--- Page 1 --- PROVINCIAL CURIA. TELEPHONE DUBLIN 91165. ST. PAUL'S RETREAT, MOUNT ARGUS, DUBLIN. 1st March, 1956. To all Capitular Fathers. Very Rev. and dear Father, 6/1/10/2 You will recall that in the Twelfth Session of the last Provincial Chapter a reference was made to the unsatisfactory nature of the existing Compendium of Decrees. It was "recommended that the Provincial Curia should examine into the matter, so as to be able to recommend to the next Provincial Chapter which Decrees should be retained and which abrogated, the final decision in each case to remain with the Capitular Fathers." For your convenience a copy of the Compendium has been prepared with a few explanatory notes. The recommendations of the Provincial Curia are set out in an appendix to this letter. We trust that you may find all this helpful towards arriving at your own conclusions. With every good wish, I remain, Yours fraternally in Christ, Tengus. C.P. Provincial. --- Page 2 --- NOTES FOR THE CAPITULAR FATHERS ON OUR PROVINCIAL DECREES. ***** 1. The Provincial Curia will recommend to the Chapter that all enactments should be clearly worded either as Decrees or Recommendations, that terms like "urge", "exhort", "wish that" be eliminated.2. The Curia will recommend that our Compendium of Decrees should contain only those enactments which express something new, or not already explicitly contained in existing legislation. Repetitions, and reminders, of what already exists should not be written into the Compendium.3. The reason stated in Paragraph 2 covers most of the following enactments, as may be verified from references to Canon Law, our Holy Rule and Regulations. Where this does not apply the reason for suggested elimination will be given at the Chapter. Eliminate Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, First sentence of 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, omit "to start new Confraternities" in 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, First two sentences and last sentence of 41, 42, 46, 47, 48, 56, 57, 59, First sentence of 60, 61, 64, 67, 68. (The remainder are governed by the terms of No. 78). 4. The Curia will recommend:(1) that the following be retained as they are: 44, 45, 49, 51, 53, 58, 62.(2) that the following be retained as decrees or recommendations: 13, second sentence of 14, 23, (omitting phrase about Confraternities), 50, 52, 54, 55, Second sentence of 60, 65. (Remainder governed by No. 78)5. The Curia will recommend that the following be redrafted: 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, Third sentence of 41, 66. SO 55 656. The Curia has no comment to make on 9.7. Was No. 63 "ultra vires" or should it be retained? --- Page 3 --- OUR PROVINCIAL DECREES. 1. In the Fourth Session of the First Provincial Chapter of St. Patrick's Province it was decided that the already existing Compendium of Decrees (1923) of the Anglo-Hibernian Province of St. Joseph should be adopted, with the exception of four decrees viz. 19, 20 and 21, which dealt with intoxicating drink, and 29, which referred to prayer for the conversion of England. Hence, of the thirty three decrees in the 1923 Compendium we made our own the following twenty nine. (Note: The reference in brackets is to the Chapter which enacted the decree, J. signifying St. Joseph's Province.) 1. Rectors and Superiors are charged to see that the Friests should always make the prescribed half-hour's preparation before celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and that those who have permission to celebrate at the first half-hour of prayer should make the preparation before Frime and Tierce. Let them see also that the prescribed half-hour of thanksgiving be not omitted without necessity. (8th J.) 2. At the 16th Provincial Chapter the President charged the consciences of the Superiors that the Divine Office and other public prayers should be recited with becoming slowness, distinctness and devotion. It was recommended also, that the reading in our Refectories should always be of an edifying nature. (16th J.) 3. The Chapter draws attention to the need of greater fidelity in keeping the Observance, especially the rule of silence, the attendance of the Religious at the Examens, the Friday Chapters and the blessing before night prayers. The Chapter charges the Provincial to make diligent enquiry at the Visitation on these points. (21st J.) 4. Although the attendance at the Sunday Sermons supplies in some part for the weekly Examens, the Chapter recommends the Rectors to see that this duty is discharged once or twice a month in Choir. If for valid reasons the Moral Case cannot be held as frequently as is prescribed in the Regulations, it should at least be held in conformity with Canon 591 of the Code. (22nd J.) 5. The Religious are reminded that the weekly "Benedicite" which has to be asked according to our custom, includes only those things which tradition has defined. If any of the Religious have need of anything further, they should apply for it in writing to the Rector. Thenceforth if granted, it will be taken as included in the weekly permission. (21st J.) --- Page 4 --- 6. To prevent misunderstanding, it is hereby declared that the local Superiors are not bound to recognise any dispensation or temporal permission obtained from the Higher Superiors, unless it be produced in writing: and that such permissions are valid only while the said Higher Superiors remain in office. (22nd J.) 7. It is ordered to the Rectors to give instructions to their Vicars whose duty it is to watch over and direct the food supply, to take care that a warm pittance be supplied for the evening collation, together with soup or some equivalent, and that the Friday collation shall be such as to supply in some measure for the absence of the pittance at dinner "salvo digiuno", which is in accord with the Rule, Spirit and custom of our Congregation. (9th J.) 8. Superiors and Religious are reminded of the precepts of Our Holy Rule regarding the great charity to be shown to the sick. The Chapter orders that in all our Retreats accommodation be provided for those who are dangerously ill, that these may be nursed with due care and comfort, according to the rules of modern hygiene. (20th J.) 9. The Ven. Chapter decrees that the occasional rest being a reward for good conduct and heavy labour, cannot be looked upon by individual religious as a right. The granting of this rest and the determination of its place and duration is left to the Irovincial, who will take into account the opinion of the Rector. The Religious in every instance before leaving the Retreat, must hand to the Rector his address and the key of his room. (22nd J.) 10. The Religious are strictly forbidden to stay in secular houses in the neighbourhood of our Retreats. (17th J.) 11. The Ven. Chapter reminds our Religious that when "in transitu" they are subject to the Superior of any house in which they may happen to stay. (18th J.) 12. The Chapter is of the opinion that, generally speaking, it is advisable that the Religious should not be left for a long time in the same Retreat. Our Religious should not attach themselves so particularly to any one Retreat so as to consider it a grievance or a hardship if they are appointed to another house at the discretion of the Irovincial. (23rd J.) 13. The Superiors, Missioners and Confessors are earnestly exhorted to interest themselves in procuring suitable subjects for the Alumniate and Novitiate. (21st J.) --- Page 5 --- 14. As the moral training of our young men is most important, and as the Directors contribute very much towards it, Rectors are requested not to employ them in external work that would interfere with the duties of their office. A three days' Retreat is to be given to the Students at the end of the Annual Vacation. (16th J.) 15. The Ven. Chapter decrees that after our young priests have completed their course of formal study, they should remain together to prepare for the Missions, and that no one of them be occupied in external duties until he has written his full course of Mission discourses to the satisfaction of the Provincial, and further, that no one of them be afterwards sent on Missions unless his application and general conduct have been considered satisfactory. (20th J.) 16 Superiors of Missions are to see that the Rosary and the Instruction before the Sermon should not exceed half an hour; nor the whole service an hour and a half. Also the Chapter recommends that the course of Instructions given on Missions should embrace both the Sacraments and the Commandments. (18th J.) 17. Missioners are reminded of their duty to teach the people to meditate on the Sacred Passion, and the Catechist should not content himself with the devout recitation of the ejaculations, but should also use them as a means of giving a short practical sentiment on the Passion. (20th J.) 18. The Ven. Chapter decrees that our Fathers henceforth cease to have anything to do with the sale of scapulars or other articles of devotion and also books (the Companion of the Mission excepted) on Missions and Retreats. (11th J.) Re-draft 19. The Ven. Chapter draws attention to that point of our Holy Rule which ordains that Religious should return from Missions and Retreats "summo mane", and declares that this point of our Holy Rule applies with equal force to those sent out for the purpose of preaching Charity Sermons or to supply. (15th J.) 20. The Father Vice-Rector and the other priests may, according to necessity, be employed in particular ministries for the spiritual advantage of the secular congregation; they cannot, however, be permanently charged with the entire direction, the responsibility of which remains always with the Local Superior. (1st J.) 21. The Religious who are appointed to visit in the parishes or districts attached to our Houses, are reminded that they should visit the poor the negligent and the sick, and not show preference for the better classes, lest this important duty should degenerate into useless visits of pleasure or compliment. (8th J.) 22. The Chapter reminds Directors of Confraternities that in their management they must act with entire dependence on the Local Superiors as regards both spiritual and temporal matters. (18th J.) --- Page 6 --- 23. Let no Rector be at liberty to change existing buildings, to suppress established, or to start new Confraternities, or alter the pre-existing order of Services in the Churches without the consent of the Father Provincial. (8th J.) Rechart. 24. That, at the Annual Visitation and at the Provincial Chapters, the Superiors be required to furnish an account of the spiritual condition of the congregations under our charge. (20th J.) 25. It is forbidden to print and publish writings or compositions of any kind, though short or in the form of letter, whether by means of periodicals or in any other manner, without the written approbation of the V. Rev. Fr. Provincial pro tempore. The aforesaid prohibition extends to the printing of pictures. It will belong to Fr. Provincial to depute, whenever the matter requires it, two Religious to decide whether, in the manuscript to be published, there is anything to amend, or whether the manuscript can be printed at all. (1st J.) 26. Lay Brothers are reminded of the rule which enjoins on them to present themselves once a month to the Rector for Conference. (23rd J.) 27. Rectors and Local Superiors are warmly recommended to see that the Religious employed in the office of begging do not neglect, during the time of their absence, those exercises of piety which are inculcated by the Rules and Regulations, and particularly daily meditation for the space of an hour, and Communion as often as possible. It is prescribed that during the quest the Religious shall write to the Superior every week, and that they shall not absent themselves longer than a month, except in some extraordinary case. (1st J.) 28. Questing outside the Dioceses in which our houses are situated is forbidden, unless the permission of the Ordinary be obtained. (20th J.) 29. The Chapter renews and confirms the terms of the provision previously issued by Most Rev. Fr. General, forbidding our Religious to speak at any public political meeting without the consent of Fr. Provincial. This prohibition is extended to public utterances in our own or other Churches. Should anyone offend against these prohibitions he is to be reported by the Local Superior to the Provincial, who should deal severely with offenders. (22nd J.) 2. In the same session of the First Provincial Chapter it was also agreed to adopt thirteen other decrees enacted by Anglo-Hibernian Chapters but which were not contained in the 1923 Compendium. It was found that one of these (No. 6 of the 16th Chapter) was already contained in the existing Decree No. 14. Hence the following enumeration: --- Page 7 --- 30. When Night Frayers have been recited, let the doors of the Church and House be locked and the keys brought to the Rector's room; after this it shall be lawful for no one to leave the house except to attend an urgent sick-call. (14th J.) 31. (Note: Decree No. 31 concerning the Retreat for the Students after the Annual Vacation has been incorporated in Decree No. 14 above.) 32. The Venerable Chapter, recognising the frequent neglect of the Observance, especially that of Matins, deplores the tendency to seek dispensations and the growing practice of Religious absenting themselves from Choir without due permission from the Superior. It expresses its earnest desire that the greatest regularity should henceforth be observed; that the professed priests and brothers should regularly assist at Matins; that the Communities in houses of full observance should, as far as possible, be constituted of religious physically capable of keeping the entire Rule, and dispensations should not be granted unless for grave and urgent reasons. "To prevent misunderstandings between subjects and Superiors, it is hereby declared that local Superiors are not bound to recognise any dispensation or temporal permission so-called, obtained from the Higher Superiors, unless it can be produced in writing; and that such permissions are valid only while the said Higher Superiors remain in office, unless confirmed by their successors". In case of negligence on the part of the Rector in the maintenance of the full observance, the Provincial and his Consultors should refuse to confirm his pagella, as has been determined in the recent General Chapter - Sec. 1, par. 4. (Quoad observantiam). (22nd J.) 33. To preserve the same customs and traditions and the spirit of our vocation, the Chapter enjoins that the Regulations concerning the Students be strictly observed, particularly in regard to visits, letters, walks, recreations, the monthly Conference and newspapers. (22nd J.) 34. Local Superiors are reminded of the duty of keeping the Church, Retreat and other buildings in good repair. All external wood-work should be painted every three years. (22nd J.) 35. The Chapter directs that no aspirant cleric shall be received into our Novitiate without having, beforehand, passed successfully the Matriculation Examination. (23rd J.) 36. The Venerable Chapter, recognising that abuses against Silence are on the increase, charges Superiors not only to observe this point of Rule themselves, but strictly to insist that silence be observed by the Community, and especially that Religious should be prohibited from visiting one anothers' rooms after Night Frayers. (24th J.) 37. The Chapter reminds our Religious that they cannot retain or use money or personal gifts received on Missions or at other times, without the explicit permission of the local Superior or the Provincial. (24th J.) --- Page 8 --- 38. The Chapter charges Rectors to see that members of their Community who may be appointed for Missions or Retreats, observe that point of Rule which enjoins that they should go to and return from Missions and Retreats DIRECTLY; and it further declares that the Superior of the Mission has no power to grant permission for unnecessary orders "in via" contrary to the prescriptions of our Holy Rule, which orders them to return "recto tramite, summo mane" after their labours. (24th J.) 39. Missionaries are reminded that the interval between successive Missions and Retreats must be spent in the Iassionist House which is nearest to the place where the last Mission or Retreat was given; whenever it is inexpedient for them to return to the solitude of their own house. The length of time and the nature of the rest after missionary work is clearly laid down in our Regulations, and Superiors are bound to see that these prescriptions are duly observed. (24th J.) 40. As the Regulations provide that dispensations from the common life and other exceptional privileges must be in writing, Superiors are enjoined to see that those who have no written exemption should conform to the common life in regard especially to the wearing of sandals. The Habit must always be worn in the Church, Choir and Refectory. (24th J.) 41. The use of the lounge or short jacket is strictly forbidden to our Religious. The ordinary Clerical or Chesterfield coat must be worn. The Lay-Brothers are reminded to observe the distinction between the ordinary clerical collar and that prescribed for themselves. Superiors are instructed to see that this Decree is immediately complied with. (24th J.) ve. avalt 42. It was recommended by the Chapter that where there is a case of illness and a Religious is confined to his room, a Brother should be relieved of his ordinary duties which would make it impossible for him to give attention to the sick Religious. It was also suggested that one or two Brothers should receive professional training, which would fit them to nurse more serious cases of illness. (24th J.) 3. The decrees of our First Provincial Chapter of St. Patrick's Province, and also an observation made in the Second Session of the same, were included in our own first Compendium (circa 1929) and were numbered as follows: (R signifies Saint Patrick's Province) 43. (Note: This decree was later superseded by a new decree made in our Sixth Provincial Chapter, No. 58 in this Compilation.) 44. In partial fulfilment of Canon 509, Sec. 2, the Ven. Chapter decrees that the Rectors and Superiors are to provide our Lay Brothers with suitable books of Religious Instruction. The selection of such books is to be made by the Provincial Curia. (1st P.) --- Page 9 --- 45. The Venerable Chapter decrees that "wireless" in the cells of the Religious is strictly forbidden. The same prohibition is extended to "wireless" in any part of the Retreat without the permission of the Provincial. (1st P.) ne-draft 46. The sum of £5 per quarter for each lay Postulant and each lay Novice, while in the Novitiate, was agreed upon. (1st P.) 4. The Fifth Provincial Chapter of our Province recommended that "the decrees of the Chapters since 1932 be added to the already existing collection of Chapter Decrees." (Decree No. 6 ) These decrees, in all, numbered twenty five, seven of which were written into our existing Compendium. A direction expressed in the Eighth Session of the same Chapter was also added. The seven decrees and direction above referred to are as follows: 47. The Ven. Chapter exhorts Superiors to be vigilant in preventing abuses creeping in with regard to the wearing of secular clothes by the brethern when at home, and to see that the prescriptions of our Holy Rule in Chapter V : "The clothes of the Brethern", especially paragraphs 18 and 20, be faithfully adhered to. (3rd P.) 48. The Ven. Chapter exhorts Superiors to have a special care of our young Brothers, finally professed, in accordance with paragraphs 265 and 266 of our Regulations. (4th P.) 49. The Ven. Chapter decrees that the provisions of paragraph 107 of our Regulations forbidding any Religious of our Congregation to print or publish anything, whatsoever, without the previous revision, approbation and express permission of the Higher Superiors, be extended to Broadcasting - whether of Music, Lectures or Sermons. (4th P.) 50. It is the wish of the Ven. Chapter that V. Rev. Fr. Provincial, at time of Visitation, examine the Deeds of the property of each Retreat. (5th P.) ne-draft 51. The Ven. Chapter decrees that in all our Retreats in Scotland, the Three Hail Marys after Compline, or in the Church during Benediction, be recited for the Conversion of Scotland. (4th P.) 52. The Ven. Chapter decided that the Provincial Curia: (1) Provide a suitable house near the sea for the Students' Annual Vacation. (2) That a temporary Superior, other than the Director of Students, be appointed to this house. (3) That a levy be imposed on the Retreats of the Province to meet the expenses of these vacations. (4) The observance is to be regulated by an Horarium drawn up by the Provincial Curia. (5th P.) 53. The Ven. Chapter decrees: (1) That a Questionnaire drawn up by the Provincial Curia be sent to each Postulant before acceptance. (2) That the Postulants be medically examined at the beginning of each year by the House Doctor. (3) Also, that the Novices be medically examined --- Page 10 --- before their Three Months', as well as before their Eleven Months' Chapter. (5th P.) 54. The Ven. Chapter directs that the Local Superiors provide Confessionals near the Choir for the Confessions of the Religious. (2nd P.) 5. Of the twenty five decrees referred to above in Paragraph 4, fifteen dealt with matters since attended to and are, accordingly, omitted. The remaining three are as follows: 55. In view of the importance of the Irish language for our missionary work, the Venerable Chapter ordains that the Fr. Provincial provide efficient teachers of Irish for our students, and furthermore that in houses of formal study, the reading in the refectory be in Irish once a week. (3rd P.) very draft 56. Considering the state of preservation of the Body of Father Paul Mary Pakenham when it was transferred to its present resting-place, the Venerable Chapter recommends that, the necessary permissions and instructions having been obtained, the Rector of St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus, in conjunction with the Provincial Curia, have the Body re-examined with a view to a separate and more suitable interment. 57. The Venerable Chapter urges Superiors to be vigilant that the Silence prescribed among us be scrupulously observed; that our priests be faithful in making the prescribed half-hour's preparation for and thanksgiving after the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; that the examens and Friday Chapters be regularly held; and that in regard to privileges permitted after works of the ministry our Missionaries abide by what is laid down in the Directory for Missions. 6. The Decrees since the Fifth Provincial Chapter exclusive of those which dealt with matters attended to are: 58. The Venerable Chapter, legislating against the possible abuse of intoxicating drinks, issues the following Decree, which takes the place of earlier legislation (Decree 43 in our "Compendium of Decrees") : - (a) "That henceforward intoxicating drink is forbidden before dinner, outside the Retreat, except with the permission of the Superior; the same prohibition holds within the Retreat, at all times, except with the same permission."(b) "That Superiors are warned of their grave responsibility in regard to the observance of these prescriptions, and are directed to impose on offenders, suitable penalties." (6th P.) 59. The Venerable Chapter, after full and sympathetic consideration recommends to the Provincial Curia, that "The Cross" be used as a means of promoting, financially and otherwise, the cause of our Foreign Missions. (6th P.) 60. The Venerable Chapter directs special attention to Paragraph 189 of our Regulations, and to Decree 15 of our "Compendium of Decrees" on the --- Page 11 --- preparation by our young priests of sermons for Missions and Retreats, and desires Superiors concerned, to see that the prescriptions therein are carefully followed. Furthermore, the Chapter directs the Provincial Curia to see that our young priests, who have finished their formal study, be provided with books essential for their further studies. (6th P.) 61. The Venerable Chapter recommends that the Provincial Curia arrange for the publication, in English, of the life and Works of Our Holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, by Fr. Cajetan, and they feel that the spread of devotion to Our Holy Founder and the other Passionist Saints, would be greatly fostered by the wider circulation of objects pertaining to these Saints. (6th P.) 62. To encourage the study of Irish, and to enable our priests to conduct Missions and Retreats in Irish, the Venerable Chapter recommends that a certain number of priests, to be selected by the Provincial Curia, be sent to the Gaeltact each year, for a course of studies. (6th P.) 63. In view of greater efficiency in Studies, the Venerable Chapter petitions the General Curia to grant permission to our Lectors, to have Classes in the Mornings on Feasts of the Second Class. (6th P.) 64. The Venerable Chapter, while reviewing the condition and progress of our Confraternities, and commending the work done by their respective Directors recommends that the term of Directorship should not, in ordinary circumstances exceed three years. (6th P.) 65. In view of the high educational requirements in foreign missionary countries, the Ven. Chapter directs the Provincial Curia to select a sufficient number of suitable Religious for adequate training in this aspect of missionary work. (7th P.) 66. To prepare our young Priests for Missions and Retreats in conformity with the Passionist method, the Ven. Chapter orders that the "Directory for Missions and Retreats" be used as a text-book during the year devoted to Sacred Eloquence. (7th P.) 67. The Ven. Chapter decrees that the pension payable by clerical Novices be raised to £60 per annum; and, likewise, that the pension payable by Postulants henceforth entering the Alumniate be also raised to £60 per annum. (7th P.) 68. The Ven. Chapter, abrogating Decree 2 of the Fifth Provincial Chapter, orders that the "Missa pro populo" be said "de praecepto" in Holy Cross Parish on all those days on which it is said in the other Parishes of the Diocese of Down and Connor. (7th P.) 69. The Venerable Chapter, having considered the progress made in Scotland during recent years, and desiring to foster still more the interests of the Congregation there, directs that one of the Consultors as Provincial Delegate shall ordinarily reside in Scotland: this decision to be reconsidered at the next Provincial Chapter. (8th P.) 70. The Venerable Chapter, desiring that the Feast of the Solemn Commemoration of the Passion be celebrated with due solemnity in our Churches, directs that the annual Retreat be so arranged as not to include this Feast. (8th P.) --- Page 12 --- 71. The Venerable Chapter, while respecting such rights as may have been already acquired, decrees that, without the consent of the Local Chapter and the approval of the Provincial Curia, none but our own Religious be interred in the Cemeteries, attached to our Retreats. (8th P.) 72. The Venerable Chapter directs Father Provincial to determine for each Retreat a suitable hour for the recitation of Night Prayers on Recreation nights. (8th P.) 73. The Venerable Chapter directs that the Religious in Ireland shall attend the Novena to St. Patrick. When it is not expedient for the Religious to attend the Public Novena, the Novena Devotions shall be held in the Choir during Evening Prayer. (8th P.) 74. The Venerable Chapter recommends that the Rector, when convoking the Local Chapter, should make known beforehand the matter to be treated of, except in particular cases when necessity or prudence may dictate otherwise; also, that when the importance of the decision, which is to be taken demands it, he can use his discretion to adjourn the Chapter, so that all may have opportunity to give their decision adequate consideration. (9th P.) 75. Mindful of the authority given to Provincial Chapters by Decree No. IV, Section 111, of the 36th General Chapter, and in accordance with Par. 236 of our Regulations, the Ven. Chapter desires the Provincial Curia to provide for the further training of our lay-brothers, after their first Profession, as referred to in the same Decree. It recommends that their training should be for six years duration, during which time, without prejudice to the rights of the Local Superior, they shall be under the direction of the Master of Novices or the Director of Students or an approved priest, to whom they shall be subject in all things as the students are subject to their Directors, and that the first two years of this period be spent in the Novitiate House. (9th P.) no draft 76. Anxious that our Foreign Mission and those engaged on it should be remembered in our prayers, the Ven. Chapter decrees that, in all our Retreats, immediately before the 'Asperges' (or 'Vidi Aquam'), the following be added: 'For our Foreign Mission, Ave Maria, etc., Regina Missionum, ora pro nobis.' (9th P.) 77. The Ven. Chapter decrees, in accordance with Decree No. 6, Section 111, of the 36th General Chapter, that in any Retreat of the Province it shall be sufficient for the Religious, going out or coming in, to obtain the usual 'Benedicite' from the Local Superior, except during time of Visitation, or in particular cases as the Father Provincial may decide. (9th P.) 78. The Ven. Chapter directs that Decrees of Provincial Chapters be reconsidered at the two subsequent Chapters before final acceptance. (10th P.) 9 ***** --- Page 13 --- NOTES FOR THE CAPITULAR FATHERS ON OUR PROVINCIAL DECREES ***** 1. The Provincial Curia will recommend to the Chapter that all enactments should be clearly worded either as Decrees or Recommendations, that terms like "urge", "exhort", "wish that" be eliminated.2. The Curia will recommend that our Compendium of Decrees should contain only those enactments which express something new, or not already explicitly contained in existing legislation. Repetitions, and reminders, of what already exists should not be written into the Compendium.3. The reason stated in Paragraph 2 covers most of the following enactments, as may be verified from references to Canon Law, our Holy Rule and Regulations. Where this does not apply the reason for suggested elimination will be given at the Chapter. Eliminate Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, First sentence of 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, omit "to start new Confraternities" in 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, First two sentences and last sentence of 41, 42, 46, 47, 48, 56, 57, 59, First sentence of 60, 61, 64, 67, 68. (The remainder are governed by the terms of No. 78). 4. The Curia will recommend:(1) that the following be retained as they are: 44, 45, 49, 51, 53, 58, 62.(2) that the following be retained as decrees or recommendations: 13, second sentence of 14, 23, (omitting phrase about Confraternities), 50, 52, 54, 55, Second sentence of 60, 65. (Remainder governed by No. 78)5. The Curia will recommend that the following be redrafted: 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, Third sentence of 41, 66.6. The Curia has no comment to make on 9.7. Was No. 63 "ultra vires" or should it be retained?