Statutes of Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic
The Dominican Laity originated in its present form with the promulgation of the first Rule under Munio de Zamora, Master of the Order, in 1285. The spiritual origin of the Laity was in the penitential movements centred around St Dominic, who gathered around himself groups of the laity for the spiritual and material defence of the Church and for apostolic work. The Laity has existed, under various names, as long as the Dominican Order itself and has always performed specific functions and collaborated closely with the other branches of the Dominican Family.
There have been five Rules of the Dominican Laity since the foundation of the Order. The First was that promulgated by Munio de Zamora in 1285, for the "Brothers and Sisters of Penance of St Dominic". The Rule of Munio, slightly amended, received Papal approval in 1405. This Rule survived for centuries, serving the laity and being adopted for other branches of the Dominican Family. The Second Rule, adapted to the new Code of Canon Law in 1917, was approved in 1923 under Master Louis Theissling, with the title: "Rule of the Secular Third Order of St. Dominic". After Vatican II, the need was felt for a new Rule or an updating of the 1923 Rule; accordingly, the Third Rule was approved in 1964. However, the General Chapter of River Forest in 1968 proposed a Fourth Rule, which was promulgated by Master Aniceto Fernandez in 1969 and approved on an experimental basis by the Sacred Congregation for Religious in 1972 under the title: "Rule of the Lay Fraternities of St Dominic". |
With this title, reference to "Third Order" had disappeared, to be confirmed by legislation of the 1974 General Chapter abolishing such terms as First, Second or Third Order.
Finally, after the promulgation of the new Code of Canon Law in 1983 and the "Bologna Document" on the Dominican Family in 1983, the General Chapter of Rome in 1983 commissioned the Master of the Order to hold an International Congress of the Dominican Laity in order to renew and adapt its Rule. The Congress was held in Montreal, Canada, in 1985 and a new Rule was prepared. This, the Fifth Rule, the "Statutes of Fraternities of Lay Dominicans", was approved by the Sacred Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes in January 1987 and promulgated by Master Damian Byrne on 28 January 1987. The Dominican Laity is governed by these "Statutes of Fraternities of Lay Dominicans", by the General Declarations of the Master of the Order and General Chapters and by Provincial or national Directories, covering questions of local organisation and practice, as provided for in the Rule and the General Declarations. These Directories are prepared by the Laity in the local area and are submitted for approval to the pertinent authority (LCO 149). (Source: Official Website of the Order)
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I. Fundamental constitution of lay dominicans
(Laity in the Church)
(1) Among the disciples of Christ, there are men and women who live in the world, participating actively through Baptism and Confirmation in the Royal, Priestly, and Prophetic Mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and have as their vocation to shine forth the presence of Christ in the heart of humanity in such a way that through the “the divine message of salvation be known and accepted by all men.” (Apost. Act. 4,3).
(Dominican Laity)
(2) Some among them, moved by the Holy Spirit to live according to the spirit and charism of St. Dominic, are incorporated into the Dominican Order through a special commitment in accordance with their own statutes.
(Dominican Family)
(3) These seculars form communities and constitute one Dominican Family with other groups of the Order. (LCO. 141).
(Prayer, Study and Preaching)
(4) They are characterized by a particular spirituality and by dedication to the service of God and neighbor in the Church and, in as much as they are members of the Order, they participate in its apostolic mission through prayer, study and preaching in accordance with the state of the laity.
(Conscious of the Church of their time)
(5) Supported by fraternal communion and the example of St. Dominic, St. Catherine and others who have influenced us and continue to influence us in the life of the Order and of the Church they give testimony to their faith, conscious of the church of their tie and in this way they are of service to Truth.
(To remedy suffering with mercy)
(6) Taking into account the principal objectives of the contemporary apostolate of the Church they are dedicated in a special way, with authentic mercy, to remedying the different forms of suffering, to the defense of freedom, to justice and peace.
(From the abundance of contemplation)
(7) Animated by the particular charism of the Order they know that their apostolic mission springs from the abundance of contemplation.
(1) Among the disciples of Christ, there are men and women who live in the world, participating actively through Baptism and Confirmation in the Royal, Priestly, and Prophetic Mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and have as their vocation to shine forth the presence of Christ in the heart of humanity in such a way that through the “the divine message of salvation be known and accepted by all men.” (Apost. Act. 4,3).
(Dominican Laity)
(2) Some among them, moved by the Holy Spirit to live according to the spirit and charism of St. Dominic, are incorporated into the Dominican Order through a special commitment in accordance with their own statutes.
(Dominican Family)
(3) These seculars form communities and constitute one Dominican Family with other groups of the Order. (LCO. 141).
(Prayer, Study and Preaching)
(4) They are characterized by a particular spirituality and by dedication to the service of God and neighbor in the Church and, in as much as they are members of the Order, they participate in its apostolic mission through prayer, study and preaching in accordance with the state of the laity.
(Conscious of the Church of their time)
(5) Supported by fraternal communion and the example of St. Dominic, St. Catherine and others who have influenced us and continue to influence us in the life of the Order and of the Church they give testimony to their faith, conscious of the church of their tie and in this way they are of service to Truth.
(To remedy suffering with mercy)
(6) Taking into account the principal objectives of the contemporary apostolate of the Church they are dedicated in a special way, with authentic mercy, to remedying the different forms of suffering, to the defense of freedom, to justice and peace.
(From the abundance of contemplation)
(7) Animated by the particular charism of the Order they know that their apostolic mission springs from the abundance of contemplation.
II. Life of the fraternities
(Acts of Mercy)
(8) They have to make an effort to live an authentic fraternal communion according to the spirit of the Beatitudes which will always be manifested in acts of mercy and participation in good works among members of the fraternities, above all, with the poor and infirm and through prayer for the dead in such a way that all be of one heart and one soul.
(Cooperate with other groups)
(9) The members of the fraternities collaborating with all their heart in the apostolate of the brothers and sisters of the Order will participate actively in the life of the Church being always available to cooperate with other apostolic groups.
(Sources of growth in vocation)
(10) To progress in the fulfillment of their inseparably contemplative and apostolic vocation, the laity of St. Dominic have recourse principally to the following sources:
(Formation)
(11) Its object is to form adults in the Faith who are capable of receiving, celebrating and proclaiming the Word of God. With this end in view each province will establish a programme:
(Preaching especially thru the defense of human dignity)
(12) A Dominican must prepare himself or herself to preach the Word of God. This preaching is the exercise of the prophetic function of the baptized and strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the present world the preaching of the word of God implies especially the defense of human dignity. Promotion of the unity of the Christians and dialogue with non-Christians and non-believers are part of the Dominican vocation.
(Sources of Dominican formation)
(13) The principal sources of Dominican formation are:
(Profession or Commitment)
(14) In order to be incorporated into the Order, the laity must make profession or commitment, which consists of the formal promise to live according to the spirit of St Dominic and in accordance with the way of life indicated in their Statutes.
This profession or commitment can be temporal or perpetual.
It will be made through this formula or another that is substantially the same:
“In honor of God all powerful, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of St. Dominic, I, __________________, before you President of the fraternity and to you __________________ religious promoter of the fraternity representing the Master of the Order of Preachers, I promise to live according to the Statutes of the Laity of St. Dominic for _____ year(s) / my whole life.”
(8) They have to make an effort to live an authentic fraternal communion according to the spirit of the Beatitudes which will always be manifested in acts of mercy and participation in good works among members of the fraternities, above all, with the poor and infirm and through prayer for the dead in such a way that all be of one heart and one soul.
(Cooperate with other groups)
(9) The members of the fraternities collaborating with all their heart in the apostolate of the brothers and sisters of the Order will participate actively in the life of the Church being always available to cooperate with other apostolic groups.
(Sources of growth in vocation)
(10) To progress in the fulfillment of their inseparably contemplative and apostolic vocation, the laity of St. Dominic have recourse principally to the following sources:
- listening to the word of God and the reading of the Scriptures, especially the New Testament;
- active participation in the celebration of the liturgy and in the daily Eucharist if possible;
- have frequent recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation;
- conversion of heart through the spirit and practice of evangelical penance;
- liturgical prayer in union with all the Dominican Family, also private prayer, meditation and rosary;
- assiduous study of revealed truth and constant reflection, in the light of faith, on contemporary problems;
- devotion to the Virgin Mary, in accordance with the tradition of the Order, like that of our Father St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena;
- periodical meetings on spirituality.
(Formation)
(11) Its object is to form adults in the Faith who are capable of receiving, celebrating and proclaiming the Word of God. With this end in view each province will establish a programme:
- for formation in stages for new members;
- for permanent formation of its members, including those who find themselves isolated.
(Preaching especially thru the defense of human dignity)
(12) A Dominican must prepare himself or herself to preach the Word of God. This preaching is the exercise of the prophetic function of the baptized and strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the present world the preaching of the word of God implies especially the defense of human dignity. Promotion of the unity of the Christians and dialogue with non-Christians and non-believers are part of the Dominican vocation.
(Sources of Dominican formation)
(13) The principal sources of Dominican formation are:
- the Word of God and theological reflection,
- Liturgical prayer,
- the history and tradition of the Order,
- contemporary documents to the Church and of the Order,
- study of the signs of the times.
(Profession or Commitment)
(14) In order to be incorporated into the Order, the laity must make profession or commitment, which consists of the formal promise to live according to the spirit of St Dominic and in accordance with the way of life indicated in their Statutes.
This profession or commitment can be temporal or perpetual.
It will be made through this formula or another that is substantially the same:
“In honor of God all powerful, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of St. Dominic, I, __________________, before you President of the fraternity and to you __________________ religious promoter of the fraternity representing the Master of the Order of Preachers, I promise to live according to the Statutes of the Laity of St. Dominic for _____ year(s) / my whole life.”
iii. structure and government
(15) The fraternity is the special source through which the commitment of each one is nourished and sustained in his/her vocation. The rhythm of meetings will vary according to the fraternities. Assiduous participation at these meetings gives testimony of the fidelity of each one.
(16) The admission of new members will be in accordance with the guidelines established in the Directory where conditions and stages of admission are explained. The Lay person responsible for Fraternities, after the decisive vote of the Council, proceeds with the religious promoter to receive the candidate in accordance with the way prescribed by the Directory.
(17) After a time of experience and of testing demanded by the Directory and with the vote of the Council of the fraternity, the person responsible will receive with the religious promoter the temporal or perpetual profession of the candidate.
(Jurisdiction of the Order and autonomy of the fraternities)
(18) The fraternities are under the jurisdiction of the Order; nevertheless they enjoy the special autonomy of seculars, governing themselves.
(Universal level of the Order)
(19) (a) The Master of the Order as successor of St. Dominic and head of the Dominican Family presides over all the fraternities throughout the world. It is his task to maintain intact the Dominican spirit, to establish practical rules according to the demands of the circumstances of time and place, and to promote the spiritual good and apostolic zeal of the members.
(b) The Promoter General represents the Master of the Order in all fraternities and transmits to the Master of the Order and to the General Chapter the proposals that the fraternities themselves present.
(Provincial Level)
(20) (a) The Prior Provincial presides over the fraternities within the territorial limits of the province and with the consent of the Ordinary of the place, he erects new fraternities.
(b) The Provincial Promoter, brother or sister, represents the Prior Provincial and is an ex officio member of the Provincial Council of the Laity. He is appointed by the Provincial Chapter or by the Prior Provincial with his Council, having listened to the Provincial Council of the Laity.
(c) A Provincial Council of Lay Dominicans is to be established within the territory of the Province, whose members are elected by the fraternities and who function according to the norms of their particular Directory. This council will elect the Provincial President of the Laity.
(Local Fraternity Level)
(21) (a) The local fraternity is governed by the president with his council; these are fully responsible for the government and administration of the fraternity.
(b) The Council of the Fraternity is elected in accordance with common law and for the determined time in the particular directory. The Council will elect the president from among its members.
(c) The religious promoter (brother or sister) must give doctrinal and spiritual assistance. He is appointed by the Prior Provincial after listening to the Provincial Promoter and the local council of the laity.
(National and International Council)
(22) (a) When there are different provinces in the territory of the same country a national council can be established, according to the norms established in the particular Directory.
(b) In the same way, an international council, if it is deemed useful, after consulting with the entire Dominican Laity may be set up.
(23) The councilors of fraternities can send petitions and suggestions to the Provincial Chapter of the Friars; the provincial and national councils of the laity can present them to the General Chapter.
It is recommended that Lay representative be invited to and welcomed at the above Chapter to deal with matters pertaining to them.
(Statutes of the Fraternities)
(24) The Laws by which the Dominican Laity are governed are as follows:
(16) The admission of new members will be in accordance with the guidelines established in the Directory where conditions and stages of admission are explained. The Lay person responsible for Fraternities, after the decisive vote of the Council, proceeds with the religious promoter to receive the candidate in accordance with the way prescribed by the Directory.
(17) After a time of experience and of testing demanded by the Directory and with the vote of the Council of the fraternity, the person responsible will receive with the religious promoter the temporal or perpetual profession of the candidate.
(Jurisdiction of the Order and autonomy of the fraternities)
(18) The fraternities are under the jurisdiction of the Order; nevertheless they enjoy the special autonomy of seculars, governing themselves.
(Universal level of the Order)
(19) (a) The Master of the Order as successor of St. Dominic and head of the Dominican Family presides over all the fraternities throughout the world. It is his task to maintain intact the Dominican spirit, to establish practical rules according to the demands of the circumstances of time and place, and to promote the spiritual good and apostolic zeal of the members.
(b) The Promoter General represents the Master of the Order in all fraternities and transmits to the Master of the Order and to the General Chapter the proposals that the fraternities themselves present.
(Provincial Level)
(20) (a) The Prior Provincial presides over the fraternities within the territorial limits of the province and with the consent of the Ordinary of the place, he erects new fraternities.
(b) The Provincial Promoter, brother or sister, represents the Prior Provincial and is an ex officio member of the Provincial Council of the Laity. He is appointed by the Provincial Chapter or by the Prior Provincial with his Council, having listened to the Provincial Council of the Laity.
(c) A Provincial Council of Lay Dominicans is to be established within the territory of the Province, whose members are elected by the fraternities and who function according to the norms of their particular Directory. This council will elect the Provincial President of the Laity.
(Local Fraternity Level)
(21) (a) The local fraternity is governed by the president with his council; these are fully responsible for the government and administration of the fraternity.
(b) The Council of the Fraternity is elected in accordance with common law and for the determined time in the particular directory. The Council will elect the president from among its members.
(c) The religious promoter (brother or sister) must give doctrinal and spiritual assistance. He is appointed by the Prior Provincial after listening to the Provincial Promoter and the local council of the laity.
(National and International Council)
(22) (a) When there are different provinces in the territory of the same country a national council can be established, according to the norms established in the particular Directory.
(b) In the same way, an international council, if it is deemed useful, after consulting with the entire Dominican Laity may be set up.
(23) The councilors of fraternities can send petitions and suggestions to the Provincial Chapter of the Friars; the provincial and national councils of the laity can present them to the General Chapter.
It is recommended that Lay representative be invited to and welcomed at the above Chapter to deal with matters pertaining to them.
(Statutes of the Fraternities)
(24) The Laws by which the Dominican Laity are governed are as follows:
- The fundamental Rule of the Laity (Fundamental Constitution, norms of life and government of the fraternities):
- The general declarations of the Master of the Order and General Chapters;
- Special Directories.