Dominican government, communitarian and democratic, has as its final end the enhancement of the Order's mission. The basic elements of this government are the Word of God, common life and the tradition of the Order, always attentive to the situations and changes of the times.
Government calls and animates all the brethren to be responsible.
This responsibility is shown in the ability to listen and to serve, and also in sharing Dominican life with the brethren. Our brethren are becoming ever more conscious of participating in projects of collaboration, not only at the moment of their planning, but also in their accomplishment. Recognizing these attitudes and desires, this Chapter would like to make some clarifications regarding some points in order to develop more fully our life and mission. In July 1997 the Province of St Thomas in Italy was set up after the unification of the Neapolitan Province of St Thomas and the Province of Sicily. In July 1997 the Province of France was set up after the unification of the province of France and the Province of Lyon.