properly directed. friendship is a valuable means of opening up a boy's
sensibility and of encouraging a generous unselfishness, above all during the crucial period
of adolescence. "Choose your friends and companions from amongst those noted for their
goodness, and from amongst the best of these.'
One of the tasks of the priest-educator is to train the boys to an attitude of
respect and delicacy towards women, especially at that period of their lives when
they feel a new emotional interest in them.
- We cannot ignore the contacts between th e s exe s whichare a commonplace in
modern living. It is our duty to train our day-boys, oratory boys and bigger boys in our
schools to conduct themselves in a Christian manner in their dealings with girls. For this,
Christian prudence and reverence for authority are basic. "The young must be prepared to
enter a world where, they will be in contact with women. Such contact has its dangers and
so it is important that they know how to conduct themselves."° "It is essential that
women should be presented in their true light... and so one must speak of them rightly, in a
way that is both holy and exact." 3
- It is therefore necessary to instruct our older boys more precisely, so as to prepare
them for such decisive steps as the choice of a young lady, engagement, and the
responsibilities of married and family life.
A sincere devotion to the Blessed Virgin is a most valuable psychological and
spiritual aid at every stage of this work of instruction.
- The implementation of these principles is the responsibility of the Provincial. In
issuing directives he shall take into consideration the particular environmental circumstances
that come into play.
1.Memorie Biografiche VII, 292.
2. EUGENE VALENIIN1, Don Rinaldi, Maestro di pedagogia e spirituatità
salesiana, page 104.
3. EUGENE VALENT1NI, Don Rinaldi..., page 105.
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B. Education for purity
Purity should be presented to our boys in its full human and Christian meaning, not,
therefore, as mere ignorance or an end in itself, but as the mastery of one's own physical
and emotional powers, as an angelic virtue that makes us attractive both to God and our
neighbour, and that allows the full development of our personality.
Such education produces serenity in a boy, helping him to resolve the problems that
trouble him most deeply and that have a profound influence on the formation of his
personality and on his receptiveness to further educative influence. Hence to maintain
absolute silence on this matter is to abandon the adolescent to himself. On the other hand,
the method of untimely, direct initiation, imparted collectively, is both harmful and
forbidden.
The parents have the natural right and obligation of imparting this instruction. The
Salesian who is responsible for the boys should maintain prudent contact with the parents,
pointing out to them when they should speak and advising them on the best way of doing so.
When, however, the parents, for some reason, do not perform this duty, then the
educator is himself obliged to take direct action. In a Salesian house this is primarily the
duty of the Rector and of those priests to whom as indicated above, the task of spiritual
direction has been entrusted. The confessor is in an ideal position to understand a boy's
difficulties, to guide and help him.
Hence there arises the grave obligation of keeping oneself prepared and up-to-date,
seeking inspiration in the best traditions and in the doctrine of the Church and of the
congregation, and studying the soundest works on this subject.
If anyone else is aware that some boy or other needs help of this kind, he is bound to bring
the fact to the Rector's notice; the latter will make the provision that his conscience dictates.
Any one who has this duty of spiritual guidance must be aware of the grave
obligation of preparing himself adequately for it. He must, above all, be a person of
complete maturity and sound morals, possessed of refined delicacy and transparent purity of
intention. He should prepare himself for such discussions by prayer and other supernatural
means; he should also make a detailed plan of action,
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studying the character of the person concerned, as well as the psychological and
environmental factors involved in the actual problem.
In view of the delicacy of this matter precise precautions need to be taken.
This matter is something that even the most perspicacious find it difficult to face.
Errors and even abuses are all the more likely, if individuals who have neither due
training nor official mandate confuse formative direction in this matter with imprudent
questioning and the eliciting of useless confidences.
Whenever some sort of intervention is required, the following should he kept in
mind:
-- Any necessary information should be given with great reserve but, at the same
time, with openness and serenity. Oneshould take care not to intervene either too soon or too
late. and a spirit of Salesian delicacy should he maintained.
- For the true educator the instructional aspect is only the starting point: his aim is to
bring peace to the soul of the young person, guiding him, showing him the way he must
behave and strengthening his will with high ideals and with the life of grace.
- Following the lines of our Salesian traditions, this education for purity must
accompany a youth throughout the whole course of his education, until he has reached
full Christian maturity.
CHAPTER VI
FREE TIME AND THE HOLIDAYS
Contemporary Iife attaches great importance to the free time in which a man can
devote himself to activities of his own choice, thus finding forms of self-expression and
enriching himself with additional human values. Don Bosco himself attached great
importance to recreation and pastimes, and the Salesian educator cannot therefore, remain
indifferent to this development. He should consequently regard free time as one of the
most typical means that he can use in his work as an educator.
Educating the young in the use of their free time means, first of all, educating them in
the liberty of the children of God by teach-
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ing them self-control and a true sense of values. The Salesian educator should
promote a wide range of activities that are helpful to personal development, without
imposing them or seeking too much uniformity. In this way boys will be able to choose
and pursue physical activities that foster bodily nimbleness and skill, as well as cultural
interests that favour the development of his mind and refine his spiritual sensibilities.
Much free time is filled with activities carried out in common. Such activities should
consequently be directed towards developing the boys' natural sense of comradeship,
fostering their awareness and understanding of others. To this end group activities
will be pursued, with the assistance of the educator, in which the boys
organize their own activities, whether these be for their own pleasure or apostolic in
nature. Within this context the sodalities and groups should find fruitful scope for their
work.
Following the spirit and practice of Don Bosco, one ought to give great importance to
the traditional forms of activity, such as games, sport, music and the stage, all of which
help to create an atmosphere of joy on our Salesian feasts. We ought also to embrace
with prudence and with confidence such modern forms of recreation as the cinema, radio,
television, songs, reading and cultural outings. We should take pains to eliminate any
harmful elements in these things and to increase their positive aspects, educating
the young to a sound critical sense by means of film-clubs and tele-clubs.
Boarders ought to be given the opportunity of passing the odd feastday or Sunday at
home; this will help to deepen the educative link with their parents, and serve to create
opportunities for doing apostolic work in their own parish and family contacts.
Certain Sundays and feasts of the house need to be safeguarded, since they have a special
religious and community importance. The frequency, length and other details of these
periodical visits home are left to be decided by the provincial conferences, in accordance
with the proposal approved in the document on boarding schools.
The holiday periods are a challenge to the Salesian to develop the boys in their human
and Christian values, affording as they do an opportunity of exercising their ability to
overcome difficulties and to engage in apostolic work.
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CHAPTER VII
SALESIAN ASSOCIATIONS FOR YOUTH AND THE
APOSTOLATE OF TIIE LAITY
The Salesian Boys' Sodalities are "the key to piety" (Don Bosco), the "training ground
of the apostolate" (Don Ziggiotti), "a form of healthy activism" (Don Ricaldone); this is
because they prepare a boy for a life of convinced and spontaneous piety, for the
gradual assuming of responsibilities and for the apostolic work wherever he is. They
produce a spirit of co-operation with the superiors, a spirit of initiative and the ability to
work as one of a group. In this way they help to form the kind of Christian layman
that the Church wants today.
The group activities within the sodalities deepen both natural and supernatural
values. They permeate the whole life of the young community in which they act as "the
living leaven" (Don Ziggiotti); they are there to help all the boys in all their problems,
under the guidance of wise educators.
To obtain such fruits it is necessary to remove such obstacles as tend to keep the
sodalities purely marginal to our life, or limited merely to religious, devotional, recreative
or cultural activities.
If the sodalities are to flourish it is essential that there should exist between the boys
and their educators a truly Salesian relationship, warm and friendly, There is no room
for tension or coldness, hut there should be in all the activities an atmosphere of
energetic, spontaneous responsibility,
National or interprovincial centres should draw up a plan of action and a list of aids
for the entire region.
A provincial delegate, under the direction of the Provincial should he entrusted with
all that regards piety, the liturgical life, spiritual formation, reaching religion, preparation
for the apostolate and the fostering of vocations amongst the boys.
The prime and most authoritative source for stimulating and co-ordinating such
activities is the house chapter. Whoever is made an assistant to the sodalities
should look on this task as a real obedience, and all necessary means, including
time and a place for meetings, should he at his disposal.
The movement "The Friends of Dominic Savio" is to be encouraged,
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The members of the sodalities should be drawn into contact with forms of Catholic
Action and lay apostolate existing in their own diocese and parish. They should also he
encouraged to join the Association of Salesian Co-operators.
CHAPTER VITI
CENTRES AND AIDS FOR FORMATION
In order to go forward with greater surety and efficiency, the Salesian
congregation must be clearly aware of the nature of its own original contribution
towards the work of the Church in general and towards the education of the young in
particular.
it is therefore proposed to compile a handbook of riches of educational
wisdom handed down by Don Bosco and the early Salesians. This will be done
through the setting up of a centre for Salesian historical studies for the purpose of
illustrating Don Bosco's work as an educator, and of outlining ever more clearly his
spirit and his method.
A Salesian centre for pastoral work for youth will also be set up. Its scope will be:
to study in all actual detail the needs of youth in our age of rapid evolution;
- to collect and co-ordinate the best ideas and experiences of Salesian and other
educators throughout the world;
--- to stimulate and direct Salesian and other educators to ever more fruitful activity.
The centre will find its inspiration especially in the directives of recent popes, in
the Council and in the 19th General Chapter. It will work in close contact with the
institute of pedagogy of the P.A.S.
Th i s c en tr e sh ou ld draw up a small treatise on "Salesian education
today", to which the superior council will be able to give its official approval.
The two centres mentioned above will not be autonomous bodies but sections of a
general centre for consultation and research. They should be viewed within the
framework of the whole reorganization of the offices of the superior council.
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REGULATIONS FOR THE GENERAL CHAPTER
SOCIETY OF ST, FRANCIS OF SALES
PRESENTATION
The General Chapter cannot carry out its work without a set of Regulations which set
out its norms of procedure and above all the extension of its competence.
A set of Regulations was published in 1906 derived substantially from that approved in
the 10th General Chapter of 1904 ('Annals', Vol. III, 537).
1. A new edition with slight variations was published in 1928, and again in 1947.
There were some changes in the arrangement of the material, it was touched up on some
points of a linguistic character and there were a few minor corrections.
in 1965 this set of Regulations underwent large-scale mndilications in the light of
proposals made by many members of the 19th General Chapter. There was a two-fold
aim in the work; that of filling out certain gaps of a juridical or normative character,
and that of bringing it up to date, conforming to the methods of the Vatican Council II,
especially in the discussions.
Every article which was either newly added, or completed in some way, or
modified from the previous edition, was discussed in the assembly at the beginning of the
19th General Chapter, and approved by voting as appears in the text which follows.
The articles, in large part, are based on Canon Law, or the Constitutions, as
indicated by appropriate references.
Rome, 5th March, 1965.
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CHAPTER I
THE GENERAL CHAPTER AND ITS CONVOCATION
1. The supreme authority over the whole society, concerning the internal government, is
entrusted, in ordinary circumstances to the Superior General and his Council; in
extraordinary circumstances, to the General Chapter. (Const. art. 50).
2. The power of the General Chapter, which represents the whole congregation, is supreme
and full within the sphere allotted it by the Code of Canon Law (Can. 501,1), and the
Constitutions (art. 122-125). The individual members, therefore, take part in it with
equal rights and duties, with the exception of the prerogatives of the president and the
moderator. The jurisdiction of the General Chapter is valid both in foro externo
and in foro interno.
3. The General Chapter shall ordinarily be called together every six years, and as
often as the election of a Superior General has to take place. In exceptional cases,
however, it shall be called together as often as some grave reason, recognized as such by
the Holy Sec, shall render it necessary. (Const. art. 126).
4. The calling together of the General Chapter is the task of the Superior General. Only in the
case of the death of the Superior General does the duty of calling together the General
Chapter, for the election of a new Superior General fall to the Prefect General.
(Const. art. 127, 61 & 65).
5. The prescribed summoning shall be made at least six months before it assembles.
It will be announced by a circular letter,
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sent to all the Provincials and Rectors of houses, who must see that it is read before the
community gathered together for this purpose. It shall indicate the principal object of
the Chapter, the place and time of assembly. (Const. art. 127).
6. It belongs to the General Chapter to elect the Superior General and those who form the
Superior Council, to treat of matters of greater moment which concern the society, and to
make those arrangements which the needs of the society and the time and place require.
(Const. art. 122).
7. The Superior General or, in the case of his death, the Prefect, shall choose one of the
members of the Superior Council as moderator of the General Chapter, and shall
make known to the Provincials and Rectors the name of the person chosen. To him the
members shall propose in writing those suggestions which they consider to be for
the greater glory of God and the benefit of the society. (Const. art. 134).
8. The moderator, together with a commission designated by the Superior General, shall
examine the observations and suggestions received. They will be classified and
communicated at once to the Superior Council and then during the General
Chapter remain available to its members. The dossier drawn up from these will
be sent in sufficient time before the Chapter to the provincials and delegates.
9. All deliberations of the General Chapter must be based on the Constitutions approved by
the Holy See, and nothing must ever he decided which is contrary to their spirit.
(Const. art. 123).
10. The General Chapter can propose to the Holy See alterations and additions to the
Constitutions, always, however, in such a way that they are faithfully in harmony with
the spirit and reasons for which the Constitutions themselves were approved. These
changes, however, will have no power to oblige in conscience, until such a time as
they shall have obtained the approbation of the Holy See. (Const. art. 124).
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11. In the Capitular deliberations, whatever has the approval of the absolute majority of
voters has the force of law. The one who presides, in the case of equal votes, has a
casting vote, according as he judges best in the Lord. (Const. art. 148).
12. It is the duty of the Superior General to make known to the society the deliberations of
the General Chapter. These are binding on all the members as soon as they have been
promulgated by him, (Const. art, 149 & 125),
13. The nature of the subjects treated, and the authority of the persons taking part in
the Chapter, demand absolute secrecy, especially in what concerns the name
of persons. Having regard, however, for the importance of the General Chapter in
the life of the Salesian society, the active and praiseworthy interest of the members in
following its work, and in order also to foster the family spirit, opportune and
prudent information about its progress should be circulated by means of periodical
communications, drawn up by an appropriate commission and approved by the
president.
CHAPTER II
MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL CHAPTER
14. The following members take part in the General Chapter with a
deliberative vote:
a) The Superior General in office and Superior Generals emeriti. b) The members of the
Superior Council.
c) The secretary of the same Council.
d) The Procurator General.
e) The Provincials.
f) A delegate from each Province, duly elected, (Const. art. 97). g) The Rector of the
Salesian mother house at Turin. (Const. art. 128).
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15. Any members of the Superior Council not confirmed in office will continue to take
part in the General Chapter then assembled. (Const. art. 129).
16. It is the right of the Superior General to invite to the General Chapter members of the
society and even externs, when matters are under discussion in which they are
specially qualified. They, however, shall only remain during the time that these
matters are being discussed, and shall only have a consultative vote. Const. art 130).
17. All the members of the General Chapter have the duty of being present, and assisting at
the sessions of the Chapter, and they may not absent themselves without the express
permission of the president. (Cons?. art. 131).
18. For the validity of the decisions taken in the General Chapter it is required that
at least two thirds of the members be present. (Const. art. 132).
CHAPTER III
OPENING OF THE GENERAL CHAPTER
19. The moderator, with the understanding of the Superior General, should see to it, in
good time, that the hall for the assembly is suitably fitted out and safe from
indiscreet interference.
20.The assemblies shall be presided over by the Superior General or the one who takes his
place. (Const. art. 133).
21.During the assembly the members of the Chapter shall arrange themselves in the
following order of precedence:
al The Superior General, or whoever presides in his place, occupies the
president's chair, with the moderator at his side.
h) Then, in the first row, the members of the Superior Council including those who
eventually cease to be in office, take their places.
c) Then follow the Provincials, each with his delegate in the order of precedence of
their election to the office of Provincial.
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22. At least three months before the opening of the General Chapter, the provincials shall
send to the moderator the document of the provincial chapters regarding the election
of the delegates, so that these may be examined by the appropriate commission
appointed by the Superior General or, in the case of his death. by the Prefect,
(Const. art I35).
The moderator, should he find defects of any kind, must see to it that those
responsible correct the defect in good time, and if the case requires it, by repeating
the election.
If, despite this, the validity of the election of anyone should be called in question, the
moderator shall lay the matter before the General Chapter at the beginning of the
first session, so that the Chapter, by the authority which it possesses, may either
declare the election invalid or rectify any defect in it. (Const. art. 135).
23. Those delegates whose election may have been called in question, cannot take any part
in the General Chapter, until it has authoritatively rectified the irregularity in their
election.
24. At the beginning of each meeting, the president shall recite the invocation "Veni,
Sancte Spiritus" with the appropriate versicle and prayer, the "Ave Maria" and the
ejaculation "Maria Auxilium Christianorum o.p.n."
At the end of the meeting the president will recite: "ln honour of S t. Jo hn
Bo sco : P at e r ... Ave . . . Gl or i a ..." w it h t he appropriate versicle and
prayer, concluded by the ejaculation "Maria Auxilium Christianorum o.p.n."
25. At the hour established. on the. day of the opening of the General Chapter, all those
taking part shall go to the chapel for the votive Mass "De Spiritu Sancto", with a
suitable homily.
26. The first regular sitting shall be held at the hour previously announced to all the
members of the Chapter.
Following on the opening prayers, the president shall nominate two or more
secretaries and, should there be need, other chapter
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officers. If necessity demands it, the president can also choose externs as secretaries
and officers, after having asked for the approval of the assembly. It is the duty of the
secretaries to record in appropriate minutes accurately drawn up, the acts of the
General Chapter, the resolutions taken, as well as a summary of the discussions.
(Const. art. 136).
27. After the appointment of the secretaries, the moderator, in the name of the president,
shall ask the assembly if it agrees to declare the Chapter legitimately called together
and opened. After the assembly has given its assent, the moderator shall declare the
General Chapter formally called together and opened. The secretaries shall write
down the minutes of the opening of the Chapter, noting down the names of all present
and their various offices, in the order of dignity. (Const, art. 137).
28, The first act of the General Chapter shall be to decide the cases of doubtful validity of the
elections of delegates, as is already stated in articles 22 and 23 of this Regulation.
29. The moderator shall ask if the General Chapter agrees to rectify the defect in the elections
of the Province N.N. The General Chapter will carefully examine each individual
doubtful election and decide separately 'n each case. For this decision, an absolute
majority is required in the first and second scrutiny, a relative majority in the third,
and this must be recorded in the minutes.
The delegates whose election has been rectified will then become members of the
assembly. Const. art. 135: for art. 22 of this Regulation cfr. C.J.C. can. 101, 1, 1).
30. The General Chapter shall then begin its work; the time-table and order of the
day, immediately made known to the members of the Chapter, so as to allow for any
suggestions to be made, shall be communicated to the assembly by the
moderator, in agreement with the president.
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31.In one of the first sessions, the Superior General, or whoever takes his place, shall give a
general account of the state of the society.
32. A special commission to which at least one of the secretaries of the General
Chapter belongs, shall he set up by the president, with the duty of recording the
minutes, and accurately reporting all the deliberations which are approved together
with their doctrinal foundations, and the motives which inspired them.
CHAPTER IV
NORMS FOR THE DISCUSSIONS
33. The discussions of the General Chapter shall be presided over by the Superior
General, or the one who takes his place, assisted by the moderator, in the direction
and working out of the agenda. (Const, art. 133, 134: Regulation art. 20).
34. In one of the first meetings, the moderator shall inform the General Chapter which
are the commissions charged with the study of different themes, and already set up
by the president, after consulting the individuals concerned regarding their
preferences: he shall also appoint a president and a spokesman for each one.
35. The commissions shall study the themes and proposals assigned to them, and
arrange among themselves for the presentation to the plenary sessions of the Chapter
for discussion of the reports covering the different points. In general, the reports
should follow this scheme: a first part dealing only with principles, a second part
with exhortations and directives, a third with norms and deliberations.
The reports are to be distributed to all the members of the Chapter at least two days
before the meeting in which they are to be discussed.
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36. The President decides the order of the themes to be discussed in the general sessions, The
moderator, according to the order decided, invites each spokesman to read the report
prepared by his commission and to illustrate it briefly,
37. Whoever wishes to express his opinion on the theme proposed, shall give his name in
writing at the beginning of the session to the moderator, indicating the points on
which he wishes to speak.
38. The order of the discussion shall be as follows : the moderator will invite in turn
each one to speak on the point he has indicated. When those who had given their
names have finished to speak on a point, if there are others who wish to intervene,
they will in turn be given the opportunity. The speeches ought not to last more than
five minutes. The arguments should therefore be expressed with brevity arid
clarity. Whoever puts forward a new proposal has the right to reply at the end of the
discussion of the point.
39, After the discussion of a certain number of articles, the spokesman can ask the
assembly for a guiding vote on the various articles dealt with. This voting shall be
by show of hands.
40. If amendments are proposed to the report (iuxta modum), they shall be made in
writing with due reason, signed, and given to the spokesman, so that they may be
discussed by the commission outside the assembly.
41. The amended text will again be presented in the assembly, and the amendments and
their justification explained before the final vote. This voting will take place in secret
when it is considered opportune by the president or by the spokesman, or when it is
requested by at least 25 chapter members.
42. The deliberations shall he considered approved when they have received the
sufficient number of favourable votes according to art. 11 of the present
Regulations.
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43. In drawing up the reports, the acts and the minutes of the Chapter the Italian language
shall be used. In the discussions Italian or Latin is to be preferred. The
president can permit those who use another language to employ an interpreter.
44. At the beginning of each session, the minutes of the previous session shall be read by a
secretary and presented for the approval of the Chapter.
45. The approbation ought to be indicated at the conclusion of the minutes, and this
affirmation approved and signed by the president, the moderator and by at least one
of the secretaries.
CHAPTER V
THE ELECTIONS THAT TAKE PLACE
AT THE GENERAL CHAPTER
46. To the General Chapter alone it belongs to elect the members of the Superior Council,
viz. the Superior General, the Prefect, the Spiritual director, the Economer,
and the Consultors. (Const. articles 66, 122, 139, 146).
47. To the General Chapter it belongs to decide the time of the elections, except in the case
provided for in art. 62 of the Constitution, and within the limits fixed by the new
art. 137 bis of the Constitutions.
48. The election of the Superior General can take place either because of the expiry of
his term of office (Const. art. 58), or because of death (Const. art 591, or because of
resignation (Const. art. 63), or because of deposition (Const. art. 64).
49. The election of the Superior General, following the expiry of his term of office, takes
place when he has completed his term of office, according to the Constitutions. In
this case, until the
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election of the new Superior Genera!, the convocation and presidency of the General
Chapter belongs to the one in office.
The election ought to he completed within fifteen days from the expiry of the
Superior General's term of office. (Coast. art. 62).
50. When on the other hand the election of the Superior General is to take place because of
the death of the incumbent, it is the duty of the Prefect to convoke and to preside at
the General Chapter, until the new Superior General is elected. (Const. arts. 60, 61).
51, In the case of the resignation of the Superior General or of deposition, it is necessary to
follow in each case the prescriptions of the Holy Sec. (Const. art. 64).
52. In order that anyone may be qualified for election as Superior General, it is requisite for
him to be a priest, to have lived at least ten years in our Society from the date of his
first profession, to have been born of lawful wedlock, to have completed the fortieth
year of his age, and to he distinguished among the members by his exemplary life, and
also by prudence and ability in the management of affairs of the Society. (Const. art,
57).
53. The election of the Prefect, the Spiritual Director, the Economer, and the Consultors
shall take place every six years. ( Const. articles 66, 67).
54. To he eligible for any one of these offices, it is required that each candidate should
have spent at least five years in the society, have completed the thirty-fifth year of
his age, and be a priest with perpetual vows. (Const. art. 66).
55. The election of a member who did not fulfil the required conditions to one of the above
offices would be invalid.
56. When a member, ineligible to be elected to one of the abovementioned offices,
including that of Superior General, on account of the lack of some necessary
qualification, neverthe-
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less is considered suitable and worthy for the office for which he is proposed, he
can be put forward for this office, not by election, but by postulation, according to
Canon 179 and 182.
57. Everybody is permitted to ask questions or answer enquiries about the qualities of those
who are eligible, but no one may disclose the name of him for whom he decides to
vote, nor urge others or persuade anyone to vote for a particular member rather
than another. (Const. art. 140).
58. At the beginning of the session for the elections, the president having said the
opening prayers, shall explain the reason for the assembly (Const. art, 141),
However, before proceeding to the elections each of the members of the Chapter, in
order of dignity, beginning with the president, putting his hand on his breast, shall,
in a clear and intelligible voice, take the oath that he will elect those superiors whom
he shall judge before God as worthy of election. The formula for the oath is the
following:
Testem invoco Deum me quacumquo humana affectione postpòsita, Superiores
electurum quos, secundum Deum, eligendos esse existimàvero. (Const. art. 139:
C.J.C. can. 1622, I).
59. When all the members of the Chapter have taken the prescribed oath, two
secretaries and three scrutineers shall he elected by secret vote. (Const. art. 141).
Two members of the Chapter appointed by the president will organize these elections. The
secretaries of the General Chapter will undertake the secretarial work.
61. The election can be effected either in one scrutiny or in two separate scrutinies: one
for the two secretaries, and the other for the three scrutineers. In practice,
however, the president can put forward in one list two names for the election of the
secretaries, and three for the election of the scrutineers : the assembly would be called
upon to decide on these by secret ballot, while each member retains the right to
substitute any one of the proposed names or even all of them.
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62.They shall be considered elected who have received the absolute majority of votes,
and have accepted the office. (C.J.C. can. 101, 1, 1).
If the absolute majority was not obtained in the first or second scrutinies, in the third
scrutiny the relative majority will suffice.
If there should then be equal votes, and the president does not wish to give ills
casting vote, the one who is senior by religious profession, or in the case of equality
of profession, senior in age shall be considered as elected (C.J.C. can. 101,
1, 1).
63. The scrutineers, together with the president, according to the form indicated in art.
58, shall take the oath to fulfil their duty faithfully, and to maintain secrecy, even
after the Chapter. (Const. art. 1411. The formula for the oath is the following:
Testes invoco Deum me fidéliter munus Praésidis (vel Scrutatòris)
impleturum, et secretum, etiam Capitulo peracto, servaturum.
64. When the secretaries and the scrutineers have been elected, and the prescribed
oaths have been taken, the moderator shall read chapter seven of the Constitutions
"The Superior General " , when there is to be the election of the Superior General, and
chapter eight "The Superior Council" when other members of the Superior Council
have to be elected.
65. The moderator shall then announce the election that has to be made, and the ballot
papers shall be distributed. These ballot papers ought to be of the same shape, and of
the same colour, and the electors, as soon as they have expressed their vote, should
fold them in a uniform manner as indicated by the moderator.
66. It is to be noted that in order to be valid, the vote ought to be free, secret, certain,
absolute and determinate. (C.J.C. can. 169,1).
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67.When all have written down their vote, the first scrutineer at a sign from the moderator
will call the roll of those present, and each one as he is named shall proceed to the
place of the voting to put his ballot-paper in the urn which has been placed there,
(C,j,C. can. 171, 2).
68. If anyone of the electors is ill at the house where the Chapter is assembled, and cannot
come to the assembly hall, but is able to write, two of the scrutineers shall attend on
him to place his vote in a closed urn, and they shall afterwards put it with the other
votes. (Const. no. 142). This elector who is ill will also he required, before recording
his vote, to take the prescribed oath (Const. no. 139) in the presence of the two
scrutineers and the secretary.
69.Each elector can vote only once, even if, for various reasons, he should have the right
to cast other votes in his own name. (C.f.C. can, 164).
70.The second and third scrutineers, in the presence of the one who presides, shall make an
exact count of the ballot papers placed in the urn. in order to see whether the
number of votes corresponds to the number of voters. If the number of votes
exceeds the number of voters. the election is null and void. (Const. no. 143; C.J.C.
can. 171, 2, 31.
71. When this count has been completed, the first scrutineer shall draw the ballot
papers from the urn, one by one, and hand them to the second scrutineer, who will
read them out in a clear and intelligible voice, and pass them to the third scrutineer.
The latter will examine them to see that the vote is correct, and will then place them
in a second urn. (Const. no. 143).
72.At the end of the scrutiny, or at the end of the meeting if several scrutinies
have been held during it, one of the scrutineers shall burn all the ballot papers.
(C.J.C. can. 171, 4).
73.While the scrutineers are examining the votes, the two secretaries who have written
down the minutes of the preceding acts,
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shall record the names as they are read out. (Const. no. 143). After the votes have been
examined, the scrutineers will check the number of votes recorded by the secretaries.
If some discrepancy appears in this verification, they shall proceed to a new
examination of the ballot papers.
74. The minutes of the election as recorded by the secretaries must be signed by the latter, by
the one who presides and by the scrutineers, and then together with the other minutes
of the General Chapter, they shall be carefully preserved in the archives of the
society. (C.J.C. can. 171, 5).
75. When the two secretaries have each separately ascertained that the number of the
written ballot papers for each candidate named corresponds exactly, the scrutineers
shall announce in a clear and intelligible voice, how many votes each one has gained.
(Const. art. 143).
76. He who has obtained the absolute majority of the votes shall be considered elected as
Superior General, shall be proclaimed as such by the president, and, as soon as he has
accepted the decision, shall assume office immediately. But if the president himself
is elected, the senior member of the Superior Council which is now going out of
office shall make this proclamation. (Const. art. 144).
77. If the Superior General is re-elected, this re-election, if accepted, must at once, or at least
within eight days (Can. 177, 1) of the acceptance, be communicated to the Holy See in
order to seek its confirmation.
Until this confirmation has been given, the Superior General who has been re-elected
will not be able to assume office; but he should continue to preside at the General
Chapter. (Const. art. 133).
78. If the first scrutiny should be ineffective, a second and a third shall be made
immediately, and if these are also ineffective, a fourth scrutiny shall be made, in
which those two members who have gained the greater number of votes in the third
scrutiny
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shall have only a passive voice. If in this fourth scrutiny there should be equal
votes, the one who is senior by profession, or, in the case of equality of profession,
senior in age, shall be considered as elected and proclaimed as such. (Const. art.
145).
79. In electing the Prefect, Spiritual Director, Economer and Consultors, t he scrutinies
shall be by secret ballot and separate in each case, and these latter are also to be
elected by the absolute majority of votes. But after two ineffective scrutinies the
one who, in the third scrutiny, has obtained the relative majority of votes shall be
considered as elected and shall be proclaimed as such by the Superior General. If in
the third scrutiny there should also be equal votes, and if the one who presides does
not wish to remove this equality by using his casting vote, the one who is senior by
profession, or, in case of equality by profession, the one who is senior in age,
shall he considered as elected. (Const. art. 146: C.J.C. can. 10I. 1, 1).
80. At the completion of the election the Superior General shall make known to all the
members the names of those who have been elected and the duty which has been
assigned to each. (Const, art. 147).
CHAPTER VI
THE CLOSING OF THE GENERAL CHAPTER
81.At the final session of the General Chapter, all the deliberations adopted shall be read
out, but no discussion shall be permitted.
82. All those who have taken part in the Chapter shall affix their signature in order of
dignity.
A f t e r e a c h signature the office in the society held by each one shall be
indicated : Member of Superior Council, Procurator, Provincial, Delegate,
Rector etc.; and there will also be indicated, if this is the case, the particular
office held during the General Chapter: moderator, secretary, scrutineer.
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83.The secretaries shall hand over to the moderator the minutes of the General Chapter and
all the other acts of the same which are in their possession. The moderator in his turn
shall hand these over to the Superior General, who shall see to it that these are
carefully preserved in the archives of the Salesian society.
84. The one who presides shall conclude the session with the customary prayer. Then all
those taking part in the Chapter shall proceed to the chapel, where the thanksgiving
service shall be held with solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the singing
of the Te Deum and Eucharistic Benediction given by the Superior General.
85. After the closing of the General Chapter, the Superior General shall have the duty of
fulfilling all there is prescribed in article 124 of the Constitutions with regard to
seeking the approval of the Holy See for the modifications introduced into the
Constitutions.
He shall then make known to the whole society by means of a circular letter the
deliberations adopted for the necessary promulgation (Const. art 149) taking
care to present the doctrine which these presuppose and the criteria which have
inspired the same (art. 32 of the Regulations). A copy of the above mentioned circular
should be given to each member.
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MODIFICATIONS
to the
CONSTITUTIONS and REGULATIONS
of the Society
of
Saint Francis of Sales
NOTES :
1.Only those Articles of the Rule are mentioned which were either modified,
suppressed or substituted.
2. The Articles indicated by bis, ter, etc, are new Articles to be introduced:
they will have a definitive numbering in the new edition of the
Constitutions and Regulations.
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MODIFICATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTIONS
1 - DEFINITIVE SUBSTANTIAL MODIFICATIONS
OLD TEXT
Art. 83b.
NEW TEXT
[1] The Superior Council will
communicate
decisions to confreres
through "Acts of the Superior
Council" which is the official
organ of the congregation.
Art.91. The Provincial is assisted by [2]
four, or at least two Consultors, in
accordance with the needs of the
Province. These Consultors are
elected by the Superior General with
his chapter, after consulting the
Provincial, and remain In office for
three years, and may then be re-
elected, or, even during this
period of three years, be
designated for other duties.
The Provincial is assisted by six,
or at least four Consultors, in
accordance with the needs of the
Province. These Consultors are
elected by the Superior General
with his Council, after consulting
the Provincial and remain in office
for three years, and may then be re-
elected, or, even during this period of
three Years, be designated for other
duties.
Art. 92. All that precedes applies to [3]
the provincial economer, who shall
usually be chosen from among
the Consultors.
One of the Consultors is elected by the
Superior General with his Council, after
consulting the Provincial, to the office of
viceprovincial, and takes the place of
the Provincial in all that pertains to
the ordinary government of the
Province, when the
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Provincial is absent or impeded: he
also acts in his stead in those
matters specifically committed to him
. Another Consultor will be
nominated to the office of
provincial econorner in the same
manner
Art. 95. On the death of the [4]
Provincial the whole government of
the Province, until the Superior
General has provided otherwise,
is entrusted to the provincial
consultor who is senior in office, to
the senior by profession, or lastly to
the senior in age, but the provincial
economer shall be excluded in
each case.
On the death of the Provincial the
whole government of the Province,
until the Superior. General has provided
otherwise, is entrusted to the vice-
provincial.
Art. 111. The Chapter is composed of [5]
a prefect or economer, a catechist,
and consultors, who ought not, as a
rule, to be more t han t hr e e i n
n umbe r. The parish-priest, or
rector of the church. and the
one in charge of the festive
oratory may be members of the
chapter.
The Council is composed of the the
prefect or vice-rector, the parish
priest, the catechist, the president (
headmaster) and consultors, who
ought not, as a rule, to be more than
three in number. The Rector of the
festive oratory may also be a member
of the council
Art. 128. The General Chapter [6] The General Chapter comprises the
comprises the following members
following members with deliberative
with deliberative vote:
vote:
I. The Superior General and the
1. The Superior General and the
Superiors General emeriti;
Superiors General emeriti;
2. The Superior Chapter;
2. The Superior Council;
3. The Secretary of the same
3. The Secretary of the same
Chapter;
Council;
4. The Procurator General;
4. The Procurator General;
5. The Provincials:
5. The Provincials;
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6. The delegate of each Province,
duly elected by the provincial
chapter;
7. The Rector of the Salesian
mother house at Turin;
6. The delegate of each Province,
duly elected by the provincial
chapter;
7. The Rector of the Salesian
mother house at Turin;
8. The Rector Magnificus of the
Pontifical Salesian Athenaeum.
Art_ 135.At. least three days before the [7]
opening of the General Chapter,
the delegates of the various
Provinces shall hand to the
moderator the statement of the
provincial chapter regarding their
election, so that the commission
appointed by the Superior General
or, in the case of his death, by
the Prefect, may examine it.
Should the validity of the
election of anyone be called in
question, the moderator shall lay
the matter before the General
Chapter at the beginning of its
first session, so that the Chapter,
by the authority which it
possesses, may either discard
that election or rectify any defect
in it.
A t least three months before the opening
of the General Chapter, the Provincials
shall send to the moderator the
statement of the provincial chapter
regarding the election of the delegates,
so that the commission appointed by
the Superior General or, in the
case of his death, by the Prefect,
may examine it. The moderator,
should any defect be found, shall
provide for its timely correction by
those concerned, and if necessary,
for a further election. Should the
validity of the election of anyone be
called in question, the moderator shall
lay the matter before the General
Chapter at the beginning of its first
session, so that the chapter, by the
authority which it possesses, may
either discard that election or rectify
any defect in it.
Art. 137bis
[8] One of the acts of the General
Chapter is, according to the
Rule, the election of the members
of the Superior Council, which
should take place, saving what is laid
down in article 62, not earlier
than ten days nor later than
fifteen days from the opening of the
General Chapter.
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Art. 146. In electing the prefect, [9]
spiritual director and economer, the
scrutinies shall be by secret ballot
and separate in each case, and
these latter are also to be elected by
the absolute majority of votes. But
after two ineffective scrutinies the
one who, in the third scrutiny, has
obtained the relative majority of
votes shall be considered as
elected and shall be proclaimed as
such by the Superior General in the
manner indicated above. But if, In
the third scrutiny, the number of
votes be equal, the one who is
senior by first profession cor by
age) shall be considered as
elected. As to the Consultors, their
election ,shall bemade in such a way
that one ballot and one scrutiny
may suffice.
In electing the prefect, spiritual
director, economer and consultars, the
scrutinies shall be by secret ballot
and separate In each case, and
these latter are also to be elected by
the absolute majority of votes. But
after two ineffective scrutinies the one
who, in the third scrutiny, has
obtained the relative majority of votes
shall be considered as elected and
shall be proclaimed as such by the
Superior General in the manner
indicated above. But if, in the third
scrutiny, the number of votes be
equal, the one who is senior by first
profession, for by age) shall be
considered as elected.
Art_ 157. The exercise for a [10] (transferred to the Regulations)
happy death shall be made in
common, in accordance with the
following rules:
1. Besides the usual
meditation there shall be added
another for half-an-hour, or a
conference shall be given on
some moral subject:
2. Let each one, for the space of
half-an-hour at least, idlligently
consider what progress or
retrogression he has made in virtue
during the past month,
especially with regard to the
resolutions made in the retreat and
the observance of the Rule; firm
resolutions for a holier life shall
then be made:
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3. The sacramental confession on
that day must be more than
usually exact, as If it were
indeed made for the last time, and
Holy Communion should be
received as if by way of Viaticum;
4. Let those prayers be said
which are found in the manual of
piety, and all, or at least part of the
Constitutions of the society shall be
read on that day.
Art. 158. If anyone, by reason of
the duties of his office, cannot be
present at these exercises nor
perform all the works of piety
mentioned above, let him, with the
permission of the Rector, fulfil only
those which are cornpatible with
his duties, putting off all the others
to a more convenient day.
Art. 162. If the Rector or Provincial [11] If the Rector or Provincial should die
should die during his tenure of office,
during his tenure of office, or a member of
or a member of the Superior Chapter or
the Superior Council or its Secretary, or
its Secretary, or the Procurator General,
the Procurator General, or a Prefect or
or a Prefect or Vicar Apostolic, or the
Vicar Apostolic, or the Superior General, in
Superior General, in addition to the
addition tb the suffrages prescribed in Art.
suffrages prescribed in Art. 160, there
160, there shall also be a solemn requiem
shall also be a solemn requiem for the
Mass for the repose of his soul on the
repose of his soul. In the case of a Rector
month's mind, or at some other
this shall take place in the house he
opportune time. In the case of a Rector
directed; in the case of a
this shall take place in the house he
Provincial in all the houses of the
directed; in the case of a Provincial in all
Province; in that of a member of the
the houses of the Province; in that of a
Superior Chapter or its Secretary, or
member of the Superior Council or its
the Procurator General, in the principal
Secretary, or the Procurator
house of each Province; in
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that of a prefect or vicar apostolic,
in all the houses of the
prefecture or vicariate; and in that
of the Superior General, in all the
houses of the society. Whenever
the members are gathered together
for the spiritual exercises prescribed
by the Constitutions, let them assist
at one solemn requiem Mass for
deceased members, which the
Provincial shall arrange on a
suitable day.
General, in the principal house of
each Province; in that of a Prefect
or Vicar Apostolic, in all the houses
of the prefecture or vicariate; and
in that of the Superior General,
in all the houses of the society.
On the death of a Superior General
emeritus there shall be a requiem Mass
in each Provincial house on the
month's mind, similarly there shall be
a month's mind requiem Mass for each
deceased confrere in the house to
which he belonged; a Mass shall be
celebrated in every house each year
in suffrage for deceased benefactors.
Whenever the members are
gathered together for the spiritual
exercises prescribed by the
Constitutions, let them assist at one
solemn requiem Mass for deceased
members, which the Provincial shall
arrange on a suitable day.
Art. 178. In regard to coadjutors, it [12] (this article has been suppressed)
is required that they understand
at least the rudinients of faith,
can read and write, and are
able to fulfil someduty in the society.
Art. 181. If the novice obtains the [13] The Provincial, after hearing the
majority of votes in the chapter
opinion of the council of the house of
of the house, the Provincial, with
novitiate, with the consent of his
the consent of his council, can admit
council, can admit the novice to
him to profession. Otherwise, either
profession. Otherwise, either the
the novice should be dismissed or the
novice should be dismissed or the
novitiate pro-
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novitiate prolonged, but not
beyond the space of another six
months. The Provincial shah send
to the Superior Chapter the
minutes of the admission.
longed, but not beyond the space of
another six months. The Provincial
shall send to the Superior Council
the minutes of the admission.
II - MODIFICATIONS AD EXPERIMENTUM
Bearing in mind the increased number of confreres, the expansion of our work the
multiplication of our foundations, the need for effective government of the society in a
new era, and the necessity for close contact between the centre and the periphery, the
General Chapter proposes that by way of experiment the number of the Rector
Major's Consultors he increased, and the structure of his Council modified.
I, While the Rector Major continues to be responsible for the central and general
government of the congregation through superiors placed in charge of various sectors, the
General Chapter proposes that:
a) the Superior Council comprise a Prefect or Vicar Genera!, a Spiritual Director, an
Economer and nine Consultors;
h) the Vicar General, Spiritual Director and Economer fulfil their function as
determined by articles 70-77 of the Constitutions, the Vicar General being also
responsible for the care of the missions, and the Spiritual Director for that of vocations
and aspirants;
e) three Consultors be respectively responsible for the following sectors of our
activity:
i Formation of all Salesian personnel both clerical and lay; ii Pastoral care
of youth and parishes.
the apostolate for adults, co-operators, past pupils, information and the press.
d1 these three Consultors, together with the Vicar General, Spiritual Director
and Economer ordinarily have their abode at Headquarters with the Rector Major, to
study and resolve general problems of government.
2. The General Chapter proposes that the other six Consultors, who are also full
members of the Superior Council established where the Rector Major resides,
receive from him the presidency over
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groups of Provinces, as regional delegates linking the centre with the periphery and
co-ordinating the Provinces of each group.
3. These modifications ad experimentum entail:
a) the lapsing of the prescriptions of articles 78 and 79 of the Constitutions
regarding the duties of the Consultor for schools and the Consultor for technical
schools, these duties devolving on the Consultors for the formation of personnel and
for youth work;
b) the modification of articles 50 66, 80 as far as the number of Consultors is
concerned, an increase from five to nine;
cl the modification of articles 70 and 71 regarding the duties of the Vicar
General and of the Spiritual Director.
Ill EMENDATIONS OR JURIDICAL AGGIORNAMENTO
Art. 14. Fraternal union should be [1]
maintained by reading in common
the `Salesian Bulletin’, and by
avoiding all questions concerning
politics, and disputes concerning
nationality, particularly among
members from different countries. For
this purpose it will be of great
assistance to put due limits to the
reading of newspapers. What papers
may be read, and who may read them,
shall be decided by the Provincial.
Fraternal union should be maintained
by reading in common the `Salesian
Bulletin’, and by avoiding all
questions concerning politics, and
disputes concerning nationality,
particularly among members from
different countries. The reading of
newspapers, and the use of the means of
social communication shall be
controlled by the directives of the
Provinc ia l.
Art. 25. The professed members of the [2]
society retain the ownership of their
goods and the right to acquire other
goods, which may come to them
by lawful title. Before taking the
first vows, they must cede, for
the whole period of their profession. the
administration of the abovementioned
goods to whomsoever
The professed members of the society
retain the ownership of their goods
and the right to acquire other goods,
which may come to them by lawful
title. Before taking the first vows, they
must cede, for the whole period of their
profession, the administration of the
above-mentioned goods to whomsoever
they
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they choose, and freely dispose of
the use and usufruct of the same.
The professed, however, may alter
this cession and disposal, not of
their own accord, b ut w ith the
c onsent of t he Superior General:
provided that such change, at least
regarding a considerable part of the
goods, be not in favour of the society.
All the foregoing must likewise be
observed, notwithstanding the
profession, in regard to those goods
which come to the member after he
has taken his vows.
choose, and freely dispose of the use and
usufruct of the same. The professed,
however, may alter this cession and
disposal, not of their own accord,
but with the consent of the Superior
General; provided that such change, at
least regarding a considerable part
of the goods, be not in favour of the
society, in which case it is necessary to
have recourse to the Holy See. All the
foregoing must likewise be observed,
notwithstanding the profession, in regard
to those goods which come to the
member after he has taken his vows.
Art. M. Every novice, before [3]
taking his first vows shall, with all
liberty, make his will, regarding those
goods which he already possesses or
which may perchance in future
come into his possession. This will
the professed cannot alter, except
with the permission of the Holy See, or,
if the matter be urgent, and time does
not allow of recourse to the Holy See,
with permission of the Provincial, or even
of the Rector, if recourse cannot be had to
the Provincial.
Every novice, before taking his first
vows shall, with all liberty, make his
will, regarding those goods which he
already possesses or which may
perchance in future come into his
possession. The will shall also be made
before the first profession in those
particular cases where there is the
defect of age: the age required by law
having been reached, and before the
perpetual profession, this shall be
convalidated according to the appropriate
prescriptions of the civil law. This will the
professed cannot alter, except with the
permission of the Superior General, or,
with his delegation, of the Provincial; if the
matter be urgent, and time does not
allow of recourse to those cited above
the premi ssion of the Rector is
required.
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Art. 98. The following take part in the [4]
provincial chapter, with an active
voice in it:
1. The Provincial, who also
presides:
2. The Provincial Consultors:
3. The Rector of each regular
house, that is to say, of each
house which has at least six professed
members;
4. A delegate from each of the regular
houses, elected from among the
perpetually professed.
The following take part in the
provincial chapter, with an active voice in
it:
1. The Provincial, who also presides:
2. The Provincial Consultors:
3. The Rector of each house that has
at least six members.
4. The delegates of these houses,
elected from among the perpetually
professed.
5. The master of novices
Art. 101. As for non-regular houses, [5]
those, namely, which have less than
six professed members, if distance
allows, the Provincial shall arrange
that they meet together under the
presidency of that Rector who is senior
by perpetual profession, so as to
form the number of at least six
professed members. These, thus called
together, shall elect, in accordance
with the preceding articl e, first of all
one of the Rectors of the non-regular
houses in question, then a delegate
who shall accompany him to the
provincial chapter, and last of all the
substitute. If, however, by reason of
distance, the members of a non-
regular house cannot join with those
of another non-regular house; the
Rector and members of such a
house, with the consent of the
Provincial, shall betake themselves
to the nearest regular
As for houses having less than six
professed members, if distance allows,
the Provincial shall arrange that they
meet together, under the presidency
of that Rector who is senior by
first profession, so as to form the
number of at least six , These, thus
called together, shall elect, in
accordance with the preceding article,
first of all one of the Rectors of the
houses in question, then a delegate
who shall accompany him to the
provincial chapter, and last of all the
substitute. If, however, by reason of
distance, the members of a house
which has less than six members,
cannot join with those of another house
in the same position, the Rector and
members of such a house, with the
consent of the Provincial shall
betake themselves to the nearest
house, and together with the members of
the latter, with
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house, and together with members of
the latter, with equal rights,
active and passive, shall proceed to
the elections of the delegate and
the substitute, as laid down above.
equal rights, active and passive, shall
proceed to the election of the delegate
and his substitute, as laid down above.
Art. 102. Voting by letter is only [6]
allowed in the following instances:
1. When the members of two or
more non-regular houses cannot, on
account of distance or any other
serious reason, meet together to
elect the Rector and the delegate for
the provincial chapter;
2. When the members of a non-
regular house, for the reasons stated
above, cannot attend a regular house to
take part in the election of the
delegate;
3. When for the same reasons the
Rector and delegate of a house
are unable to attend the provincial
chapter for the election of the
delegate of the Province. In all these
cases the Provincial, in accordance
with the Regulations, shall take
measures that secrecy and
regularity be ensured.
Voting by letter is only allowed in the
following instances:
1. When the members of two or more
houses not having at least six
professed members cannot, on account
of distance or for other serious
reasons, meet together to elect the
Rector and the delegate for the
provincial chapter;
2. When the members of such houses,
for the reasons stated above, cannot
attend the nearest house to take part in
the election of the delegate;
3. When for the same reasons the
Rector and delegate of a house are
unable to attend the provincial chapter
for the election of the delegate of the
Province. In all these cases the
Provincial, in accordance with the
Regulations, shall take measures that
secrecy and regularity be ensured.
Art. 116. The prefect takes the place [7]
of the Rector, and hi s principal
duty shall be to administer temporal
affairs, take charge of domestics, watch
diligently over the discipline of the
pupils in accordance with the rules
of each house, and with the
consent of the Rector. He must be
prepared to give an account of his
management. to
The Prefect takes the place of the
Rector. His principal duty is to help
the Rector in upholding religious
discipline, to administer temporal affairs,
to take charge of non-Salesian
personnel, to watch diligently over the
general discipline of the pupils in
accordance with the rules of each
house and with the consent of the
Rector. He must be
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the Rector, as often as he is
asked by him to do so.
prepared to give an account of his
management to the Rector as often as
he is asked by him to do so.
IV - PURELY FORMAL EMENDATIONS
Art. 9. The members shall heartily [1]
support the pious confraternities
existing in places where our houses
are opened. Besides these, they
shall promote the Archconfraternity
of Mary Help of Christians, the
pious association of Salesian
cooperators, and that of the past
pupils.
The members shall heartily support the
pious confraternities existing in
places where our houses are opened.
Besides these, they shall promote the
Pious Union of Salesian cooperators,
and of the Clients of Mary Help of
Christians, and the Association of
Salesian past pupils.
Art. 16. Without serious reasons. [2]
recognized as such by the Provincial,
no externs, whether priests or
laymen, shall be admitted to live with
the community.
Without serious reasons recognized as
such by the Provincial, no externs,
whether ecclesiastics or laymen, shall
be admitted to live with the
community.
Art. 28. The professed members should [3]
not be prevented from performing,
with permission of the Superior
General, or of the Provincial, those
acts in regard to property which the
laws prescribe.
The professed members should not be
prevented from performing, with
permission of the Superior General,
or of the Provincial, those acts in
regard to property which the civil laws
prescribe.
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Art 50. In its internal government [4]
the supreme authority over the
whole society is, under ordinary
circumstances, vested in the
Superior General and his Council,
which is called the Superior Chapter
and consists of a Prefect, Spiritual
Director, Economer and five
Consultors: but in extraordinary
circumstances this authority is
vested in the General Chapter.
In its internal government the supreme
authority over the whole society is, under
ordinary circumstances, vested in the
Superior General assisted by his
Council, which is called the
Superior Council, and consists of a Prefect,
Spiritual Director Economer and nine
Consultors; but in extraordinary
circumstances this authority is
vested in the General Chapter.
Art. 55. The Superior General is the [5]
head of the whole society. He can
fix his abode in any house of the
society whatsoever, and his authority
extends over all Provinces, houses and
members, in matters both spiritual
and temporal.
The Superior General Is the head
of the whole society. He can fix his
abode in any house of the society
whatsoever, and his ordinary
jurisdiction extends over all Provinces,
houses and members, in matters both
spiritual and temporal.
Art. 113. It is the duty of the [6]
Rector to rule the house in all
matters, spiritual, scholastic and
material; but in those things
which are of greater importance, it
will be wiser for him to call
together his chapter, and not come to
any decision unless he has Its consent
lt is the duty of the Rector to rule
the house in all matters, spiritual,
scholastic and material: but in those
things which are of greater
importance let him call together
his council, and not come to any
decision unless he has its consent.
Art. 121. The Superior General may [7]
visit each and every house, either in
person or by a delegate, as often as
special reasons counsel it, and
whenever it seems necessary or
desirable to him to acquire further
information concerning the same.
The Superior General may visit each and
every house, either in person or by
sending visitors, as often as special
reasons counsel it, and whenever it seems
necessary or desirable to him to
acquire further information concerning
the same
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Art. 122. To the General Chapter it [8]
belongs to elect the Superior General
and those who form the Superior
Chapter, to treat of matters of greater
moment which concern the society, and
to make those arrangements which
the needs of the times and places
require.
The General C h a p t e r i s t h e
legislative body of the society; to it
belongs to elect the Superior General
and those who form the Superior
Council, to treat of matters of greater
moment which concern the society, and
to make those arrangements which
the needs of the times and places
require.
Art 171. As a general rule it is [9]
considered sufficient for the first
probation, when the aspirant has
passed some length of timein one of our
houses, or has freque nt ed t he
sc ho ol s o f th e society, and during
that period has distinguished himself by
good conduct and ability.
As a general rule it is considered
sufficient for the first probation when
the candidate has passed some length
of time in one of our houses, or has
frequented the schools of the society,
and during that period has
distinguished himself by good
conduct and ability.
Art. 173. During the period of the [10] During the period of the first
first probation the local
probation the local superiors shall
superiors shall carefully observe
carefully observe whether the
whether the aspirant is suitable for
candidate is suitable for our society,
our society, and they shall refer
and they shall refer and make known
and make known to the Provincial
to the Provincial whatever they judge
whatever they judge best in the Lord.
best in the Lord.
Art. 174. The novitiate begins when [11] The novitiate begins when the
the aspirant has been admitted by
candidate admitted by the Provincial
the Provincial with the approbation
with the approbation of his council,
or consent of his Council, enters the
enters the house of novitiate and is
house of novitiate and is placed
placed under the jurisdiction of the
under the jurisdiction of the master of
master of novices.
novices.
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Art. 179. The Provincial can admit [12] The Provincial can admit to the novitiate
to the novitiate any postulant who
any candidate who has obtained the
has obtained the majority of votes
majority of votes in the provincial
in the provincial council. The minutes
council. The minutes of the admission
of the admission are to be forwarded to
are to be forwarded to the Superior
the Superior Chapter
Council.
[13]
Replacement of the expression `Superior Chapter, with that of 'Superior Council'.
This change will necessitate corrections in the following articles: 50, 52, 56, 62,
64, 66, 67, 69, 76, 78, 79, 81, 82, 84, 85, 90, 9] 104, 107, 108, 109, 122. 128, 129, 134,
144, 162, 179, 181, 190, 192.
[14]
Replacement of the expression 'house chapter' with that of `house council'.
This change will necessitate corrections in the following articles : 87,
110, 111, 112, 113, 180, 181, 185.
V --- NOTE
Above you will find the text of the variations to the Constitutions proposed by the
General Chapter and approved by the Sacred Congregation of Religious in the Rescript N.
13016165, dated January 7th, 1966. This will he substituted for the original text in
the next edition of the Constitutions.
There follow the proposals which were not approved.
Art. 27. The following addition was proposed : "The Rector Major with the
consent of his Council has the faculty (with power to delegate it to Provincials and
their respective Councils) of giving to perpetually professed members the permission to
renounce ownership of their own goods by deed of gift inter vivos, for any just cause.
and within the hounds of prudence."
This adjunct was not approved, because the Rector Major does not enjoy this power
by common law, but in virtue of a faculty which could be either restricted or abrogated.
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Art. 190. New wording proposed: "The Rector Major, with the consent of his
Council and with the previous permission of the Holy See can erect Houses of
Novitiate. Ile may also transfer Houses of Novitiate already erected to other
houses in the Society, advising however, the ordinary of the place."
This new wording was not approved for the same reason given for Art, 27. Therefore
the original wording remains in force.
Art. 172. The General Chapter had caused the following words to he omitted from
this Article : "Whosoever is admitted as a coadjutor should always make an
aspirantship of six entire months, and the Provincial may prolong this time,
but not beyond another six months.
This omission was not approved because Can. 539. paragraph 1, applies to our
Coadjutors also.
Art, 174. (See above page 234). The change of the word 'aspirant'
to'candidate' proposed by the General Chapter was approved; but the
words... or the confirmation (of his Council) were deleted as found in the original text
because they prejudice the interpretation of Art. 179. It there ore follows that the
Provincial must obtain the majority of votes of his Council before admitting a candidate
to the Novitiate. It is not sufficient that he obtain the subsequent confirmation of his
Council having already admitted the candidate.
Art. 198. "Priests and clerics shall wear the clerical habit, unless a just motive
recognized as such by their Provincial requiries otherwise."
Art. 199. "The Coadjuors shall wear clothes of a serious cut and dark colour, fitting
their character as religious."
This new wording for the two articles was not accepted. Therefore Arts. 198 and
199 remain in force as before, The reason for the non-acceptance was that the matter is
sub judice for a general ruling based on the deliberations and observations of the
Council.
In addition to these substantial changes affecting the proposals of the General
Chapter, there are other slight modifications which are not worth listing (the most
important is that of Art. 50: "The Rector Major assisted by his Council" instead of
"Rector Major with his Council".