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CONSTITUTIONS

OF THE MONKS

Statutes modifed, added or suppressedby the General Chapters o 2005

Monks Nuns

ST 13.3.A

34.1.C

34.1.D

ST 39.3.74.2.A

79.A.a' !9.".a#80.B. $0..%80.B.! $0..d80.B.! "#s $0..d bis81.B. $&.84.1.C.$

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Preface

1The holy abbots Robert of Molesme, Alberic and Stephen Harding gave the Benedictine tradition a particularform when in 1!" they built the #ew Monastery of $%teau&, the Mother of us all, and founded the$istercian 'rder( About 11)*, Saint Stephen established the nuns+ monastery of Tart, as $%teau&+s owndaughter-house, entrusted to the pastoral care of the abbot of this monastery( The .&ordium /arvum andThe $harter of $harity e&press the vocation and mission that the founders received from 0od which the

$hurch has authoritatively approved both in their times and in ours( nder the influence of Saint Bernard of$lairvau& and others the ideal of this reform spread and monasteries of mon2s and nuns following the$istercian way of life multiplied even beyond western .urope( 3rom the very beginning the 'rder receivedlay brothers and lay sisters( A substantial spiritual heritage was engendered through the lives and labours ofinnumerable brothers and sisters that found e&pression in writing, chant, architecture and crafts, and in thes2ilful management of their lands(

2Mon2s and nuns of the 'rder ac2nowledge their indebtedness to the movement that is called the Strict'bservance, which strongly defended certain aspects of the $istercian patrimony in troubled times and,through the labours of Abbot de Ranc4 and the initiatives of 5om Augustine de 6estrange, made it possiblefor these values to be handed on to succeeding generations( 7n 1"!), the three congregations that arosefrom la 8alsainte formed a union that became an autonomous order, the 'rder of Reformed $istercians of'ur 6ady of 6a Trappe, now named the $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance(

3The desire for an authentic monastic life acting in different ways through the centuries continues to inspirethe mon2s and nuns of the 'rder to wor2 hard to renew their way of life( 7n obedience to the principles ofthe Second 8atican $ouncil they strive to come to a deeper understanding of their origins and at the sametime show themselves docile to 0od+s action in the present( 7n 1!9! the 0eneral $hapter, by its 5eclarationon $istercian 6ife and Statute on nity and /luralism, reaffirmed the 'rder+s commitment to the Rule ofSaint Benedict as its traditional interpretation of the 0ospeland gave guidelines for the faithful observanceof this Rule in the changed conditions of the world( 7n these documents the 0eneral $hapter made adistinction between the orientation and fundamental observances of the Rule, which constitute the$istercian way of life, and those details that can be modified according to local circumstances(

4This collection of $onstitutions and Statutes is the fruit of the e&perience of those years of renewal( 7t is tobe hoped that they will be an effective means of helping the 'rder to embody the spirit of the Second8atican $ouncil and show itself ever more able to carry out its particular function in the $hurch and in theworld(

Part One

CISTERCIAN PATRIMONY

C. 1 The Tradition of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Obserance

The $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance has its origin in that monastic tradition of evangelical life thatfound e&pression in the Rule for Monasteries of Saint Benedict of #ursia( The founders of $%teau& gave thistradition a particular form and the monasteries of the Strict 'bservance strongly defended certain of itsprinciples( 7n 1"!) the three congregations of the Strict 'bservance combined to form a single order, nowcalled the $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance(

C. 2 The Nat!re and P!r"ose of the Order

This 'rder is a monastic institute wholly ordered to contemplation( The mon2s dedicate themselves to the

worship of 0od in a hidden life within the monastery under the Rule of St Benedict( They lead a monasticway of life in solitude and silence, in assiduous prayer and :oyful penitence as defined in these$onstitutions, thus rendering to the divine ma:esty a service that is at once humble and noble(

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C. 3 The S"irit of the Order

1The $istercian way of life is cenobitic( $istercian mon2s see2 0od and follow $hrist under a rule and anabbot in a stable community that is a school of brotherly love( Since all the brothers are of one heart andone mind, they have everything in common( By bearing one another+s burdens they fulfil $hrist+s law,participating in his sufferings in the hope of entering the 2ingdom of heaven(

2The monastery is a school of the 6ord+s service where $hrist is formed in the hearts of the brothers throughthe liturgy, the abbot+s teaching and the fraternal way of life( Through 0od+s ;ord the mon2s are trained ina discipline of heart and action to be responsive to the Holy Spirit and so attain purity of heart and acontinual mindfulness of 0od+s presence(

3The mon2s follow in the footsteps of those whom, in times past, 0od called into the desert to engage inspiritual warfare( As citi

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2The brothers are to bear their infirmities with great patience and to serve one another humbly(They are tosupport by prayer and by other appropriate means those who are wea2, troubled or unwell( The sic2, theaged and the dying are to be surrounded with a care that is attentive and affectionate(

ST 13.2.AThe abbot is to be very careful that the sic& and the aged are loo&ed after with diligence andlove, as if it were !hrist himself. #f "ossible the brothers will assemble for the anointing of thesic&.

3A mon2 is not allowed to leave the monastery without the permission of the abbot( ;hen there is =uestionof a prolonged absence, the abbot, with the consent of his council and for a :ust cause, can permit a mon2to live outside the monastery, but not for longer than a year, e&cept for the treatment of illness, for studyor, in e&traordinary cases, to lead an eremitical life(

ST 13.3.AThe abbot having listened to his council, may "ermit a brother to lead an eremitical life. Thehermit remains under the authority of the abbot. #f he lives off the "ro"erty, the consent of thecouncil is necessary and, if he is a cleric, that of the bisho" where he resides, is also necessary.(G.C. O5 !ote 1"#$

C. 14 %nit- and P+!rifor,it- of the Co,,!nit-

1The community forms a single body in $hrist( .ach brother is to contribute to the upbuilding of fraternalrelations especially by sharing with others the spiritual gifts he has received by 0od+s manifold grace(

2The e=uilibrium between the ;or2 of 0od, prayer, lectio divina and manual wor2, essential to the $istercianway of life, is determined according to the character, training and age of each( The abbot is to discern andmoderate everything so that each brother may grow in the $istercian vocation(

C. 1# Reconci+iation 6ith )od and 6ith the 7rothers

1The preservation of unity among the brothers depends on a sincere and mutual effort towardsreconciliation( To eliminate thorns of scandal from the community, the brothers are not to prolong the timeof anger but, when there is a dispute, to ma2e peace as soon as possible(

ST 15.1.A

#n the s"irit of the -os"el the brothers are to hel" one another by humble and discreetcorrection. The community is to establish suitable means of doing this.

2The brothers are to confess their sins each day in prayer to 0od and fre=uently approach the sacrament ofreconciliation(

ST 15.2.AThe abbot can ma&e "rovision for a communal celebration of "enance as a""ro"riate.

C. 1 Actie Partici"ation of the 7rothers

1The brothers have the right and duty to participate fully in the common life, although this participation canbe e&ercised in different ways(

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2All the brothers are called to mutual care, mutual co-operation and mutual obedience( All are to beconcerned for the spiritual state of the community, 2nowing that the good

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ST 1&.2.AThe celebration is to be such that it e"resses the s"irit of the community and leads the brothersto full "artici"ation.

ST 1&.2.B#n "articular cases the abbot may determine the measure in which an individual mon&

"artici"ates in the iturgy of the ours in choir. This is done only after careful eamination of theuestion with the brother himself and having regard to the needs of the community.

ST 1&.2.C#n ece"tional cases the %bbot -eneral may, with the consent of his council, dis"ense acommunity from one or two ittle ours.

3A brother who was absent from the choral celebration is to ac=uit himself of the Hours according to theinstructions of the abbot and the norms of universal law(

C. 25 Mindf!+ness of )od

By constantly cultivating mindfulness of 0od, the brothers e&tend the ;or2 of 0od throughout the wholeday( The abbot is to see to it that each one has ample leisure to give himself to lectio and prayer(3urthermore, all should ta2e care that the monastic environment is favourable to silence and =uiet(

ST 2".A/ach year all the brothers are to ma&e a retreat of at least si days.

C. 21 &ectio 'iina

$areful lectio divina greatly strengthens the brothers+ faith in 0od( This e&cellent monastic practice, bywhich 0od+s ;ord is heard and pondered, is a source of prayer and a school of contemplation, where themon2 spea2s heart to heart with 0od( 3or this reason, the brothers are to devote a fitting amount of time

each day to such reading(

ST 21.ATradition greatly values lectio divina done in common. This is es"ecially recommended duringent.

C. 22 $eartfe+t Pra-er

7n a spirit of compunction and intense desire, mon2s devote themselves fre=uently to prayer( ;hile dwellingon earth, their minds are occupied with heavenly things, desiring eternal life with all spiritual longing( Maythe Blessed 8irgin Mary who was ta2en up into heaven, the life and sweetness and hope of all earthlypilgrims, never be far from their hearts(

ST 22.AThe abbot is to ma&e "rudent "rovision for the time of daily lectio and "rayer for the brothers.

C. 23 Niht 9ii+s

7n the sober anticipation of the coming of $hrist, following the tradition of the 'rder, the hours beforesunrise are appropriately consecrated to 0od by the celebration of 8igils, by prayer and meditation(

ST 23.AThe brothers0 hour of rising is so determined that 6igils maintains its nocturnal character.

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C. 24 Si+ence

Silence is counted among the principal monastic values of the 'rder( 7t assures solitude for the mon2 incommunity( 7t fosters mindfulness of 0od and fraternal communion( 7t opens the mind to the inspirations ofthe Holy Spirit and favours attentiveness of heart and solitary prayer to 0od( Therefore, at all times butespecially during the hours of night, the brothers are to be

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ST 2#.B#n accordance with tradition the brothers abstain from meat at all times, ece"t in case ofnecessity.

ST 2#.C#f a brother, moved by -od0s grace, wishes to underta&e additional fasting, he is to "ro"ose thisto his abbot.

C. 2 Se"aration fro, the 0or+d

1Those who prefer nothing to the love of $hrist ma2e themselves strangers to the actions of the world( 7nthe monastic tradition this involves a certain degree of physical separation( 3or this reason, the monasteryis built so that it completely safeguards the =uiet and solitude of those who reside there(

2The buildings where the mon2s live and wor2 are strictly reserved to them( #evertheless the faithful mayhave access to the church, especially during the celebration of the liturgy( 7t is for the abbot, with theconsent of his council, to fi& the limits of strict enclosure( 7t belongs to the abbot to give permission when,for an appropriate cause, outsiders come in or mon2s go out( The necessary discretion is to be maintainedin the use of the means of social communication, namely radio, television and the telephone( These can be

permitted only if the special character of the contemplative life is safeguarded( The mon2s, moreover, are tobe given a careful formation in this discipline of separation from the world( The application of theseprinciples is the responsibility not only of the abbot but of all the brothers(

C. 35 Rece"tion of )!ests

.very monastery is to continue the tradition of welcoming guests and the needy as $hrist according to localcircumstances( 6et those whom the providence of 0od has led to the monastery be received by the brotherswith reverence and 2indness but without allowing this service to impair monastic =uiet(

ST 3".AThe community is to render assistance to those who come to the monastery loo&ing for dee"er

"rayer.

ST 3".B#n -od0s "rovidence monasteries are holy "laces not only for those who are of the household ofthe faith but for all "ersons of good will.

ST 3".C#t is for the community to ma&e arrangements about the manner in which guests are to ta&e "artin the 2or& of -od.

ST 3".DThe relatives of the brothers are to be received with the utmost &indness in a way consonantwith the monastic vocation.

C. 31 A"osto+ate of Mon8s

3idelity to the monastic way of life is closely related to

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C. 32 Re+ationshi" 6ith the Ch!rch $ierarch-

The mon2s are to foster good relations with their local church and its bishop, to whom they render devotedsubmission and respect( They are humbly to obey the Sovereign /ontiff, the 8icar of $hrist as their supreme

/astor, even by virtue of the vow of obedience(

C$APTER T0O/ The Serice of A!thorit-

C. 33 The Ministr- of the Abbot

1The abbot is elected from among the brothers( He receives his power from 0od through the ministry of the$hurch( He is believed to act in the monastery as $hrist+s representative( He ministers to the wholecommunity as a father in both spiritual and temporal matters(

2The abbot e&ercises pastoral care of the floc2 entrusted to him( He shows to all the goodness and 2indnessof $hrist, striving to be loved rather than feared( He adapts himself to the character of each, encouraging

the brothers to run with a cheerful and happy disposition along the way 0od has called them( He is to prayconstantly to 0od for each(

3As a master in $hrist+s school, the abbot is the guardian of his disciples+ fidelity to monastic tradition( Hesustains them with the food of 0od+s ;ord and by his e&ample( He does not neglect to renew himself withSacred Scripture and the wisdom of the 3athers( He ma2es himself available to all the mon2s forconversation(

ST 33.3.An a""ointed days the abbot is to give a conference to the community and he is to e"lain theRule of Saint enedict freuently.

ST 33.3.BThe brothers should a""roach the abbot with confidence and be able to reveal to him freely ands"ontaneously the thoughts arising in their hearts. 7evertheless, the abbot should in no wayinduce them to manifest their consciences to him.

4As a s2illed physician, the abbot see2s to cure both his own wounds and those of others, and to bringhealing in the name of $hrist to those hurt by sin( He is to e&ercise great solicitude and to use all his s2illand energy so as not to lose any of the brothers entrusted to him( ;hen the situation warrants it, he callson the help of spiritual seniors( Above all, he relies on the prayer of all to cure the infirmities of thebrothers(

C. 34 The Abbot:s Po6er of )oernance

1The abbot is a ma:or superior with ecclesiastical power of governance in both the e&ternal and the internalforum(

ST 3'.1.AThe su"erior of a monastery that is still "art of the mother8house has delegated "ower. This hemay sub8delegate.

ST 3'.1.BThe su"erior ad nutum mentioned in ST 9*.:. has "ro"er ordinary "ower as a ma$or su"erior ofan autonomous community.

ST 3'.1.Cowever, in "articular cases, the Father #mmediate may, with the consent of the %bbot -eneraland his council, and after consultation of the community and of the filiation, limit the "owers of asu"erior ad nutum, before or after his nomination, as regards the filiations.

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n an e)ce*tional sit+ation, the -ather e/iate can as0 a s+*rior a/ n+t+ to

/eleate the e)ercise of his riht of *aternit. (G.C. "5 !ote %%$

ST 3'.1.D (s+**resse/ b the res+lt of !ote %%$

#n that case, the delegation of the eercise of the right of "aternity is decided by the Father#mmediate after consultation of the su"erior ad nutum.

2.verything said about an abbot applies e=ually to the prior of a priory andto a su"erior ad nutum unless

e&plicit e&ception is made(

C. 3# 7rothers in chare of Offices

The abbot selects suitable assistants for the various offices of the monastery( ;ith the advice of 0od-fearingbrothers he appoints as prior, master of novices, cellarer and the other officials those with whom he cansafely share his burdens( The brothers thus chosen are to fulfil their offices cheerfully and worthily 2eepingin all things the commandments of 0od and the instructions of the abbot, so that no one may be disturbedor saddened in the household of 0od(

C. 3 Cons!+tin the 7rothers

1To deal with matters affecting the welfare of the community the abbot, mindful of the admonitions of theRule, willingly consults the brothers, by means of either the conventual chapter or his private council( Thebrothers are to approach the consultation in a spirit of docility to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to offertheir opinions humbly and forthrightly( .&cept in those cases where the law provides otherwise it belongs tothe abbot, having listened to the brothers attentively, to ma2e the final decision( 7n confidential matters allare to be careful to maintain secrecy(

28oting is to be secret in all elections, in other cases prescribed by law, and when one of those presentre=uests it( 7n the counting of votes, null votes and abstentions are not included( ;hen the consent of the

abbot+s council or the conventual chapter is re=uired for the performance of an action the abbot, to actvalidly, must obtain this consent either by an absolute ma:ority or by a two-thirds ma:ority, as the case maybe( Having obtained the consent, the abbot may perform the action, but he is not bound to( 7f the consentis denied, he cannot act validly( 7n the same way, when it is prescribed that the abbot must consult hiscouncil or the conventual chapter, that consultation is re=uired for the validity of the action(

ST 36.2.A6otes are not ta&en unless the matter to be voted u"on has been clearly "resented and someinterval allowed for reflection and "rayer.

ST 36.2.B2henever consent is reuired, after the votes have been cast, the abbot and two witnesses areto count the votes and announce the result. The result is to be entered in the boo& of the acts ofthe cha"ter or council and signed by the abbot and the two witnesses.

37n see2ing advice or consent the abbot or superior may vote, but he is not bound to( Those absent cannotvote by letter or by pro&y( The e&claustrated lac2 both active and passive voice(

ST 36.3.A% brother absent from his monastery for the service of the rder or, in accordance with !. 19.9,for reasons of health, studies or the eremitical life, &ee"s his active and "assive voice as amember of the conventual cha"ter. owever, conscious of his res"onsibilities, he should be

"rudent and $udicious in using or not using this right.

ST 36.3.B/ce"t in the cases foreseen in ST 9+.9.%, a brother0s active voice is sus"ended if he is absentfrom the monastery for more than si months, even legitimately.a.#f this brother wishes to return definitively to his community the abbot, with the consent of his

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council and ta&ing into consideration the duration of the absence, can reuire that the brotherlive in the community for a certain "eriod before resuming the eercise of his voting rights.b.

aving consulted the conventual cha"ter the "resident of an election can restore voting rights toa brother who is resident in the monastery but who has lost them by reason of "revious absence.

C. 3 Conent!a+ Cha"ter

The conventual chapter is composed of brothers in solemn vows who have stability in the communitytogether with the superior( All en:oy active and passive voice in its deliberations and acts unless otherwisenoted in the $onstitutions(

ST 3%.AThe abbot needs the consent of the conventual cha"ter with a two8thirds ma$ority in thefollowing cases;a.to admit of a mon& of the rder to stability in the community, without "re$udice to the ece"tionmentioned in !. +

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ST 3#.BThe abbot needs the consent of the council with an absolute ma$ority in the following cases;a.to readmit a brother who has lawfully left at the end of the novitiate or after ma&ing "rofessionwithout the obligation of re"eating the novitiate, and to determine the form and duration of thenew "eriod of "robation.b.to determine, in accordance with ST 9+.9..a, the length of time a brother who returns to thecommunity is to live there before he can resume the eercise of his voting rights.c.

to allow a brother to remain outside the monastery in the cases mentioned in !. 19.9.c.bisto fi the limits of strict enclosure/.to as& the %bbot -eneral to oblige a "articular brother to transfer tem"orarily to anothermonastery for the sa&e of "eace according to ST +

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ST 3&.3.AThe one who is elected should be at least 95 years old.

ST 3&.3.B

%ny brother who has made "rofession in the rder can be elected abbot, including the abbot of adaughter8house if this is necessary, but neither the abbot of any other monastery nor, unless heis a member of the community, a councillor of the %bbot -eneral can be elected.

4An abbot and a prior of a ma:or priory are elected for an unrestricted term( #evertheless they can beelected for a fi&ed term according to the conditions laid down by the 0eneral $hapter( The prior of a simplepriory is elected in accordance with the norms of the Statute on Foundations(

ST 3&.'.A

2hen two8thirds of the conventual cha"ter desire it, the cha"ter may elect an abbot for a fiedterm of si years. #n subseuent elections, so long as the community has not reverted to havingan abbatial mandate for an unrestricted term, an absolute ma$ority is sufficient for theconventual cha"ter to elect an abbot for a fied term of si years.

ST 3&.'.Before an election, the "resident is obliged to inuire of the conventual cha"ter whether it desiresto elect an abbot for a term of si years.

ST 3&.'.C%n abbot elected for a fied term can always be re8elected.

ST 3&.'.DThe election is to be held not less than fifteen days after the vacancy and, unless there is a $ustim"ediment, within three months. #n the case of an abbatial mandate for a fied term, theelection is held immediately the mandate ends.

#An absolute ma:ority of votes is re=uired for an election, not counting null votes and abstentions( 7f ama:ority is not obtained on the first or second ballot, further ballots are to be held until it is achieved( 3orthe good of the community, however, and with the consent of the conventual chapter, the president of theelection has the faculty of limiting the number of ballots( A two-thirds ma:ority is re=uired in cases ofpostulation(

The election is confirmed by the Abbot 0eneral( .ach re-election re=uires a new confirmation by the Abbot0eneral( 7f the brother who is elected is a lay mon2 or deacon, he should receive the priesthood as soon aspossible( The Abbot 0eneral is not to confirm the election until he has verified that the one elected is willingto receive the priesthood and has the =ualities re=uired by universal law for ordination(

ST 3&.6.A2hen confirmation has been received the one elected is installed. e receives the abbatialblessing at a convenient time.

ST 3&.6.BThe acts of the election are to be sent to the %bbot -eneral as soon as "ossible.

ST 3&.6.CThe ritual of the rder is followed for the election, installation and blessing of an abbot.

C. 45 Resination fro, Office

3or a :ust cause an abbot may submit his resignation to the 0eneral $hapter( 2hen the -eneral !ha"ter isnot in session, he "resents his resignation to the %bbot -eneral who acts as vicar of the !ha"ter in thismatter

ST '".A

%n abbot is to tender his resignation of his own accord when he reaches >5 years of age.

ST '".B2hen an abbot offers his resignation the Father #mmediate is always consulted. !areful inuiry is

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made, if the matter demands it, into the views of the community. 7eighbouring su"eriors alsoare to be consulted, if a""ro"riate.

ST '".B.bis

#f because of an infirmity or other reason (such as im"risonment, banishment or eile 8 cf. !an=1: !#!) it is im"ossible either "hysically or "sychologically for an abbot to eercise his "astoralfunction, it is for the Father #mmediate, having consulted e"erts and obtained the consent ofthe conventual cha"ter, to investigate and verify the matter. #f the im"ossibility is evident heimmediately informs the %bbot -eneral, who with the consent of his council, can remove theabbot from office.

ST '".CThe mon& who left the community of his "rofession to eercise the abbatial ministry in anothercommunity of the rder can, within a year of resigning from office or com"leting his mandate,resume his first stability.

C$APTER T$REE/ Te,"ora+ Ad,inistration

C. 41 Te,"ora+ )oods of the Monaster-

13idelity to $istercian traditions re=uires that the community+s regular income be mainly the fruit of its ownwor2( .ach brother has the right and duty of serving the community by doing his share of its wor2according to his abilities and within the economic structure of the monastery(

27t is the abbot+s responsibility as the steward of 0od+s household to ensure that the community+s possessionand use of temporal goods is such that provision is made for human needs and, at the same time, the lawof the 0ospel is obeyed( The community is to remain faithful to the $hurch+s teaching on social :ustice, andin its business dealings to withhold support from all structures of oppression(

33ollowing a long tradition some part of the monastery+s income is to be allocated for the needs of the$hurch and the support of those in want, as far as this is possible(

C. 42 ;!ridica+ Stat!s

By law, the 'rder and each of its monasteries are :uridical persons, capable of ac=uiring, possessing,administering and alienating temporal goods(

C. 43 Ordinar- Ad,inistration

1The abbot appoints a cellarer who is responsible for the ordinary administration of the monastery+s temporalaffairs( #ormally, apart from the abbot, only he may act validly in the name of the monastery whenincurring e&penses and in legal matters( The abbot may, however, entrust some business to other brothers,specifying the limits of their authority and their responsibility in financial dealings( All these officials areaccountable to the abbot(

ST '3.1.AThe monastery is to &ee" accounts using a system that is locally acce"table. %t regular intervalsthe accounts are to be submitted to the $udgement of a "rofessional.

ST '3.1.BThe consent of the abbot is reuired for investing money. #nvestments are to be managed

"rudently. %ny s"eculation is forbidden.

ST '3.1.C#t is not "ermissible in any circumstances for the members of our rder to grant to third "arties

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rights to the use of the titles ?a Tra""e? or ?Tra""ist? or terms derived from them. They are touse their best efforts, according to their own civil law, to "revent or sto" any usur"ation,imitation or illegal use of these words. They must avoid ceding or conceding for any reason therights to the use as a title, commercial name or trademar&, of any name derived from the title ofthe monastery or containing such words as ?abbey?, ?mon&? or ?monastery? and the li&e.

2The monastery is to have a finance committee, with which the abbot regularly reviews the economicsituation of the monastery(

3Temporal administration is to be e&amined during the regular visitation(

ST '3.3.A

The account boo&s of the monastery are to be shown to the visitor. %t least every four years,before he signs them, they should be eamined by a "erson who is really com"etent. #f thevisitor "erceives that the monastery is in a dangerous economic situation, he notifies the %bbot-eneral and also, if he is a delegated visitor, the Father #mmediate.

C. 44 E

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2Solitude, continual prayer, humble wor2, voluntary poverty, celibate chastity, and obedience are not humans2ills, and cannot be learned from human beings( #evertheless, the teaching of the abbot, the e&perienceand wisdom of the seniors, and the constant help and e&ample of the community are of great value to thebrothers as they pass through the different situations and changes of the spiritual :ourney(

3The role of the community in the process of formation is to help each brother to assimilate the essentialelements of the $istercian way of life( Those in formation, conscious of their responsibility, should actively

collaborate with their formators so that they may faithfully be responsive to the grace of their divinevocation( This formation, which begins at entry and continues throughout life, has many aspects@ human,doctrinal and spiritual( 7t is to be regarded as an important part of the pastoral responsibility of the abbot(

ST '5.3.A% Ratio #nstitutionis is to be "romulgated for the rder and ada"ted in all the regions accordingto the different circumstances of each monastery.

ST '5.3.B@onasteries are to offer generous mutual assistance in ma&ing this formation a reality.

C. 4 Ad,ission of 7rothers

1#ewcomers to monastic life are to be received 2indly, but not easily admitted into the community( Byfre=uent visits to the monastery they become ac=uainted with the members of the community( They aretold about all the hard and difficult things that are to be found on the way to 0od( They are to be receivedas brothers only if they manifest the spiritual attitude needed for monastic life and give evidence ofade=uate maturity and health( ;hen these =ualities are present their desire to embrace this life can berecognised as an indication of 0od+s call and of their intention of truly see2ing 0od with all their heart(

ST '6.1.AThe abbot is to determine with the master of novices the time that the "ostulants s"end with thebrothers before canonically beginning the novitiate. Aostulants are initiated into the s"iritualdisci"lines of the rder in a manner a""ro"riate to them at this stage.

2% religious in "er"etual vows coming from another institute to enter our rder needs the"ermission of his Su"reme @oderator and of the %bbot -eneral, each with the consent of hiscouncil. e does not ma&e tem"orary "rofession, but can be admitted to solemn "rofession afterat least three years of "robation. The norms of universal law are to be observed if he is notadmitted.'niversal law also defines his canonical status during the time of "robation.

ST '6.2.AThe brother first obtains a leave of absence from his institute and lives in the community for atleast si months. %fter that, when the abbot has received the authorisations necessary for thetransfer he admits the brother to "robation for three years, at least two of which are to be s"entwith those in formation. The time of "robation can be "rolonged by the abbot for another threeyears.

ST '6.2.BFor the admission of a member of a secular #nstitute or Society of %"ostolic life, "ermission ofthe oly See is reuired, and its instructions are to be followed (!an. +B=. 5)

33or the admission of clerics, can( 9 $7$ is followed(

C. 4 The Master of Noices

'ne who is s2illed in winning souls is to be chosen as master of novices( He is to be prudent, well formed inthe monastic way of life, effective in communicating the wisdom of the 3athers to the :uniors and capable of

giving them direction(

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ST '%.AThe master of novices is to be at least 9< years old and solemnly "rofessed in the rder for atleast two years.

C. 4 Ad,ission to the Noitiate

The abbot is to observe all that is re=uired by law for admission into the novitiate(

ST '#.AThe abbot is to consult his council before admitting "ostulants into the novitiate.

ST '#.BThe rite of admission is given in the ritual of the rder.

C. 4 (or,ation of Noices

1The master of novices should lead newcomers to share in the life of the monastic family( He is to instructthem in monastic observances, especially the ;or2 of 0od, lectio divina, prayer and manual wor2( 5uringthe novitiate they are not given offices or wor2 that could impede their formation( All the brothers are tosupport the novices by prayer and e&ample and encourage them to persevere(

ST '&.1.ATo facilitate the formation of the novices it is recommended that a s"ecial "art of the monasterybe assigned to them.

ST '&.1.Between the abbot and the master of novices there should eist a sincere and "rofound unity ofs"irit, heart and orientation. This is an indis"ensable condition for a genuine formation of thenovices. The abbot and the master of novices together determine novitiate "olicy. This ise"lained to the community by the abbot in order to obtain its co8o"eration.

2.ven in the school of love obstacles to full affective maturity can occur( 7t is of great importance that thecommunity provide for the brothers such help as they need to overcome these obstacles( The master ofnovices should constantly discern their characters and their progress and help them to grow in self-2nowledge( ;here appropriate, he should ma2e use of professionals in this field( The formation of novicesshould be entrusted only to wise and suitable brothers(

C. #5 '!ration of the Noitiate

The novitiate lasts two years( 3or pastoral reasons the abbot can prolong it for a further si& months( 3or thenovitiate to be valid a novice must spend twelve months in the novitiate( 3or absences from the monastery

during this time can( 9!(1 $7$ is applicable( 3irst profession can be anticipated but not by more thanfifteen days(

ST 5".AThe %bbot -eneral, having consulted his council, can dis"ense from the second year of novitiate.

C. #1 Ad,ission to Te,"orar- Profession

5uring the novitiate care is ta2en to discern whether the novice has grown spiritually through hisparticipation in monastic life( 7f he truly see2s 0od, is

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C. #2 Te,"orar- Profession

1By temporary vows brothers underta2e the obligations proper to monastic life either for a period of threeyears, or for three periods of one year( The abbot may prolong this time but not beyond a further si& years(

ST 52.1.AThe rite of tem"orary "rofession is found in the ritual of the rder.

2According to can( 99"(1- $7$, a brother bound by temporary profession retains the ownership of his goodsand the capacity of ac=uiring more( Before he ma2es temporary profession he should assign theadministration of his goods to someone else and freely ma2e arrangements regarding their use andrevenues( 7n this matter the abbot is competent to give the necessary permissions(

C. #3 (or,ation of the Te,"orari+- Professed

Monastic formation is to be completed during the years of temporary profession( A Ratio 7nstitutionis is tobe prepared for this so that the newly professed may come to an ever greater 2nowledge of the Mystery of

$hrist and the $hurch, as well as the $istercian patrimony, and strive to e&press it in their lives( $are is tobe ta2en that offices and wor2 given to the temporarily professed do not impede this formation(

ST 53.AThe tem"orarily "rofessed can remain for some time in the novitiate or in a s"ecial "art of themonastery. The abbot is to ta&e care that they receive whatever assistance they need, accordingto the monastery0s resources.

C. #4 Ad,ission to So+e,n Profession

At the end of the period of temporary profession, after prolonged reflection so that he might clearly perceivethe significance of the action he is about to ta2e, the brother may of his own accord present to the abbot his

petition to ma2e solemn profession( 7f the abbot considers him suitable then, with the consent of theconventual chapter, he is to admit him to profession( 3or a :ust cause solemn profession may be anticipatedbut not by more than three months( The conditions for the validity of solemn profession are listed in can(9*" $7$(

C. ## Ren!nciation of )oods

By virtue of solemn profession a brother loses the capacity of ac=uiring and owning goods( 7f he owns goodsor has a right to them, he is bound, before this profession, to distribute them to the poor or dispose of themin some other way in accordance with the norm of can( 99"(-* $7$( This renunciation is to be made beforesolemn profession, as far as possible in a form that is valid in civil law, to ta2e effect from the day ofprofession( ;hatever comes to him after the renunciation goes to the monastery(

C. # So+e,n Profession

1By ma2ing profession of solemn vows a brother gives himself to $hrist in a spirit of faith and commitshimself perpetually to lead in his community a way of life in accordance with the Rule of Saint Benedict( Theabbot and the brothers are to welcome him warmly into the community, 2nowing they are duty bound tohelp him by prayer and e&ample, more and more to put on the li2eness of $hrist(

ST 56.1.AThe rite for the blessing of a mon& is found in the ritual of the rder.

ST 56.1.BThe abbot is to notify the "astor of the "arish in which the newly "rofessed was ba"tised that thesolemn "rofession has ta&en "lace.

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2By solemn profession a brother is definitively incorporated into the 'rder and with the rights and dutiesdefined by law(

3This is the formula of profession@#, rother 7..., "romise my stability, my fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience until death inaccordance with the Rule of Saint enedict, %bbot. # do this before -od and all his saints, in this monasteryof 7... of the !istercian rder of the Strict bservance, constructed in honour of the lessed and ever6irgin @ary, @other of -od, and in the "resence of om 7..., abbot of this monastery.

C. # The Ordination of Mon8s

7f an abbot re=uests that one of his mon2s be ordained priest or deacon for his monastery, he must ensurecompliance with everything re=uired in this matter by universal law, especially can( 11!(1 $7$, and by the'rder+s Ratio 7nstitutionis( Because a brother who is a priest or deacon serves the community in a specialway, it is recommended that the abbot consult the conventual chapter or at least his council beforeproceeding with the ordination(

C. # Contin!in (or,ation

After solemn profession and throughout their lives, the brothers continue to learn the philosophy of $hrist($ontinuing formation is to be made available to the whole community and to individual brothers accordingto their capacity( This formation is always to be based on the Rule of Saint Benedict and the $istercianpatrimony and is to draw from the riches of biblical, patristic, liturgical, theological and spiritual sciences(

ST 5#.AThe liturgy, the teaching of the abbot, readings, conferences given to the community and a well8stoc&ed library are means that contribute to the continuing formation of the whole community.The abbot is to encourage individual brothers to give themselves fully to this formation accordingto their gifts, using means com"atible with monastic life.

ST 5#.B

Arovision is to be made so that the monastery is not without well8trained teachers who havesufficient time to carry out their tas& effectively.

ST 5#.CThe brothers who wor& in the various offices and crafts are to do so "eacefully. The abbot is tosee to it that they are able to acuire useful s&ills as needed.

C$APTER (I9ESe"aration fro, the Co,,!nit-and S!""ression of a Monaster-

C. # Pastora+ So+icit!de

1The abbot is to act with pastoral solicitude towards those leaving the monastery( Above all he is to act withdisinterested concern for the welfare of the one who is leaving as well as for that of the whole community(

2Those who leave or are dismissed are not entitled to claim anything from the monastery for servicesrendered( #evertheless, the abbot is to observe the norms of e=uity and evangelical charity towardsmembers who depart(

ST 5&.2.ATo safeguard the welfare of members who leave or are dismissed, as well as that of thecommunity, the abbot is to have a sound &nowledge of the social legislation of the "lace wherethe monastery is located.

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C. 5 Transfer of a 7rother to another Monaster- of the Order

A grave cause is re=uired if a"rofessed brotheris to change the monastery of his stability( 3urthermore, theconsent of the abbots of both monasteries is re=uired and that of the conventual chapter of the monasterythat receives him( The consent of the chapter is not re=uired, however, in the case of a mon2 who hadchanged his stability to a foundation when this became autonomous and later returns to the monastery ofhis previous profession(

ST 6".A#n the case of a solemn "rofessed, the "resence for one year at least in the new monastery isreuired before consent is sought from the conventual cha"ter. % two thirds ma$ority is needed.The change of stability is mar&ed by a suitable liturgical ceremony.#n the case of a tem"orary "rofessed, when the vows are to e"ire they will have to be renewed,but this time for the new community. This renewal of vows by the candidate is made with theconsent of the conventual cha"ter. %n absolute ma$ority is needed. % "robationary "eriod of atleast three years in the new monastery is reuired, at the end of which the abbot, if he considershim suitable, with the consent of the conventual cha"ter, admits him to solemn "rofession.

ST 6".BThe %bbot -eneral can oblige a brother for the sa&e of "eace to transfer tem"orarily to anothermonastery, having heard the brother himself and with due consideration for the community thatreceives him. This is done at the reuest of the abbot and with the consent of the abbot0s council

and of the Father #mmediate and for not more than five years.

C. 1 Transfer to another Instit!te

7f a mon2 wishes to transfer to another institute of consecrated life, to a secular institute or to a society ofapostolic life the norms of can( 9" and 9"* $7$ are observed(

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C. 4 'e"art!re of the So+e,n+- Professed

A mon2 in solemn vows is not to re=uest an indult to leave e&cept for very grave causes, weighed in thepresence of 0od( He is to give his re=uest to his abbot who is to discuss it with his council and send it withhis comments to the Abbot 0eneral( The Abbot 0eneral is to forward this with his opinion and that of hiscouncil to the Holy See( 7n the case of a cleric the norms of can( 9! $7$ are followed(

C. # 'is,issa+

7n the case of the dismissal of a professed mon2, whether in temporary or solemn vows, cann( 9!-C $7$are to be followed with regard to causes, procedures and effects( The competent superiors in these casesare the abbot with his council, as Ma:or SuperiorD and the Abbot 0eneral with his council, as suprememoderator(

C. Read,ission to the Monaster-

'ne who had legitimately left the monastery at the end of the novitiate or after his tem"orary or solemnprofession can be readmitted by the abbot with the consent of his council, without the obligation of

repeating the novitiate( 7t is for the abbot to determine the form and duration of a new term of probation,according to the norm of universal law and particular circumstances(

ST 66.ATo determine the form and duration of a new term of "robation the abbot needs the consent ofhis council.

C. S!""ression of a Monaster-

1;hen due to particular and long-standing circumstances a monastery no longer offers any basis for hope ofgrowth, careful consideration should be given to whether it is to be closed( 'nly the 0eneral $hapter, by atwo-thirds ma:ority, can decide on the suppression of an autonomous monastery( A two-thirds ma:ority voteof the conventual chapter is also necessary( A written report is re=uired from the 3ather 7mmediate togetherwith his consent, and the bishop of the place is to be consulted(

2;hen the 0eneral $hapter decides on the suppression of a monastery it names a special commissioncomposed of at least five persons to supervise the process of suppression( 0reat pastoral care is to be givento the mon2s of the suppressed house, especially regarding their right to stability in another community ofthe 'rder( Attention is to be paid to the rights and obligations of all persons and communities involved andto the rights of founders and donors( The civil law of the place will be observed with regard to the disposalof property(

ST 6%.2.A

The stability of members of a su""ressed community is normally made to the mother house andin this case, the conventual cha"ter of this house does not need to vote to acce"t it.

C$APTER SI=/ (o!ndations

C. (o!ndations

1;hen their number increases, or when they are alerted by some other indication of /rovidence, thebrothers are to 2now that this may be an invitation to e&tend monastic life to another place( 6et theme&amine the possibility of a foundation not only prudently but also boldly and generously, consideringwhether they wish to participate in a monastic manner in fulfilling the mission of evangeli

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2The process of founding a monastery is described in a special Statute on 3oundations approved by the0eneral $hapter(

C. Care of (o!ndations

1

;hen they give approval to a foundation the abbots are to encompass the new offshoot with fraternal care(

ST 6&.1.AThe selection of brothers to be sent on a foundation is not merely a matter of "ractical

"re"arationC it also reuires discernment and "rayer.

ST 6&.1.B#f there are financial difficulties in a foundation the su"eriors of the rder are to "rovide thenecessary hel".

ST 6&.1.CThe su"eriors of the rder should "rovide hel" in the area of formation, es"ecially for veryremote monasteries.

2;ith the consent of his council, the Abbot 0eneral can give permission for the opening of a novitiate in afoundation(

C. 5 Ada"tation to &oca+ C!+t!re

;herever new monasteries are established, the founders are to become lovers of that place( Monastic life isnot to be bound to any particular form of culture nor to any political, economic or social system but, as faras possible, what is rightly valued in the local culture should be welcomed as new means of e&pressing andenriching the treasure of the $istercian patrimony(

Part Three

T$E CISTERCIAN OR'ERO( T$E STRICT O7SER9ANCE

C. 1 The 7ond of %nit-

1Autonomous monasteries of the $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance, spread throughout different partsof the world, are :oined together by the bond of charity and by a common tradition of doctrine and law(

2Their superiors are united by the bond of solicitude for the welfare of each community(

3They collegially e&ercise this pastoral care, together with supreme authority in the 'rder, when theyassemble for the 0eneral $hapter(

4The same pastoral care is e&ercised, under the guidance of the 0eneral $hapter, through the institutions offiliation and regular visitation, as well as by assemblies of superiors and the various offices by which thewelfare of the whole 'rder is fostered(

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C. 2 Cistercian Mon8s and N!ns of the Strict Obserance

1$istercian mon2s and nuns of the Strict 'bservance constitute a single 'rder( They participate in handingon the same patrimony( They collaborate and give mutual help in many ways, having due regard to theirhealthy differences and the complementarity of their gifts(

2All that pertains to the integrity of the 'rder+s patrimony and structures, namely $( 1- and C-"*, istreated by both 0eneral $hapters@ Abbots+ and Abbesses+( To change these $onstitutions or $( 1C-1 on the'rder+s liturgy and observances, an affirmative decision of both 0eneral $hapters is re=uired before thematter is submitted to the approbation of the Apostolic See(

ST %2.2.ATo ma&e any change in the !onstitutions there is consultation between the !ha"ter of %bbotsand the !ha"ter of %bbesses before it is submitted to the a""robation of the %"ostolic See. Tochange a Statute consultation of the other !ha"ter is reuired.

37t belongs to the Abbot 0eneral as president of both 0eneral $hapters to 2eep the discussion within thelimits of each $hapter+s competence and to submit =uestions to be discussed by both $hapter(

C$APTER ONE/ (i+iation

C. 3 The Character of (i+iation

7n accordance with the $harter of $harity, $istercian communities are united by the bond of filiation(

Traditionally filiation has its :uridic form in the function of the 3ather 7mmediate( /aternity and filiation aree&pressed through mutual assistance and support(

ST %3.A2hen a foundation is raised to an autonomous monastery, the abbot of the founding houseautomatically becomes its Father #mmediate.

ST %3.B%ll changes in filiation must be discussed by the communities involved and by the -eneral!ha"ter (cf. ST 9>..d). #f no agreement is reached, the decision rests with the -eneral !ha"ter.

C. 4 The (ather I,,ediate

1The 3ather 7mmediate is to watch over the progress of his daughter houses( ;hile respecting the autonomyof the daughter house he is to help and support the abbot in the e&ercise of his pastoral charge and tofoster concord in the community( 7f he notices there a violation of a precept of the Rule or of the 'rder, heis to try with humility and charity and having consulted the local abbot, to remedy the situation(

ST %'.1.AThe abbot needs the consent of the Father #mmediate to as& the %bbot -eneral to oblige abrother to transfer tem"orarily to another monastery.

2The 3ather 7mmediate ensures that a daughter house that is without an abbot elects a new superior withinthree months( By virtue of his office he presides at the election of the new abbot or, if necessary, he namesa superior ad nutumto the community according to the norm of the 'rder+s law(

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ST %'.2.A

#n "articular cases, the Father #mmediate may, with the consent of the %bbot -eneral and hiscouncil, and after consultation of the community and of the filiation, limit the "owers of asu"erior ad nutum, as regards the filiation. #n that case, the delegation of the eercise of theright of "aternity is decided by the Father #mmediate after consultation of the su"erior ad nutum

n an e)ce*tional sit+ation, the -ather e/iate can as0 a s+*erior a/ n+t+ to/eleate the e)ercise of his riht of *aternit. (G. C. "5 !ote %%$

ST %'.2.BThe Father #mmediate is always consulted when an abbot offers his resignation.

ST %'.2.CThe Father #mmediate needs the consent of the conventual !ha"ter to begin the "rocess ofremoval of an abbot from office in accordance with ST =

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he co-operates with the abbess and the community( He does not in any way involve himself in thegovernance of the community(

ST %6.2.A%s far as "ossible the cha"lain maintains contact with his own community or with anothercommunity of mon&s.

C$APTER T0O/ Asse,b+ies of S!"eriors

C. The )enera+ Cha"ter of Abbots

1At fi&ed times all the abbots come together( They discuss there the salvation of their own souls and of thosecommitted to them( They ta2e measures regarding the observance of the Holy Rule and of the 'rder wherethere is something that needs to be corrected or added( They foster anew among themselves the benefit ofpeace and charity( They devote themselves to maintaining the patrimony of the 'rder and safeguarding andincreasing its unity(

2The supreme authority of the 'rder is e&ercised by all the superiors meeting in their own 0eneral $hapter,according to their proper $onstitutions( The abbots are competent to legislate for the mon2s and to beresponsible for the application of these laws( The ecclesiastical power of governance for the whole 'rderresides in the 0eneral $hapter of Abbots(

ST %%.2.A%ny brother can submit desires or suggestions to the -eneral !ha"ter. This is done through hisabbot or Father #mmediate, through the regional conference or the regional delegate, or evendirectly through the %bbot -eneral.

ST %%.2.B#t belongs to the -eneral !ha"ter to ensure that the members of the rder have the "ossibility of

unim"eded recourse to the various instances of a""eal as needed; that is to the Father#mmediate, the %bbot -eneral, the -eneral !ha"ter or the oly See.

ST %%.2.Crdinarily the -eneral !ha"ter is convo&ed once every three years.

C. Those Ta8in Part in the )enera+ Cha"ter

The Abbot 0eneral, the superiors of autonomous monasteries and the councillorsof the Abbot 0eneral havethe obligation of participating in the 0eneral $hapter with the right to vote( The nuns councillors of the

%bbot -eneral "artici"ate without the right to vote. The $hapter can invite other members of the 'rder andeven give them voting rights(

ST %#.AThe following can assist at the -eneral !ha"ter with voting rights;a.su"eriors of foundations, invited by the abbots of the founding houses with the consent of the

%bbot -eneral.b.delegates of su"eriors who are unable to ta&e "art.c.re"resentatives of communities in which the abbatial office is vacant, elected by the conventualcha"ter.

ST %#.BThe following can assist at the -eneral !ha"ter, but without voting rights;

a.delegates of each regional conference.b.e"erts and observers invited by the !entral !ommission.

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c.the "romotri and vice8"romotri of the -eneral !ha"ter of %bbesses and four other abbesseselected by their own !ha"ter, two of whom are to be members of the !entral !ommission./.the su"eriors named for future foundations.

C. The Co,"etence of the )enera+ Cha"ter

7t is for the 0eneral $hapter to approve new foundations or their closing, to incorporate or suppress

monasteries, to elect the %bbot -eneral according to the "rocess described in !. B9.1 and to acce"t hisresignation. 7t is also for the 0eneral $hapter, with the -eneral !ha"ter of %bbesses, according to the!onstitutions, to elect officials of the 'rder determined by law, to watch over the manner in which theye&ercise their office, to accept their resignations and if necessary to depose them, and to accept theresignations of abbots or to depose them(

ST %&.A#t is also for the -eneral !ha"ter;a.to decide by a two8thirds ma$ority about changes to be introduced into the !onstitutions,observing ST >:.:.%, before these are submitted to the oly See, to which belongs the authenticinter"retation of the !onstitutions.a4e)ce*t for ST %&.a, all the !otes ta0en b the General Cha*ter re+ire absol+te

aorit. 7et 25 ca*it+lants can re+est that the assebl /eci/e, b a *reliinar!ote that a *artic+lar atter re+ires a !ote with a aorit of twothir/s. (G. C. "5

!otes 1" an/ 11$b.to be informed of the state of each community and to eercise "astoral care in its regard.c.to give a""roval to each regional conference and to determine the manner of its re"resentationin the structures of the rder./.to establish inter8ca"itular commissions, to name their members, and to su"ervise theiractivities.e.to a""rove changes in filiation and the relocation of monasteries.f.to establish the "rocedure for the -eneral !ha"ter and to elect its Aromoter..to "romulgate a statute on the "ublication of boo&s.h.to give communities the "ermissions reuired by !. ==.i.to entrust causes for beatification or canonisation to the Aostulator -eneral.

ST %&.B2hen after consulting the abbots of the region a Father #mmediate $udges that a "articularcommunity can no longer form new as"irants, the -eneral !ha"ter can sus"end its right toreceive as"irants until the net -eneral !ha"ter, which is to re8eamine the situation.

C. 5 The Centra+ Co,,ission of Abbots

.ach 0eneral $hapter elects a commission with the tas2 of preparing the ne&t $hapter( This commission iscalled the $entral $ommission( 7t operates under the presidency of the Abbot 0eneral and according to thenorms established by the 0eneral $hapter(

ST #".AThe !entral !ommission meets once between -eneral !ha"ters or when the %bbot -eneral or ama$ority of the members considers it necessary.

ST #".BThe following are members of this !ommission with the right to vote;a.

the %bbot -eneral.b.the Aromoter of the -eneral !ha"ter.

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c.the 6ice8"romoter of the -eneral !ha"ter an/ the three others ebers of theCoor/inatin Coission. (G. C. "5 !ote 122$ To be re!ise/

/.su"eriors, elected by the -eneral !ha"ter, each re"resenting their regional conference andnominated by it. They may hold this office three times only.

s+*eriors, on0s or n+ns, each re*resentin their reional conference an/ electe/ b

it. (8G9 "5 !otes #5 an/ #6$ They may hold this office three times only. To be re!ise/

/ bis.

A secon/ re*resentati!e of the three reional cnferences (ASPAC 8A-9A 8:9;A$.(8G9 "5 !ote #%$ To be re!ise/

e.the councillors of the %bbot -eneral.f.others elected by the -eneral !ha"ter in a "articular instance.

ST #".CThe following "artici"ate in the !entral !ommission without voting rights;a.

others invited by the %bbot -eneralb.the nun councillors of the %bbot -eneral.

ST #".D#n the absence of the %bbot -eneral the Aromoter of the -eneral !ha"ter "resides at themeetings of the !entral !ommission.

ST #".:The !entral !ommission "re"ares the -eneral !ha"ter by co8ordinating the initiatives comingfrom the regional conferences.

ST #".-The !entral !ommission of %bbots and the !entral !ommission of %bbesses can wor& together to

"re"are -eneral !ha"ters and -eneral @eetings of abbots and abbesses.

ST #".GThe !entral !ommission can give a "rovisional inter"retation of the decisions of the "revious-eneral !ha"ter of %bbots.

ST #".

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ST #1.AThese meetings of su"eriors and delegates are very useful in "re"aring for the !entral!ommission and the -eneral !ha"ter. #n addition, they "rovide an o""ortunity for discussinguestions of common interest and relevance that may not concern the whole rder.

ST #1.B

/ach regional conference is re"resented on the !entral !ommission by a su"erior, on0 or n+n,electe/ b it (cf. ST #".B./ an/ / bis$ unless it was decided otherwise at the moment of itsa""roval. #t can send a non8su"erior as a delegate to the -eneral !ha"ter. To be re!ise/

ST #1.CThe relationshi" of the various regional conferences gives rise to a dialogue among the variousnations and "eo"les by which the common "atrimony of the rder can be more dee"lya""reciated.

C$APTER T$REE/ The Office of Abbot )enera+

C. 2 The Abbot )enera+

1Because the Abbot 0eneral is a bond of unity within the 'rder he fosters good relations among thecommunities of both mon2s and nuns and is the watchful guardian of the 'rder+s patrimony, ensuring itsgrowth( Above all he is to be a pastor who promotes the spirit of renewal in communities( He visits themonasteries sufficiently often, as he :udges best, to be aware of the state of the whole 'rder, and be ableto provide valuable help to individual superiors and communities(

2The Abbot 0eneral convo2es the 0eneral $hapters and presides at them( Assisted by his council, he acts inthe name of both 0eneral $hapters in those matters committed to him by these $hapters or by law, and incases that cannot be deferred(

ST #2.2.A

The %bbot -eneral lives at Rome with his councillors. e is watchful of the monastic disci"line ofthose living at the -eneralate. e draws u" for this community an internal statute or ordinance,ada"ted to its "articular situation, and names a su"erior who is accountable to him for itsadministration.

ST #2.2.BSince the -eneralate is at the service of the whole rder, each house should consider itselfbound to su""ly "ersonnel. Su"eriors and communities will readily res"ond to any reuest of the

%bbot -eneral in this regard.

ST #2.2.Ce is res"onsible for the ordinary tem"oral administration of the rder and is accountable to the-eneral !ha"ter for it. e acts in the name of the rder with the oly See.

ST #2.2.DThe %bbot -eneral can ma&e the Regular 6isitation at all the monasteries of the rder either

"ersonally or through a delegate, even though the Regular 6isitation has been made recently bythe Father #mmediate or his delegate.

ST #2.2.:The %bbot -eneral acts in every way as a Father #mmediate to the !ommunity of !Dteau.

3He confirms the elections of abbots and abbesses and accepts their resignations, as vicar of the -eneral!ha"ter, when the -eneral !ha"ter is not in session.

'He has the power to dispense in all that pertains to the proper law of the 'rder( However, he does not havethe power to pass laws(

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5He cannot ma2e decisions about the goods or the persons of communities, e&cept as a temporary measurein case of necessity(

6The Abbot 0eneral is understood in law as Supreme Moderator of a clerical institute of pontifical right,according to the norm of the $onstitutions(

C. 3 The E+ection of the Abbot )enera+

1The Abbot 0eneral is elected by the 0eneral $hapters of both mon2s and nuns in separate sessions(;hoever obtains an absolute ma:ority in both $hapters is considered to be elected( .lection is for anunrestricted term( $onfirmation is not needed( To be eligible, he must be or have been an abbot in the'rder(

ST #3.1.AThe %bbot -eneral must be at least =< years of age.

ST #3.1.BThe %bbot -eneral &ee"s his stability in his monastery and can eercise all rights there that arecom"atible with his office. 2hen an abbot is elected %bbot -eneral while still in office, his

"osition becomes vacant from the moment of his acce"tance of the new office.

23or his resignation from office to be valid it must be accepted by both 0eneral $hapters(

ST #3.2.AThe %bbot -eneral is to offer his resignation to the -eneral !ha"ters nearest to his >5thbirthday.

C. 4 The Co!nci+ of the Abbot )enera+

1The Abbot 0eneral is helped in fulfilling his pastoral office by a council 3E4, which is competent for bothmon2s and nuns in matters defined by law(

ST #'.1.AThe council of the %bbot -eneral is made u" of five members. Four members, i.e., two mon&sand two nuns, are nominated by the Regional !onferences, and elected by the two -eneral!ha"ters together. Their election is confirmed by each of the -eneral !ha"ters. Their mandatelasts si years, so that two members will be elected at each meeting of the two -eneral !ha"tersof %bbots and abbesses. The fifth member, a mon& or a nun, is chosen for a three year term at

each -eneral !ha"ter, by the %bbot -eneral and the four councillors already elected. Thesemembers are chosen for their com"etence and, among other ualities, their o"enness to differentcultures. They are to be at least =< years old and solemnly "rofessed in the rder for ten years.

ST #'.1.A bisuring the time of hisher mandate, the councillor of the %bbot -eneral loses hisher "assivevoice in abbatial elections, ece"t in hisher own community. eShe cannot be a""ointedsu"erior ad nutum ece"t in hisher own community.

ST #'.1.BThe members of the %bbot -eneral0s council are also members of the !entral !ommission that,in session, acts as the "lenary council of the %bbot -eneral.

ST #'.1.CThe %bbot -eneral reuires the consent of his council for the $uridical validity of his acts in thefollowing cases;a.to a""rove foundations and to "ermit the o"ening of novitiates in foundations.

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b.to acce"t the resignation from office of an abbot.b.bisto remove an abbot from his office according to ST =*).

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ST #'.1.#f the %bbot -eneral is im"eded, the Arocurator -eneral ta&es care of current business.

ST #'.1.=For a "articular case, the %bbot -eneral may name a s"ecial councillor, who does not reside inRome, chosen from among the abbots or abbesses of the region where the case is found. #f the

%bbot -enera deems it necessary, this s"ecial councillor may be invited to a meeting of thecouncil, and have the right to vote.

C. # The Abbot of C>tea!