This Constitution gives expression to the application of the Rule of the Order to the First and Second Branches.

1. ADMISSION

1.1 Persons seeking entry into the First or Second Branches must go through an admission procedure, applying through the Superior of a local Community.

1.2 Aspirants to the Order:

(b) must be aware of their obligations.

(c) must freely petition admission.

(d) must have the right intention.

(e) must have adequate physical health.

(f) must have the necessary intellectual, moral and spiritual formation to lead the Fraternal and Apostolic way of Life.

1.3 The Community Superior or the Postulant Master or Mistress can ask for any documents, references etc., to validate the aspirant's case. A Baptismal Certificate, together with a health certificate, should be presented by the aspirant.

1.4 There are no restrictions in terms of age. However, it is recommended that the entrance age for youth be no less than seventeen years, due to the age requirements of the Novitiate.

1.5 If the applicant satisfies admission criteria he/she will be sent to a House of Formation where admission into the Postulancy will be effected after a brief orientation period of a month or more, as necessary, by the Postulant Master/Mistress in consultation with the Community Superior there.

2. POSTULANCY

2.1 The duration of the postulancy is six months. During this time the postulant experiences the Life of the Order, abiding by the Rule and Constitution of the Order.

2.2 Upon acceptance, postulants receive a list containing the materials which are necessary for their stay within the Community. Also, they shall be given a costing for their stay within the Community as a postulant.

2.3 Before entry into the postulancy, aspirants must be reasonably free from all worldly commitments, especially financial and family responsibilities. However, they should not completely sever their ties with the outside world, as re-entry after an unsuccessful postulancy could be difficult.

2.4 If, for some reason, the postulant must leave the postulancy temporarily during these six months, the Postulant Master must determine whether the postulancy period must be renewed or extended.

2.5 If a postulant's behaviour is in direct confrontation to the behaviour fostered within the Community, the Postulant Master, after consulting the Community Superior, may terminate the postulancy.

2.6 If the Postulant Master/Mistress feels that the duration of the postulancy is inadequate for an individual, the period of postulancy may be extended, at the discretion of the Postulant Master/Mistress.

2.7 Postulants should be advised against donating goods or financial sums to the Order as, if they find their calling unjustified, they should have the means readily available to be assimilated back into the world.

3. NOVITIATE

3.1 Upon the satisfactory completion of the postulancy, the aspirant is admitted into the Order as a novice, undertaking training for the Life of the Order. To be admitted to the Novitiate, the aspirant must be over the age of eighteen (18) years.

3.2 This acceptance of the new novice occurs through a robing ceremony, where the novice receives the Habit of the Order [Appendix B]. The novice is given the option of exchanging his Baptismal Name for a Religious name. This name then becomes written within the annals of the Order.

3.3 After the investiture with the Habit, the new novice commences his/her Novitiate in a monastery/convent designated for this purpose. The Novitiate will normally be a minimum of one year duration, but may be extended to two years maximum.

3.4 The formation of the novices is entrusted to a Novice Master / Mistress who, in close co-operation with the Superiors of the Order and the novices, foster religious harmony and the spirit of the Order, providing the best possible learning experiences.

3.5 Novices are expected to live fully the life and ideals of the Order; to live the Evangelical Counsels. They are to study the Rule and Constitutions of the Order, to learn the `practice of the Vows'. They are to study the Teachings of the Church and the Traditions, always remembering the main ideal of fostering a deeper union with Jesus Christ, and have permission to read unapproved Private Revelations, provided they are not contrary to the Teaching of the Church.

3.6 While it is expected that the novices spend, ideally, most of their time within the Community atmosphere, the Novice Master / Mistress may allow contact between family and other persons if it is seen to be appropriate.

3.7 An absence from the Novitiate for more than three months, whether continual or intermittent, renders the Novitiate invalid.

3.8 In cases of absence of less than three months, after consultation with the relevant Superior, the Novice Master / Mistress will decide if the absence should be made up and, if so, the length of time the Novitiate is to be prolonged.

3.9 A novice may freely leave the Order and, for a just reason, may be dismissed from the Order by the relevant Superior.

3.10 Upon the completion of the Novitiate the novice is professed.

4. PROFESSION

4.1 The Celibate Priesthood of the First Branch and all members of the Second Branch are required to make profession of the Evangelical Counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience as Solemn Vows, by which they are totally dedicated to God Who is supremely loved. (C.573); Redemptionis Donum, 9)

By Profession of the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience the members:

• dedicate themselves to God in a special way - directly and entirely.
• are conformed to the Life of Christ more closely under the action of the Holy Spirit.
• are united in a special way to the Church and Her Mission.
  

4.2 At the completion of the Novitiate the novices make a simple temporary profession for three years. However, during this time the vows are renewed yearly.

4.3 The Vows are taken in a public Profession Ceremony. At the completion of the ceremony the candidate is no longer a novice but a fully recognised member of the Order. After this Profession, the member may wear the Three Knots in the cord of the Habit, signifying the three Vows.

4.4 At the completion of the Ceremony a newly Professed male member formally approaches the Community Superior to seek permission to commence studies for the Priesthood, or alternatively to declare his wish to remain a Religious Brother.

(b) Those selected for further training as Religious Brothers also continue their formation for life in the Order.

4.5 After the three year Temporary Profession, members concerned take Perpetual Vows, with the vows being subsequently formally renewed every three years. This is a Solemn Profession.

4.7 If the completion of the three year period, the Temporary Professed Member, or his Superior, feels that the member is not ready for Solemn Vows, the Temporary Vows can be extended for a further year. Further extensions are not to exceed a total of nine years.

PROFESSION: POVERTY

4.8 The Evangelical Counsel of Poverty, in imitation of Christ - Who, for our sake, was made poor when He was rich - (2 Cor.8:9) entails a life which is poor in reality and in spirit, sober and industrious, and a stranger to earthly riches.

4.9 Members should remember that they are only pilgrims through this life and, as such, the goods that they provide for themselves are really provided for them by God, for the purpose of sustaining their simple life, and to help them carry out the works of the various Apostolates of the Order.

4.10 Goods should not be retained unless necessary for the support of life, and members should avoid any semblance of avarice. Prior to Profession, therefore, the member is to either dispose of his/her material possessions to family, or to donate them to the Order. In the case of the latter, a "Deed of Gift" duly signed and witnessed, is to be made out, listing the property and/or moneys involved.

4.11 Members ought willingly to bear the Poverty of Religious Life lived in Community and the inconveniences stemming from it.

4.12 Since the Member's Life of Poverty should bear relation to the social condition of the people in whose midst they dwell, the Members should gladly live among the poor and bring them a living witness to the Gospel by sharing their sorrows and struggles, by working - as circum-stances permit - to assist them in their human development and to raise their aspirations to the hope of Eternal Reward.

4.13 The Order itself may own temporal goods, but not the members. Hence, any compensation for work, or donation given to members, must be given to the Community Superior.

4.14 In keeping with the Life of Poverty and Community living of the Order, a prudent and moderate use of money is permitted to members under the authority and control of the Superior.

4.15 Members are discouraged from begging, unless it becomes absolutely necessary after they have done all they can to amend the situation which makes it imperative.

4.16 All members are permitted to own exceptional personal items of parental or religious value owned before entrance into the Order, provided these items do not interfere with the common good. In instances of doubt, the Superior will decide each case.

PROFESSION: CHASTITY

4.17 The Vow of Chastity for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 19:12) which the member professes, is an outstanding gift of Grace. It frees the heart of a person in a very special way. As Saint Paul writes: "But I would have you be without solicitude. He that is without wife, is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord; how he may please God" (1Cor.7:32-35). In this way, celibacy is a sign of that magnificent marriage established by Christ and to be manifested fully in the future when the Church has Christ as Her only Spouse.

4.18 By the Vow of Chastity, members not only renounce marriage but also pledge themselves to avoid every external or internal offence against purity.

4.19 The member who is striving seriously to observe the Chastity he has professed must have faith in the Words of Our Lord, and, trusting in God's help, not to over-estimate his own strength, but practice mortification, and keep guard over his senses and avoid idle curiosity. Neither should he neglect the natural means which promote health of mind and body. Let all, Superiors especially, remember that Chastity is guarded more securely when true brotherly love flourishes in the life of the Community. (Perfectae Caritatis, Art.12)

4.20 Since this observance of perfect continence touches, intimately, the deepest needs of human nature, novices should neither present themselves for, nor be admitted to, the Vow of Chastity unless there is suitable proof that they possess the emotional maturity required.

4.21 To preserve angelic purity, each member must seek great help in the Eucharist and also look to the Pure Heart of Mary, as Model and Helper in this precious virtue.

4.22 Any difficulties arising from dealing with outsiders should be manifested in all simplicity and trust to the Confessor, or, if the member so desires, to the Superior. But all exterior temptations and dangers affecting themselves or others should always be mentioned at once to the Superior.

4.23 Let them have a deep fraternal love for all members. They may find that sharing their ideas and hopes with certain members leads them closer to God. But they must never allow such friendship to become exclusive; merely sentimental.

PROFESSION: OBEDIENCE

4.24 Through the Vow of Obedience members fully surrender their own wills to God, offering themselves so that their will may become one with the Divine Will, after the example of Jesus Christ Who came to do the Will of His Father. Thus, in a spirit of Faith, members make a commitment to seek out and do God's Will on a daily basis in the light of the Rule and Constitution and the Directives of their Superiors. The observance of the Rule and Constitution is the shortest way to Sanctification and the eventual attainment of Eternal Life. However, these do not oblige, by themselves, under pain of sin except through the obligations of the Vows. Any wilful violation of these Rules is, necessarily, a sin - mortal or venial - for the obedience shown to Superiors is given to God, Who is in them, and governs them and enlightens them. Any contempt shown to Superiors passes on to Our Divine Master, Who has said of Superiors: "He who hears you, hears Me: he who rejects you, rejects Me." (Luke 10:16)

4.25 The members are bound to obey the Pope as their highest Superior, and those whom he appoints.

4.26 Members shall obey their Superiors in all things provided, of course, that their commands are not contrary to the Rule, Constitution, Church Teachings and a member's own correct conscience.

4.27 Superiors commanding in the Name of Our Lord ought to imitate, in their governing, the qualities and virtues of Our Divine Master, requesting of their subjects only things that are reasonable, moderate and normally possible.

4.28 Members, in virtue of the Vow, are obliged to fulfil the orders of legitimate Superiors imposed "in the Name of Holy Obedience". Only in rare cases, and with all prudence and caution, should Superiors command in virtue of Holy obedience, and then in matters of grave importance. Such formal precepts must be given in writing, or at least in the presence of two witnesses.

5. COMMUNITY LIFE

5.1 "And all that believed were together, and had all things in common". (Acts 2:42-47) Through a common life, Members are united with the same purpose; the same ideals; the same spiritual, and legal, bonds.

5.2 All should strive to support the Community through their God-given talents and their supporting charity towards one another.

5.3 The Priests, Brothers and Sisters form part of an extended family, with the Community as their home. Together with the Branch of Families there are many activities they will share in common, and every member must endeavour to cultivate harmonious, mutually supportive, relation-ships with other members of the Community, to learn from each other, and to promote unity in all activities, irrespective of personal preferences and prejudices, likes and dislikes.

5.4 The nature and discipline of Community Life means that members are to perform certain activities in common. A suitable schedule for Community activities - taking into consideration the half active - half contemplative life for the Religious of the Order - will be established in each Community. (Appendix D: Sample Schedule - Community Activities).

5.5 Activities and chores within the Community should be done gladly, and shared equally among members, with a cooperative spirit needed in every aspect of Community life:

• in preparing meals, eating together, accepting graciously the food we are given - setting aside personal preferences, unless for health reasons.
• in clearing up, washing up and cleaning kitchen and dining facilities.
• in sharing the less pleasant tasks - like garbage disposal, cleaning of toilets, servicing of drains, sewage systems and the like, so essential to Community hygiene.
• by accepting tasks we are allotted, whether they be menial, maintenance tasks, office work, or farm work - without complaint.
  

5.6 Members should avoid judgements, words or conduct that could disturb peace, charity, and the duties of Community living. All should be ready to forgive and forget, and strive to work together as brothers and sisters in Christ. ("...Guard against foul talk; let your words be for the improvement of others, as occasion offers, and do good to your listeners, otherwise you will only be grieving the Holy Spirit of God, Who has marked you with His Seal for you to be set free when the day comes. Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind - forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ." (Ephesians 4:29-32)

5.7 When problems do arise between members, they should endeavour to resolve the difficulty in an amicable manner, remembering Our Lord's Words: "...to forgive seventy times seven ..." But, if the problem persists, it is to be brought to the Superior of the Branch (Priests, Brothers or Sisters) by the Parties concerned. The Superior deals with the matter in the following way:

• He/She will first listen to each member separately.
• He/She will then hear any witnesses to the matter in dispute.
• He/She will then bring the parties together, at which meeting, the truth should come out, and any misjudgements become clear, with the matter resolved by reconciliation.
• If the matter is not resolved in this way, it is to be brought to the Community Superior by the Superior of the Branch. The Community Superior may consult with the Superiors to reach a decision, and, if he considers it necessary, impose a penance on the offending parties. As St. Bonaventure tells us:"..Faults should not go unpunished in order that the erring brother may be cleansed from his sin and not be punished more severely by God later on .." (Ref. The Virtues of a Religious Superior - St. Bonaventure)
• If the matter should continue to be intractable, it may be referred by the Community Superior to the next higher authority.
• It is to be understood that any problems between members should be first dealt with by their immediate Superior, and only referred by him/her to a higher authority if the matter cannot be resolved.
  

5.8 Members are to respect the privacy of one another.

5.9 Silence, which is the delight of the contemplative, may be imposed in enclosures and other nominated areas at particular times of the day to facilitate prayer, reflection and study.

5.10 Cleanliness must be adhered to, and all members must work to ensure that their surroundings are as clean as possible. This cleanliness also applies to personal hygiene of all members.

5.11 As there may be many families in the Community with many children, the Religious has a special duty of care. Although the discipline and correction of children is first the responsibility of parents - when a parent is not present and a child or children need correction, the Religious, especially, have a clear responsibility to admonish or correct. However, it would be better not to interfere or try to correct a child in the presence of a parent, unless the parent is distracted, when it would be preferable to try to bring the matter to the parent's attention.

6. PRAYER

6.1 Prayer should become a way of life, with members always bearing in mind the Patron Saint of the Order, Saint Charbel, who showed how a life of prayer and work became as one, totally dedicated to God.

6.2 The daily life of the First and Second Branches of the Order consists of one half day spent in prayer and half the day in work.

6.3 The Mass is to be the focal point of the Prayer Life, with all members attending at least one Mass daily, and encouraged to become daily Communicants.

6.4 Members are to spend one hour in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament each day.

6.5 When Communicating, members are to receive the Blessed Sacrament on the tongue whilst kneeling, and Priests of the Order shall - under no circumstances - give Communion in the hand.

6.6 Members are to daily Consecrate themselves to Jesus and Mary.

6.7 Members shall strive to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, looking to Her as the Mediatrix of All Graces, in order to come closer to Her Divine Son, Jesus Christ. Members shall daily recite the fifteen-decade Rosary, and shall set aside the appropriate time to accomplish - with piety and fidelity - the practise of meditating on the Mysteries of the life of Jesus and Mary. At least one Rosary must be said in Community.

6.8 Members should greatly desire to receive the Sacrament of Penance, and must frequent the Sacrament at least monthly.

6.9 The Priests of the Order shall recite the Exorcism Prayer of Saint Michael, daily.

6.10 For Priests of the Order, and Deacons, the Office of the Hours is mandatory in accordance with Canon Law, and all members of the Second Branch are bound in this Divine Office. Where five or more members of the First or Second Branch reside in a Community, each particular hour of the Divine Office is to be sung or recited in Community at the time assigned to it.

6.11 Special devotion should be given to the Saints - especially Saint Joseph and Saint Charbel.

6.12 Priests of the Order are to say one Mass daily. Where necessary they may offer additional Masses, subject to approval. The Priests will adhere to the authorised Calendar of the Order and Rituals of Ceremonies approved for use within the Order.

6.13 The Masses of all true Catholic Rites may be said within the Order, and members are encouraged to participate in these Masses, without restrict-ion. (Ref. Appendix C - Recognised Catholic Rites)

7. FAMILY AND SOCIAL LIFE

7.1 Once within the Order members, always holding in special respect and honour their parents and relatives, should pray for them.

7.2 Members should not, however, become excessively involved with the affairs of their relatives, but may, through the guidance of their Superiors, prudently and charitably assist those truly in need.

7.3 Members should be careful in judging the need to leave the Community in order to assist parents and relatives, and must have their Superior's approval to do so.

7.4 In some circumstances, ill or elderly relatives could be provided with temporary accommodation and care within the Community, provided there are no other reasonable alternatives, and provided also that this does not impose an undue burden on the Community.

7.5 Relatives wishing to visit members in the Community should be made welcome, provided the permission of the Superior has been given. Visitors should not visit private quarters in Religious Houses.

7.6 Members must remember that they have joined a Religious Community; that this should be the centre of their existence, and religious discernment must be followed in all socialising with family, Community, or the outside world.

7.7 Members wishing to socialise outside the Community should follow the directives and discernment of their Superiors.

7.8 Members in the Postulancy and Novitiate stage should not leave the Community unless absolutely necessary, and unless accompanied by professed Community members.

7.9 Members of the First and Second Branches should freely intermingle with the Third Branch Community Members, provided the Rules regarding privacy and Community living are adhered to.

8. APOSTOLIC WORKS

8.1 The main Apostolic work of the Order is to re-evangelise the Mystical Body of Christ by, firstly, living the Word of God, and then by preaching the Word of God.

8.2 Re-evangelisation or the continuous proclamation of the Gospel is fundamental to the charism of the Order. It concerns the salvation of souls. Through the preaching of the Priests and the good example of the families and Religious, souls will be led to accept the Gift of Faith, or be reconciled to God. (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 5).

8.3 Catechesis or education in the faith is intimately bound up with the whole life of the Order. This is visibly seen by the families living an integrated life with the Religious. This close collaboration with the Branch of Families for the education of the children in the Order is to encompass:

• teaching Christian Doctrine in a systematic way in the schools that are formed for the children of the Third Branch;
• preparation of children for the reception of the Sacraments;
• administering the Sacraments;
• integration of children into the life of the Order; and
• the missionary witness to Religious life in the various works of the Order. (Catechism of the Catholic Church,6)
  

8.4 Assisting parents of the Third Branch with the general education of children in the Community Schools by taking responsibility for the running of Community Schools, and in consultation with the parents, directing all aspects of the school curriculum, and by fostering sports and physical training programs for the general well-being of the Community children.

8.5 Re-unification of East and West through fostering the visible bonds of communion: Profession of the one Faith; Divine Worship in the Sacraments; Apostolic Succession through the Sacrament of Holy Orders; maintaining the fraternal charity of God's family through participation in the way of life of the Order. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 815)

8.6 Promotion throughout the world of the Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to Saint Louis Marie De Montfort.

8.7 The Order also strives to care for the neglected members of the Mystical Body of Christ - especially the unwanted; youth neglected within society, and in a special way take care of unwanted babies and children who have contracted diseases eg. - A.I.D.S., and those who are abandoned in Hospitals, with no family environment. A "House of the Holy Innocents" may be formed for this purpose; also, to help mothers to retain their children, rather than procure an abortion.

8.8 The Ministry of Preaching is entrusted in a special way to the Priests of the Order. They should zealously administer the Sacraments so as to promote among the faithful a life of reconciliation and union with the will of God - the Sisters and Brothers also taking part in preaching.

8.9 Members should take an active role in teaching, particularly catechetics, reaching out, as much as possible, to the whole world.

8.10 Members should be suitably prepared for their Apostolic Work, and adequate care must be taken to ensure that these works which are undertaken will not encroach on the duties of everyday life.

8.11 Within Communities where a Retreat House is present, members are responsible for it and the apostolate associated with it.

8.12 Members of the First and Second Branches are to bear in mind the special affiliation that they have with the Third Branch. They must provide the Spiritual Guidance and Sacraments necessary for the Community.

8.13 The Sacred Shrines associated with the Order are to be governed by suitable rules specifying the nature, purpose and administration, for the benefit of the pilgrims.

9. FORMATION OF FUTURE PRIESTS

9.1 Whenever possible, the Supreme Moderator will name someone in each country who will be responsible for training future Priests. If this is not possible in the new Foundations, candidates for the Priesthood are to be sent to the most appropriate formation centre.

9.2 The Order will possess its own formation centres for the Priesthood and the Professors will be selected meticulously.

9.3 The Professors will faithfully follow all the teachings of the Church and of the Sovereign Pontiff, remembering always that they have taken a vow of fidelity to him.

9.4 Students in theology will have a well defined prayer life, together with the Priests who will be teaching them.

9.5 They will maintain a work life which is appropriate to their studies and the requirements of the Order.

9.6 The Professors will be informed of this so they can keep a good balance between the tasks related to the studies and work life of the Order. They will be under the local Superior, with whom they will work in close collaboration regarding this matter.

9.7 The future Priests will be specifically trained to guide well, direct well, and to know how to organise their lives accordingly. They will there-fore know how to serve well, so they can guide well later on.

9.8 The program of studies will cover the basic subjects required by the Catholic Church. Options will be then established according to the needs of the Order and to the capabilities.

9.9 The authorities of the Order for the Branch of Priests will also establish the basic criteria for acceptance of candidates to the Priesthood.

CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE

9.10 In all Western countries, candidates will study basic Latin so they can read the Mass and the Blessings of the Roman Ritual, and administer the Sacraments.

9.11 They will also learn, if possible, a living language other than their mother tongue.

9.12 They will have to learn the principal elements of philosophy so they are better equipped to read and understand certain theological texts essential to the life of faith.

9.13 They will have to supply proof of their ability to succeed in their studies by their previous studies; if not, they will complete pre-requisite courses.

9.14 The candidate will have to supply proof of emotional stability and firmness of character.

9.15 They will have had to demonstrate a balanced piety and have a stable prayer life - which the Superiors can confirm and follow - during the two-year formation period (Postulate and Novitiate).

9.16 Also to be verified is the supernatural calling to the Priesthood, and that the candidate's response to this call is free and personal. For this reason it is appropriate that the candidate list all his motives, written in a letter to his immediate Superior which, after acceptance, is to be passed to the Superior responsible for the formation of future Priests.

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

9.17 Courses on each of the Sacraments will be given, as well as the Liturgy for each Sacrament, in order to ensure their proper administration and to enable the future Priests to readily explain them to the faithful.

9.18 The Old and the New Testaments of the Bible will be studied so that the candidates learn to preach and teach well.

9.19 Courses on spiritual and mystical life will be given so they can counsel all members and faithful who consult them about their faith life.

9.20 Well structured Mariology courses will give them all the elements of a well-understood and lived Marian faith life.

9.21 Courses on the hierarchical and mystical Church will give them a good understanding that the Church has a double foundation: the Apostles and the Prophets. They will also study Canon Law.

9.22 The Liturgy and the life of prayer are to form the basis of unity between acquired knowledge and the practice of prayer.

9.23 The traditional hymns and music of the liturgy are to form an important part of the life of prayer in the Community.

9.24 Since the members take part in a consecrated life, courses in the constant pursuit of sainthood will be given so this can be fostered in members of all Branches. Teachers will refer to official Church texts and to spiritual and mystical authors. Should a student wish to learn more thoroughly about an author, or a form of spirituality, he will be directed to the corresponding option in the form of a tutorial where a Professor will guide him in doing the appropriate research (for example, he will be able to study more thoroughly the Marian spirituality of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Saint Francis, Saint Dominic, Saint Ignatius, etc.)

9.25 A course in Church history will help them understand the most import-ant stages in the development of the faith such as obstacles and oppositions encountered by the Church, which come from ideological or anti-Catholic movements (e.g. Freemasonry, Socialism, Atheism, Modernism, etc.) as well as the goals of certain Councils.

9.26 A specialised course will be given on the body of Apparitions, Miracles already approved by the Church, and a study of the criteria for discernment will be offered to help students well understand current Apparitions, because of the crucial importance these Apparitions have for future times, and so that the student becomes acquainted with the mystical life of the Church.

9.27 Examinations are to be prepared by the Professors concerned and will be approved by the Moderator's Council of which the formation delegate is a member.

9.28 When candidates come from other Orders or Communities, the course requirements, the course programmes, and the examinations, will be handed to their Superior.

9.29 The cost of courses for future Priests will be established in writing so that eventual benefactors may contribute to the study programmes, to the required documentation and to the cost of studies, so that candidates to the Priesthood be free of debt at their ordination. Their families will also be advised of the support to be given to them, according to their means.

9.30 A fund will also be created to help the Seminary, just as a fund will be created to help other training schools established by the Order.

9.31 The local Superiors will have at heart to pray regularly for the different vocations and the future Priests, reminding all the members that it is the Will of Jesus, Himself, that they pray to Him to send workers for His harvest.

9.32 Finally, the missionary spirit will be developed and constantly maintained by a course given on Evangelisation, as well as by continuous prayer intentions related to missions in other countries. Some members and future Priests will also be formed to go to missions in other countries.

9.33 Priests entrusted with the formation of future Priests and Professors will be familiar with all the official documents of the Church on this subject, and will take upon themselves the corresponding requirements.

9.34 Future Priests will receive a technical formation in different areas of practical work, according to their talents, their abilities, and the needs of the Order. They will get practical experience to be able to better lead and direct others.

10. TRAINING OF THE SECOND BRANCH

10.1 The formation of members of the Second Branch continues after the completion of the Novitiate and Temporary Profession. Those who choose to remain as Brothers or Sisters of the Order dedicate their God given talents to serving the Community and the Order in skilled, semi-skilled or non-skilled work, as well as committing themselves to the contemplative life.

10.2 To assist with the continuing Spiritual formation and the development of the Consecrated Life, members will be trained in the mystical life, from the writings of the Fathers of the Church, the Saints, and the varied Messages from the different Apparitions containing precious teachings.

10.3 Both Sisters and Brothers, after Profession, as well as undergoing deeper formation in the Consecrated Life, are also to undertake training in various trades, aimed at helping Communities with the skills essential to future self-sufficiency. Some will be selected for training in areas such as cooking and food preparation, building, agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, animal husbandry, etc., with others being selected for training in the teaching, medical and the medicinal use of herbs, nursing, veterinary, accounting and even legal disciplines.

10.4 Eventually the Order will have in its possession schools, training establishments and various Houses of Formation. Until such services are available within the Order, the necessary training will need to be undertaken in the civil training and institutional centres. In this regard, Superiors will always take steps to ensure that the Consecrated life of the Member undergoing such training is not inhibited in any way.

10.5 Qualified teachers and others with the skills which must be developed within the Order will be chosen, according to their competence, to plan, develop and implement the various courses which will be needed.

10.6 For each member of the Second Branch a plan is to be progressively prepared by his/her Superiors in consultation with teachers, professors or skilled artisans of the Order, as well as the member, covering the ongoing requirements for Spiritual Formation, and the directions for his/her training in temporal skills.

10.7 Superiors will recognise the multiplicity of skills and experience which the Third Branch members will bring into the Order with them, and will take steps to ensure that these are availed-of for the future training of members of the Second Branch.

10.8 Every Community should strive to establish a good Reference Library containing - as well as the most important Theological, Mystical and Spiritual Formation writings - Teachings of the Church, Scriptural Studies, History and Liturgy, reference works in the medical, scientific, engineering, building, farming, etc., so essential to teaching of the temporal skills necessary to the good function of the Order and the development of its Apostolic works.

10.9 The Priests remain responsible for spiritual formation of all the Order's members by appropriate - and well coordinated - teachings, or conferences, retreats, homilies, and structured courses.

10.10 It is not expected that the Priests of the Order can deal with the technical and professional fields, although some may be able to. Properly trained Sisters and Brothers will be essential to the temporal welfare of the Order and its Apostolic Works.

10.11 All members will have to take to heart their own training, to always better love and serve, while progressing on the way to holiness.

10.12 Each Superior and Council President must always have in mind that a solid spiritual formation, and training in the appropriate sectors of a member's task in which he is engaged, is a key to success; to keep harmony and charity. When members know what they do - and why - they also have at heart the work they do, and for which they feel responsible.

11. LINE OF AUTHORITY

11.1 All Communities will have a Priest as Community Superior. However, the Community Superior's role and Authority is strictly accountable to the Major Superior. All are accountable to the Supreme Moderator.

11.2 The Community Superior, in Consultation with members of the Community, appoints the Community Council, which is responsible for the development and management of the Community property - its buildings, facilities, farm production and industry, subject always to the authority of the Community Superior. The Community Council will be formed from representation of all Branches in the Community, with its Office Bearers drawn from those with the skills necessary to fulfil the appointed tasks.

11.3 The Community Superior, in consultation with the Major Superior, appoints the Superiors of the Branches of Priests, Brothers and Sisters, which may be in the Community. The Superior can be a Priest, a Religious Brother, or Sister, as appropriate, and is responsible to the Community Superior for the welfare and formation of the members in his/her care:

• The Superior of the Branch of Priests in the Community convenes the Council of Priests to assist him with this task.
• The Superior of the Brothers in the Community convenes the Council of Brothers to assist him with this task.
• The Mother Superior of the Sisters in the Community convenes the Council of Sisters to assist him with this task.
  

12. THE COMMUNITY AND BRANCH COUNCILS

12.1 The Community Council has responsibility for the overall supervision of the planning, administration, finances and management of the Community and its farm production and industry. Membership of the Community Council will be drawn from all Branches in the Community. The Community Superior appoints all the members of the Community Council.

12.2 The Office Bearers of the Community Council will also be appointed by the Community Superior from members of all Branches with the requisite skills, and may include - but not necessarily so - such officers as Chairman, Secretary, Financial Officer, Farm Manager, Project Managers. The Branch Superiors will also sit on the Community Council.

12.3 The Community Superior will be present at all Council meetings, but may delegate control of the meeting to a Chairman. The meetings will usually follow a consultative pattern, and decisions should be reached unanimously. The community Superior will not normally go against a majority of the council, but if a division of opinion exists the Community Superior will make the decision.

THE BRANCH COUNCILS:

12.5 To assist with this task, the Superior of each Branch will convene a Branch Council - a Council for Priests; a Council for Brothers; a Council for Sisters. The Branch Superior may appoint Office Bearers to assist with the orderly preparation for - and control of - meetings, such as a Secretary to record the deliberations and decisions of meetings, and, if warranted, a Treasurer to manage any funds the Branch Council may be given to discharge its responsibilities.

12.6 The Superior of the Branch will be present at all meetings, which will usually follow a consultative pattern with decisions being reached unanimously.

THE COUNCILS DURING THE FOUNDATION STAGE:

More information concerning the Function, Operation, and composition of the Community Council, and the Branch Councils, will be provided at a later stage in Appendix A, - Government of the Order