"I will run the way of your commands, you will give freedom to my heart." (Ps 119,32)
The particular law of our Society
191. The life and activity of communities and confreres are regulated by the universal law of the Church and the particular law of the Society.
The latter is expressed in the Constitutions, which represent our basic code, the general Regulations, the deliberations of the general chapter, the general and provincial directories, and in other decisions made by competent authorities.
Meaning and interpretation of the Constitutions
192. The present Constitutions enshrine the spiritual riches of the traditions of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and define the apostolic project of our Society.
The Church, in approving them, assures us of the authenticity of the gospel way of life traced out by our Founder, and recognizes in it "a special benefit for the whole People of God".1
The Apostolic See alone is their authentic interpreter, but for the practical direction of the Society and the good of the confreres the Rector Major with his council, as well as the general chapter, can give interpretations.
Binding quality of the Constitutions
193.
The Constitutions are binding on every member in virtue of the obligations he has freely assumed before the Church by religious profession.Without prejudice to what is laid down by universal law,1 major superiors can dispense temporarily from individual disciplinary articles.
194.
Should it happen that a member believes in conscience that he should withdraw from the Society, he shall do so before God after he has taken the advice of prudent persons, and with the support of the understanding and charity of his confreres.R 54
He may not however leave the Society until his temporary profession has expired or he has not been admitted to further profession, or until he has been lawfully freed from the vows and obligations he assumed at the profession itself by passing to another institute, by dispensation or by dismissal in conformity with the universal law.1
195.
Fidelity to the commitment made at our religious profession is a response which we continually renew to the special Covenant that the Lord has made with us.Our perseverance is founded entirely on the fidelity of God who loved us first, and is nourished by the grace of his consecration. It is sustained too by love for the young to whom we are sent, and is expressed in gratitude to the Lord for the gifts that Salesian life offers us.
196. Our living Rule is Jesus Christ, the Saviour announced in the Gospel, who is alive today in the Church and in the world, and whom we find present in Don Bosco who devoted his life to the young.
In response to the predilection of the Lord Jesus who has called us by name, and led by Mary, we willingly accept the Constitutions as Don Bosco's will and testament, for us our book of life and for the poor and the little ones a pledge of hope.
We meditate on them with faith and pledge ourselves to put them into practice; they are for us the Lord's disciples, a way that leads to Love.