Mutuae-Relationes-en


Mutuae-Relationes-en

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SACRED CONGREGATION FOR RELIGIOUS AND FOR
SECULAR INSTITUTES
SACRED CONGREGATION FOR BISHOPS
DIRECTIVES FOR THE MUTUAL
RELATIONS BETWEEN
BISHOPS AND RELIGIOUS
IN THE CHURCH
INTRODUCTION
I. Mutual relations among the various members of the People of God have
attracted particular attention today. In fact, the conciliar doctrine on the
mystery of the Church and continuing cultural changes have brought
present conditions to such a point of development that completely new
problems have arisen. A good number of these, though delicate and
complex, are without doubt positive. It is precisely within the context of
these problems that the mutual relations between bishops and religious,
which cause special concern, are situated. One cannot but be impressed if
one considers the fact -- the importance of which deserves to be studied
more deeply -- there are over one million women religious in the world --
one sister, that is, for every 250 Catholic women -- and that there are about
270,000 men religious, of whom the priests make up 35.6% of all the
priests in the Church. In some areas they account for more than half of the
total as, for example, in Africa and in some parts of Latin America.
II. The Sacred Congregation for Bishops and the Sacred Congregation for
Religious and for Secular Institutes held a mixed Plenary Assembly
(October 16-18, 1975) on the tenth anniversary of the promulgation of the
Decrees Christus Dominus and Perfectae Caritatis (October 28, 1965). The
National Conferences of Bishops and of Religious, as also the International
Unions of Superiors General, Men and Women, were consulted and
collaborated. The following questions, principally, were dealt with by the
Plenary Assembly:
a) what bishops expect from religious;
b) what religious expect from bishops;
c) what means are to be used to arrive at orderly and fruitful cooperation
between bishops and religious, both on diocesan and on national and
international levels.
Subsequently, when the general criteria were established and various
additions were made in the text of the proposals presented to the Fathers,
the Plenary Assembly decided that a document giving pastoral guidelines

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should be drawn up.
The contributions of the Sacred Congregations for Oriental Churches and
for the Evangelization of Peoples are also contained in this document.
III. The matter treated is circumscribed by well defined limits. It deals with
the relations between bishops and religious of all rites and territories
throughout the Church and aims at making a practical contribution to the
smooth functioning of the same. The direct subject of discussion are the
relations which should exist between the local Ordinary, on the one hand,
and Religious Institutes and Societies of Common Life on the other. Secular
Institutes are not dealt with directly, except where general principles of the
consecrated life (cf. PC 4) and the place of these Institutes within the
particular Church (cf. CD 33) are involved.
The text is divided into two parts: one doctrinal, the othernormative. The
intention is to give some guidelines for an ever better and more efficient
application of the principles of renewal set forth by the Second Ecumenical
Vatican Council.
PART ONE
SOME DOCTRINAL POINTS
Before giving pastoral norms for some of the problems which have arisen
in the relations between bishops and religious, it seems advisable that a
brief doctrinal synthesis be presented to make it possible to recognize the
principles on which these relationships are based. Moreover, the exposition
of such principles, though concise, presupposes an ample doctrinal
development of the Council documents.
CHAPTER I
THE CHURCH AS A "NEW" PEOPLE
Not according to the flesh, but in the Spirit (LG 9)
1. The Council has emphasized the singular constitutive nature of the
Church, presenting her as Mystery (cf. LG ch. 1). Indeed, from Pentecost on
(cf. LG 4), there exists in the world a new People, which, vivified by the
Holy Spirit, assembles in Christ in order to have access to the Father (cf.
Eph 2:18). The members of this People are gathered from all nations and
are merged into such an intimate unity (cf. LG 9) that its reality cannot be
explained by recourse to any mere sociological formula; for real newness,
transcending the human order, is inherent in it. Only in this transcendent
perspective can we rightly interpret the relationships among various
members of the Church. The element on which the uniqueness of this
nature is based is the very presence of the Holy Spirit. He, in fact, is the life
and vitality of the People of God and the principle of unity in its
communion. He is the vigor of its mission, the source of its multiple gifts,
the bond of its marvelous unity, the light and beauty of its creative power,

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the flame of its love (cf. LG 4; 7; 8; 9; 12; 18; 21).
In fact, the spiritual and pastoral awakening apparent in these recent years
reveals, by virtue of the presence of the Holy Spirit -- on which some
insidious abuses, though disquieting, give no evidence of having cast the
slightest shadow -- a special privileged moment (cf. Evangelii Nuntiandi
75) for a flourishing spousal newness of the Church as she tends towards
the day of her Lord (cf. Rev 22:17).
"One body and, as parts of it, we belong to each other"
(Rm 12:5; cf. l Cor 12:13)
2. In the mystery of the Church, unity in Christ involves a mutual
communion of life among her members. God, in fact, "willed to make men
holy and save them, not as individuals without any bond or link between
them, but rather to make them into a people" (LG 9). The very life-giving
presence of the Holy Spirit (cf. LG 7) builds up organic cohesion in Christ:
indeed, He unifies the Church "in communion and in the works of ministry,
He bestows upon her varied hierarchic and charismatic gifts, and in this
way directs her; and He adorns her with His fruits" (LG 4; cf. Eph 4:11-12;
1 Cor 12:4; Gal 5:22).
The elements, then, which differentiate the various members among
themselves, the gifts, that is, the offices and the various duties, constitute
substantially a kind of mutual complement and are actually ordered to the
one communion and mission of the self-same Body (cf. LG 7; AA 3).
Consequently, the fact that in the Church there are pastors, laymen or
religious does not indicate inequality in regard to the common dignity of
the members; rather it expresses the articulation of the joints and the
functions of a living organism.
Called together to make up a "visible Sacrament"
3. The newness of the People of God in its two-fold aspect, of a visible
social organism and an invisible divine presence intimately united, is
similar to the very mystery of Christ. In fact, "as the assumed nature,
inseparably united to Him, serves the divine Word as a living organ of
salvation, so, in a somewhat similar way, does the social structure of the
Church serve the Spirit of Christ who vivifies it, in the building up of the
body" (LG 8; cf. Eph 4:16). The intimate reciprocal connection of the two
elements, therefore, confers upon the Church her special sacramental
nature, by virtue of which she completely transcends the limits of any
simply sociological perspective. The Council, in fact, was able to assert that
the People of God is for all men "the visible sacrament of this saving unity"
(LG 9; cf. LG 1; 8; 48; GS 42; AG 1; 5).
The present social evolutions and cultural changes, which we ourselves are
witnessing, even though they evoke in the Church the need to renew not a
few perhaps of her human aspects, are nevertheless unable to deface in the
least her specific structure as universal sacrament of salvation. On the
contrary, these very changes, which are to be promoted, will serve at the

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same time to place her nature in ever greater evidence.
Destined to witness and announce the Gospel
4. All members -- pastors, laymen and religious -- each in his own manner,
participate in the sacramental nature of the Church. Likewise, each one,
according to his proper role, must be a sign and instrument both of union
with God and of the salvation of the world. All, in fact, have this two-fold
aspect in their calling:
a) to holiness: "all in the Church, whether they belong to the hierarchy or
are cared for by it, are called to holiness" (LG 39).
b) to the apostolate: the entire Church "is driven by the Holy Spirit to do
her part for the full realization of the plan of God" (LG 17; cf. AA 2; AG 1,
2, 3, 4, 5).
Therefore, before considering the diversity of gifts, offices and duties, we
must recognize as fundamental the common vocation of all to union with
God for the salvation of the world. This vocation requires in all, as a
criterion for participating in ecclesial communion, the primacy of life in the
Spirit: this is the basis for the privilege of hearing the Word, of interior
prayer, of the realization of living as a member of the entire Body and of
concern for its unity, of the faithful fulfillment of one's own mission, of the
gift of self in service and of the humility of repentance.
From this common baptismal vocation to life in the Spirit flow clarifying
exigencies and productive influences with respect to the relations which
must exist between bishops and religious.
CHAPTER II
THE MINISTRY OF THE BISHOPS WITHIN ORGANIC
ECCLESIAL COMMUNION
The communion proper to the People of God and its excellence
5. Organic communion among the members of the Church is the fruit of the
Holy Spirit Himself, in such a way that it necessarily presupposes the
historical initiative of Jesus Christ and His paschal exodus. The Holy Spirit
is, in fact, the Spirit of the Lord: Jesus Christ, "now raised to the heights by
God's right hand" (Acts 2:3), "poured out on His disciples the Spirit
promised by the Father" (LG 5). Now, if the Spirit is like the soul of the
Body (cf. LG 7), Christ is objectively its Head (cf. LG 7); both therefore are
the source of the organic cohesion of its members (cf. 1 Cor 12-13; Col
2:19). Consequently they can have no true docility to the Spirit without
fidelity to the Lord, who sends Him; Christ, in fact, "is the head that adds
strength and holds the whole body together, with all its joints and sinews" --
and this is the only way in which it can reach its full growth in God (Col
2:19).
The organic communion of the Church, therefore, is not exclusively

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spiritual, born, that is, in whatever manner it may be, of the Holy Spirit,
and of itself preceding the ecclesial function and creative of them, but is
simultaneously hierarchic inasmuch as by a vital impulse it is derived from
Christ, the Head. The very gifts given by the Spirit are willed precisely by
Christ and are of their nature directed to the contexture of the Body in order
to vivify its functions and activities. "Now the Church is His body, He is its
head. As He is the Beginning, He was first to be born from the dead, so that
He should be first in every way" (Col 1:18; cf. LG 7). In this manner the
organic communion of the church, both as to its spiritual aspect and its
hierarchical nature, has its origin and vitality simultaneously in Christ and
in His Spirit. Rightly and appropriately, therefore, the Apostle Paul has used
the formulas "in Christ" and "in the Spirit" a number of times, making them
converge in an intimate and vital way (cf. Eph 2:21-22; and in various
places in the Epistles).
Christ the Head is present in the Episcopal ministry
6. The Lord Himself "set up in His Church a variety of offices which aim at
the good of the whole Body" (LG 18). Among these ministries, that of the
episcopate is fundamental to all the others. The bishops, in hierarchic
communion with the Roman Pontiff, make up the College of Bishops in
such a way that jointly they manifest and carry out in the Church-
Sacrament the function of Christ, the Head: "In the person of the bishops,
then, to whom the priests render assistance, the Lord Jesus Christ, supreme
High Priest, is present in the midst of the faithful.... [Bishops] in a
resplendent and visible manner, take the place of Christ Himself, teacher,
shepherd and priest, and act as His representatives" (LG 21; cf. 27, 28; PO
1, 2; CD 2). No one in the Church other than a bishop carries out an organic
function of fecundity (cf. LG 18, 19), unity (cf. LG 23), and spiritual
authority (cf. LG 22) which is so basic that it influences all ecclesial
activity. Even though the exercise of manifold other tasks and initiatives is
distributed diversely among the People of God, nevertheless, the Roman
Pontiff and the Bishops have the ministry of discernment and harmony (cf.
LG 21) which involves an abundance of special gifts of the Holy Spirit and
the distinctive charism of ordering the various roles in intimate docility of
mind to the one and only vivifying Spirit (cf. LG 12, 24, etc.).
The indivisibility of the ministry of Bishops
7. The bishop with the collaboration of his priests renders a three-fold
service to the community of the faithful, namely that of teaching,
sanctifying and ruling (cf. LG 25-27; CD 12-20; PO 4-6). There is no
question, however, of three separate ministries. Since, in the New Law,
Christ has essentially fused the three functions of Teacher, Priest and Pastor
into one, there is only one ministry unique in its origin. Consequently the
bishop's ministry is exercised in its different functions in an indivisible way.
If circumstances at times require that one of these three aspects be given
greater prominence, the other two are never to be separated or disregarded,
lest the inner unity of the entire ministry be weakened in any way. The
bishop, then, not only governs, not only sanctifies, not only teaches, but,
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by governing, as a unique and indivisible action. Hence the bishop, by
virtue of his very ministry, is responsible, in a special way for the growth in
holiness of all his faithful inasmuch as he is the principal dispenser of the
mysteries of God and the sanctifier of his flock according to the vocation
proper to each one (cf. CD 15) -- likewise, therefore, and above all
according to the vocation of religious.
The duty of the sacred hierarchy with respect to religious life
8. Careful reflection on the functions and duties of the Roman Pontiff and
the bishops in regard to the practical life of religious leads one to discover
with particular concreteness and clarity its ecclesial dimension, namely the
unquestionable bond of religious life with the life and holiness of the
Church (cf. LG 44). Through the action of the sacred hierarchy, God
consecrates religious for a more generous service of Him within the People
of God (cf. LG 44). Likewise the Church, through the ministry of her
Pastors, besides giving legal sanction to the religious form of life and thus
raising it to the dignity of a canonical state... sets it forth liturgically also as
a state of consecration to God" (LG 45; cf. SC 80, 2).
Bishops, furthermore, as members of the Episcopal College, in harmony
with the will of the Supreme Pontiff, are united in this: namely, in wisely
regulating the practice of the evangelical counsels (cf. LG 45); in
authentically approving Rules proposed to them (cf. LG 45) in such a way
that a mission recognized as typically theirs is conferred on Institutes; that a
commitment to found new churches is fostered in them, and that specific
duties and mandates are entrusted to them; in seeing to it, by their concern,
that Institutes "upheld by their supervisory and protective authority... may
develop and flourish in accordance with the spirit of their founders"(LG
45); in determining the exemption of some institutes "from the jurisdiction
of local ordinaries for the sake of the general good" (LG 45) of the
universal Church and to better "ensure that everything is suitably and
harmoniously arranged within them, and the perfection of the religious life
promoted" (CD 35, 3).
Some consequences
9. These brief considerations on "hierarchic communion" in the Church
shed much light on the relations that should be fostered between bishops
and religious.
a) Christ is the Head of the ecclesial Body, the eternal Pastor, who has
given precedence to Peter and the Apostles and their successors, namely the
Roman Pontiff and the bishops, constituting them sacramentally his Vicars
(cf. LG 18, 22, 27) and granting them appropriate charisms. No one else has
the power to exercise any function, whether of teaching, sanctifying or
governing, except by participation and in communion with them.
b) The Holy Spirit is called the soul of the ecclesial body. No member of
the People of God, no matter what ministry he may exercise, possesses
personally in himself, in their totality, gifts, offices and duties, but must
enter into communion with the others. Differences in the People of God,

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whether of gifts or functions, converge and mutually complement one
another, for the unique communion and mission.
c) Bishops, in union with the Roman Pontiff, receive from Christ the Head
the duty (cf. LG 21) of discerning gifts and competencies, of coordinating
multiple energies, and of guiding the entire People in living in the world as
a sign and instrument of salvation. They, therefore, are also entrusted with
the duty of caring for religious charisms, all the more so because the very
indivisibility of their pastoral ministry makes them responsible for
perfecting the entire flock. In this way, by fostering religious life and
protecting it in conformity with its own definite characteristics, bishops
fulfill a real pastoral duty.
d) All pastors, mindful of the apostolic admonition never to be a "dictator
over any group that is put in [their] charge, but [to] be an example that the
whole flock can follow" (1 Pt 5:3), will rightly be aware of the primacy of
life in the Spirit. This demands that they be at the same time leaders and
members; truly fathers, but also brothers; teachers of the faith, but
especially fellow disciples of Christ; those indeed, responsible for the
perfection of the faithful, but also true witnesses of their personal
sanctification.
CHAPTER III
RELIGIOUS LIFE WITHIN ECCLESIAL COMMUNION
The "ecclesial" nature of Religious Institutes
10. The religious state is not a kind of intermediate way between the
clerical and lay condition of life, but comes from both as a special gift for
the entire Church (cf. LG 43).
It consists in the following of Christ, by publicly professing the evangelical
counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, and by assuming the
commitment of removing all obstacles which could detract from the fervor
of charity and from the perfection of divine worship. A religious, in fact,
"dedicates himself wholly to God, his supreme love. In a new and special
way he makes himself over to God, to serve and honor Him;" this unites the
religious "to the Church and her mystery in a special way" and urges such a
one to work with undivided dedication for the good of the entire Body (cf.
LG 44).
This clearly indicates that religious life is a special way of participating in
the sacramental nature of the People of God. Indeed, the consecration of
those professing religious vows is especially ordained to this purpose,
namely of offering to the world visible proof of the unfathomable mystery
of Christ, inasmuch as in themselves they really present "Christ in
contemplation on the mountain, or proclaiming the kingdom of God to the
multitudes, or healing the sick and maimed and converting sinners to a
good life, or blessing children and doing good to all men, always in
obedience to the will of the Father who sent Him" (LG 46).

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The distinctive character of every Institute
11. There are many Religious Institutes in the Church, each differing one
from the other according to its proper character (cf. PC 7, 8, 9, 10). Each,
however, contributes its own vocation as a gift raised up by the Spirit
through the work of outstanding men and women (cf. LG 45; PC 1; 2), and
authentically approved by the sacred hierarchy.
The very charism of the Founders (Evang. nunt. 11) appears as an
"experience of the Spirit," transmitted to their disciples to be lived,
safeguarded, deepened and constantly developed by them, in harmony with
the Body of Christ continually in the process of growth. "It is for this
reason that the distinctive character of various religious institutes is
preserved and fostered by the Church" (LG 44; cf. CD 33; 35, 1; 35, 2;
etc.). This distinctive character also involves a particular style of
sanctification and of apostolate, which creates its particular tradition, with
the result that one can readily perceive its objective elements.
In this hour of cultural evolution and ecclesial renewal, therefore, it is
necessary to preserve the identity of each institute so securely, that the
danger of an ill-defined situation be avoided, lest religious, failing to give
due consideration to the particular mode of action proper to their character,
become part of the life of the Church in a vague and ambiguous way.
Some signs of a genuine "charism"
12. Every authentic charism implies a certain element of genuine originality
and of special initiative for the spiritual life of the Church. In its
surroundings it may appear troublesome and may even cause difficulties,
since it is not always and immediately easy to recognize it as coming from
the Spirit.
The specific charismatic note of any institute demands, both of the Founder
and of his disciples, a continual examination regarding fidelity to the Lord;
docility to His Spirit; intelligent attention to circumstances and an outlook
cautiously directed to the signs of the times; the will to be part of the
Church; the awareness of subordination to the sacred hierarchy; boldness of
initiatives; constancy in the giving of self; humility in bearing with
adversities. The true relation between genuine charism, with its
perspectives of newness, and interior suffering, carries with it an unvarying
history of the connection between charism and cross, which, above every
motive that may justify misunderstandings, is supremely helpful in
discerning the authenticity of a vocation.
Individual religious, too, certainly possess personal gifts, which without
doubt usually come from the Spirit. They are intended for the enrichment,
development and rejuvenation of the life of the institute, in the unity of the
community and in giving proof of renewal. Discernment of such gifts,
however, and their correct use will be measured according to the
consistency they show both with the community commitment of the
Institute and with the needs of the Church as judged by legitimate authority.

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Service characteristic of religious authority
13. Superiors fulfill their duty of service and leadership within the religious
institute in conformity with its distinctive character. Their authority
proceeds from the Spirit of the Lord through the sacred hierarchy, which
has granted canonical erection to the institute and authentically approved its
specific mission.
Considering then the fact that the prophetic, priestly and royal condition is
common to all the People of God (cf. LG 9, 10, 34, 35, 36), it seems useful
to outline the competency of religious authority, paralleling it by analogy to
the three-fold function of pastoral ministry, namely, of teaching, sanctifying
and governing without, however, confusing one authority with the other or
equating them.
a) Regarding the office of teaching, religious superiors have the
competency and authority of spiritual directors in relation to the evangelical
purpose of their institute. In this context, therefore, they must carry on a
veritable spiritual direction of the entire Congregation and of its individual
communities. They should accomplish this in sincere harmony with the
authentic magisterium of the hierarchy, realizing that they must carry out a
mandate of grave responsibility in the evangelical plan of the Founder.
b) As to the office of sanctifying, the superiors have also a special
competency and responsibility, albeit with differentiated duties. They must
foster perfection in what concerns the increase of the life of charity
according to the end of the institute, both as to formation, initial and
ongoing, of the members and as to communal and personal fidelity in the
practice of the evangelical counsels according to the Rule. This duty, if it is
rightly accomplished, is considered by the Roman Pontiff and the bishops a
valuable help in the fulfillment of their fundamental ministry of
sanctification.
c) As to the office of governing, superiors must render the service of
ordering the life of the community, of organizing the members of the
institute, of caring for and developing its particular mission and of seeing to
it that it be efficiently inserted into ecclesial activity under the leadership of
the bishops.
Institutes then have an internal organization all their own (cf. CD 35, 3)
which has its proper field of competency and a right to autonomy, even
though in the Church this autonomy can never become independence (cf.
CD 35, 3 and 4). The correct degree of such autonomy and the concrete
determination of competency are contained in common law and in the
Rules or Constitutions of each institute.
Some conclusions as guidelines
14. From the above reflections on religious life, we can deduce some
specific conclusions:
a) Religious and their communities are called to give clear testimony in the

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Church of total dedication to God. This is the fundamental option of their
Christian existence and their primary duty in their distinctive way of life.
Whatever the specific character of their institute may be, religious are, in
fact, consecrated in order to show forth publicly in the Church-Sacrament
"that the world can not be transfigured and offered to God without the spirit
of the beatitudes" (LG 31).
b) Every institute exists for the Church and must enrich her with its
distinctive characteristics, according to a particular spirit and a specific
mission. Religious, therefore, should cultivate a renewed ecclesial
awareness, by offering their services for the building up of the Body of
Christ, by persevering in fidelity to their Rule, and by obeying their
superiors (cf. PC 14; CD 35, 2).
c) Religious superiors have a grave duty, their foremost responsibility in
fact, to assure the fidelity of the members to the charism of the Founder, by
fostering the renewal prescribed by the Council and required by the times.
They should strive zealously, therefore, to direct and continually animate
their members to pursue this goal. They should, moreover, consider it their
privileged duty to bring about fitting and updated formation (PC 2d; 14;
18).
Finally, aware of the fact that religious life of its very nature requires a
special participation on the part of the members, superiors should strive to
encourage it, since "effective renewal and right adaptation cannot be
achieved save with the cooperation of all the members of an institute" (PC
4).
CHAPTER IV
BISHOPS AND RELIGIOUS PURSUING THE SELF-SAME
MISSION OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Ecclesial mission flows from the "fountain of love" (AG 2)
15. The mission of the People of God is one. In a certain sense it constitutes
the heart of the entire ecclesial mystery. The Father, in fact, "has
consecrated the Son and sent [Him] into the world" (Jn 10:36), "Mediator
between God and men" (AG 3). On Pentecost "Christ sent the Holy Spirit
from the Father to exercise inwardly His saving influence, and to promote
the spread of the Church" (AG 4). Thus the Church, throughout her history,
"is by her very nature missionary" (AG 2; cf. LG 17), in Christ and in virtue
of the Spirit. All -- pastors, laymen and religious -- each according to his
specific vocation, are called to be apostolically committed (cf. n. 4). This
commitment arises from the love of the Father; the Holy Spirit, then,
nourishes it, "giving life to ecclesiastical structures, being as it were their
soul, and inspiring in the hearts of the faithful that same spirit of mission
which impelled Christ Himself" (AG 4). Consequently the mission of the
People of God can never consist solely in the activity of the exterior life,
since apostolic commitment cannot in the absolute be reduced to mere
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missionary initiative is rooted in participation in the mystery of the Church.
And, in fact, the Church's mission is by its very nature nothing else than the
mission of Christ continued in the history of the world. It consists
principally in the co-participation in the obedience of Him (cf. Heb 5:8)
who offered Himself to the Father for the life of the world.
The absolute necessity of union with God
16. Mission, which begins with the Father, requires that those who are sent
exercise their awareness of love in the dialog of prayer. Therefore, in these
times of apostolic renewal, as always in every form of missionary
engagement, a privileged place is given to the contemplation of God, to
meditation on His plan of salvation, and to reflection on the signs of the
times in the light of the Gospel so that prayer may be nourished and grow
in quality and frequency.
It is urgently necessary that everyone appreciate prayer and have recourse
to it. Bishops and their priest-collaborators (cf. LG 25; 27; 28; 41),
"dispensers of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor 4:1) "should aim to make of
one mind in prayer all who are entrusted to their care, and to ensure their
advancement in grace through the reception of the sacraments, and that they
become faithful witnesses to the Lord" (CD 15). Religious, in turn,
inasmuch as they are called to be, as it were, specialists in prayer (Paul VI,
Oct. 28, 1966), "should seek and love above all else God..." and "in all
circumstances they should take care to foster a life hidden with Christ in
God (cf. Col 3:3) which is the source and stimulus of love of neighbor"
(PC 6).
By disposition of divine Providence, today many of the faithful are led by
an inner impulse to gather in groups to hear the Gospel, to meditate and
give themselves up to contemplation. Consequently for the very efficacy of
mission, it is indispensable to make certain that all, especially pastors, give
themselves up to prayer, and likewise that religious institutes preserve in
their form of dedication to God, both by fostering the eminent role that
communities of contemplative life hold in this field (cf. PC 7 and AG 18),
and by providing that religious, dedicated to apostolic work nourish their
intimate union with Christ and give clear witness of it (cf. PC 8).
Different forms of apostolic commitment
17. Cultural situations in which apostolic activity is carried out vary;
differences, therefore, can be noticed in the unity of mission. These,
however, "do not flow from the inner nature of the mission itself, but from
the circumstances in which it is exercised. These circumstances depend
either on the Church itself or on the peoples, classes, or men to whom its
mission is directed" (AG 6).
These assuredly real differences, although contingent, affect notably not
only the exercise of the pastoral ministry of bishops and priests, but also the
particular life-style and duties of religious. They exact difficult adaptations,
especially on the part of institutes dedicated to apostolic activity on an
international level.

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Regarding the relations between bishops and religious, therefore, in
addition to the differences in functions (cf. AA 1) and charisms (cf. LG 2)
the concrete difference existing within nations must likewise be carefully
considered.
Reciprocal influence between universal and particular Churches
18. The problem of the mutual influence between universal and particular
values of the People of God arises from the need to insert the mystery of
the Church into the setting distinctive of each region.
Vatican Council II dealt not only with the universal Church but also with
particular and local Churches, which it presented as one of the aspects of
renewal in ecclesial life (cf. LG 13; 23; 26; CD 3; 11; 15; AG 22; PC 20). In
this light, a certain process of decentralization, which necessarily has its
consequences in the relations between bishops and religious (cf. Evang.
nunt. 61-64), can have a positive significance.
Every particular Church becomes enriched by sound human elements,
characteristic of the genius and nature of each nation. Such elements,
nevertheless, are not to be regarded as indications of division, of
partìcularism or of nationalism, but as expressions of variety within the
same unity and of the fullness of that incarnation which enriches the entire
Mystical Body (cf. UR 14-17). The Church universal, in fact, is not the sum
total of particular Churches, nor is it a federation of them (cf. Evang. nunt.
62), but it is the total and enlarged presence of the unique universal
sacrament of salvation (cf. Evang. nunt. 54). This multiform unity,
however, carries with it various concrete exigencies for bishops and
religious in the fulfillment of their duties.
a) Bishops and their priest-collaborators are responsible before all others
both for the correct discernment of the local cultural values in the life of
their Church, and of the clear perspective of universality, by reason of their
missionary role of successors to the Apostles, who were sent out into the
whole world (cf. CD 6; LG 20; 23; 24; AG 5; 38).
b) Religious, then, even if they belong to an institute of pontifical right,
should feel themselves truly a part of the "diocesan family" (cf. CD 34) and
accept the duty of necessary adaptation. They should foster local vocations
both for the diocesan clergy and for religious life. Furthermore, they should
form candidates for their congregation in such a way that these really live
according to the actual local culture. At the same time, however they should
be watchful that there be no deviation from the missionary call inherent in
the religious vocation, or from the unity and distinctive character of each
institute.
Missionary duty and the spirit of initiative
19. A clear missionary obligation, rooted in their very ministry and charism,
emerges for bishops and religious. This obligation becomes more pressing
each day as present cultural conditions evolve in the form of two principal
trends, namely materialism, which is invading the masses even in regions

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Christian by tradition, and the increase in international communications,
whereby all peoples including non-Christians can readily be united one
with the other. Moreover, the deep upheavals of situations, the growth of
human values, and the manifold needs of the world today (cf. GS 43-44),
press ever more insistently on the one hand for the renewal of many
traditional pastoral forms of activity, and on the other for the search for new
forms of apostolic presence. In such a situation a certain apostolic diligence
is urgently necessary in order to devise new, ingenious, and courageous
ecclesial experiments under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who is by His
very nature Creator. A responsiveness rich in creative initiative (cf. n. 12) is
eminently compatible with the charismatic nature of the religious life. In
fact, the Holy Father Pope Paul VI himself affirmed this: "thanks to their
religious consecration, [religious] are above all free and can spontaneously
leave everything and go to announce the Gospel even to the ends of the
earth. They are prompt in acting; and their apostolate frequently excels
because of the ingeniousness of their projects and undertakings, which
evoke admiration in all who observe them" (Evang. nunt. 69).
Coordinating pastoral activity
20. The Church was not established to be an organization for activity, but
rather to give witness as the living Body of Christ. Nevertheless the Church
necessarily carries on the concrete work of planning and of coordinating the
manifold offices and services, so that together they may merge into one
unified pastoral action in which the choices to be made and the apostolic
engagements to be given preference are decided (cf. CD 11; 30; 35, 5; AG
22; 29). Today, in fact, it is necessary to set in motion on the various levels
of ecclesial life a fitting system of research and action, so that the mission
of evangelizing may be carried out in the way most consonant with the
different situations.
There are three principal operative centers for such desirable coordination:
the Holy See, the diocese (cf. CD 11) and successively, in its own proper
sphere, the Episcopal Conference (cf. CD 38). In addition to these centers,
then, other organs of cooperation are set up according to ecclesial and
regional needs.
Mutual collaboration among religious
21. Within the setting of religious life the Holy See establishes Conferences
of Major Superiors and of Superiors General, both on the local and on the
universal level (cf. PC 23; REU 73, 5). Obviously, these differ from
Episcopal Conferences in nature and authority. Their primary purpose is the
promotion of religious life as it is inserted into the contexture of ecclesial
mission, and their activity consists in offering common services, suggesting
fraternal initiatives and proposals for collaboration, respecting, of course,
the distinctive nature of each institute. This will undoubtedly contribute
also to offering valuable assistance for pastoral coordination especially if a
suitable examination of the operative statutes is made at fixed times, and if,
above all, the mutual relationships between Bishops' Conferences and
Conferences of Major Superiors are carried out according to the directives
issued by the Holy See.

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The pastoral meaning of exemption
22. The Supreme Pontiff, in view of the good of the Church itself (cf. LG
45; CD 35, 3), grants exemption to a number of religious families, so that
institutes can express their identity more adequately and devote themselves
to the common good with special generosity and on a wider scale (cf. n. 8).
Actually, exemption does not of itself create any obstacle either to pastoral
coordination or to reciprocal good relations among the People of God. In
fact, it relates to the internal organization of their institutes. Its purpose is to
ensure that everything is suitably and harmoniously arranged within them,
and the perfection of the religious life promoted. The privilege ensures also
that the Supreme Pontiff may employ these religious for the good of the
universal Church or that some other competent authority may do so for the
good of the churches under its jurisdiction" (CD 35, 3; cf. CD 35, 4; Eccl.
Sanctae I, 25-40; Evang. nunt. 69).
Consequently exempt religious institutes, faithful to "their own proper
characters and functions" (PC 2b), should cultivate above all special
attachment to the Roman Pontiff and to the bishops, placing their liberty
and apostolic availability at their disposal effectively and generously in
conformity with religious obedience. Similarly, they should devote
themselves with full awareness and zeal to the task of incarnating and
manifesting in the diocese the specific witness and the genuine mission of
their institute. Finally they should always reanimate that apostolic
sensitivity and initiative, which are characteristic of their consecration.
Bishops certainly recognize and appreciate greatly the specific contribution
with which these religious come to the assistance of the particular Churches
and find in their exemption a certain expression of that pastoral concern
which unites them intimately with the Roman Pontiff for the universal care
of all people (cf. n. 8).
This renewed awareness of exemption, if it is really shared by the various
collaborators in pastoral endeavor, will promote greatly increased apostolic
initiative and missionary zeal in every particular Church.
Some criteria for a just ordering of pastoral activity
23. The above considerations on ecclesial mission suggest the following
directives:
a) First of all, the very nature of apostolic action requires that bishops give
precedence to interior recollection and to the life of prayer (cf. LG 26; 27;
41); it requires, moreover, that religious, in conformity with their distinctive
nature, renew themselves in depth and be assiduous in prayer.
b) Special care should be taken to foster "the various undertakings aimed at
establishing the contemplative life" (AG 18), since it holds a very honored
place in the mission of the Church, "no matter how pressing may be the
needs of the active ministry" (PC 7). Especially today as the danger of
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(cf. LG 40) is made radically evident by institutes entirely dedicated to
contemplation, in which it is more clearly apparent that, as St. Bernard
says, "the motive for loving God is God; the limit is to love Him without
limit" (De diligendo Deo c. 1; PL 182, n. 548).
c) The activity of the People of God in the world is by its nature universal
and missionary, both by the very character of the Church (LG 17) and by
Christ's mandate, which conferred a universality without boundaries on the
apostolate (Evang. nunt. 49). Bishops and superiors must, therefore, give
attention to this dimension of apostolic awareness and foster concrete
initiatives to promote it.
d) The particular Church is the historic space in which a vocation is
exercised in the concrete and realizes its apostolic commitment. Here, in
fact, within the confines of a determined culture, the Gospel is preached
and received (cf. Evang. nunt. 19; 20; 32; 35; 40; 62; 63). It is necessary,
therefore, that this reality of great importance in pastoral renewal be also
kept duly present in the work of formation.
e) The mutual influence between the two poles, namely between the active
co-participation of a particular culture and the perspective of universality,
must be founded on unalterable esteem and constant protection of those
values of unity, which under no circumstance may be renounced, whether
the unity in question is that of the Catholic Church -- for all the faithful --
or that of each religious institute -- for all its members. The local
community which would break away from this unity would be exposed to a
two-fold danger: "on the one hand the danger of segregation, which
produces sterility...; on the other, the danger of losing one's own liberty
when, separated from the head..., isolated it becomes subject in many ways
to the forces of those who attempt to subdue and exploit it" (Evang. nunt.
64).
f) Especially in our times that same charismatic genuineness, vivacious and
ingenious in its inventiveness, is expected of religious, as stood out so
eminently in their Founders, so that they may the better and with zeal
engage in the apostolic work of the Church among those, who today
constitute, in fact, the majority of humanity and are the specially beloved of
the Lord: the little ones and the poor (cf. Mt 18:1-6; Lk 6:20).
PART TWO
DIRECTIVES AND NORMS
The experience of recent years has, in the light of the above principles, led
to the formulation of some directives and norms dealing especially with the
practical aspects of life. From this it will undoubtedly follow that the
mutual relations between bishops and religious will be further facilitated to
the advantage of the building up of the Body of Christ.
We shall present these directives, which are mutually complementary, under
three distinct headings, namely:

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a) the formative aspect,
b) the operative aspects,
c) the organizational aspect.
The text presupposes the juridical prescriptions already in force, and at
times makes reference to these; it does not therefore derogate from any of
the prescriptions of preceding documents of the Holy See still in force in
this matter.
SOME POINTS REGARDING THE FORMATIVE ASPECT
CHAPTER V
The Roman Pontiff and the bishops carry out in the Church the supreme
role of authentic Teachers and Sanctifiers of the entire flock (cf. Part I, ch.
II). Religious superiors, in turn, are vested with special authority for the
direction of their own institute and carry the heavy burden of the formation
of the members (cf. PC 14; 18; Part I, ch. III).
Consequently bishops and superiors, each according to his specific role, but
in harmony and united effort, should give precedence to their
responsibilities regarding formation.
24. Bishops, in accord also with religious superiors, should promote,
especially among diocesan priests, zealous laity and local religious, a clear
awareness and experience of the mystery and structure of the Church and of
the vivifying indwelling of the Holy Spirit, by jointly organizing special
seminars and encounters on spirituality. They should, moreover, insist
without ceasing that both public and personal prayer be appreciated and
intensified, even by means of appropriate initiatives, carefully prepared.
25. On their part, religious communities, especially of contemplative life,
maintaining, of course, fidelity to their distinctive spirit (cf. PC 7; AG 40),
should offer people appropriate aids for prayer and for their personal
spiritual life, so that they can respond to the pressing need, today more
deeply felt than ever, for meditation and the deepening of faith. They
should also offer them the opportunity and facility to participate suitably in
their liturgical functions, always respecting the requirements of the
enclosure and the rules laid down in this regard.
26. Superiors should see to it with all solicitude that their religious remain
faithful to their vocation. They should foster opportune adaptations to
cultural, social and economic conditions, according to the needs of the
times, being vigilant however, lest these adaptations go beyond just limits
in the direction of customs contrary to religious life. Cultural updating and
specialized studies taken up by religious should deal with subjects pertinent
to the distinctive nature of the institute. Such studies should not be
programmed with a view to achieving personal goals as if they were a
means of wrongly understood self-fulfillment, but with a view to
responding to the requirements of the apostolic commitments of the

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religious family itself, in harmony with the needs of the Church.
27. In promoting ongoing formation of religious, it is necessary to insist on
the renewal of the witness of poverty and of service to the most needy and
to bring about, furthermore, that through a renewed spirit of obedience and
chastity communities become signs of brotherly love and unity.
In institutes of active life, for which the apostolate constitutes an essential
element of their religious life (cf. CD 12; 15; 35, 2; LG 25; 45), as both
initial and ongoing formation progress, the apostolate itself should be duly
emphasized.
28. It is the duty of bishops as authentic teachers and guides of perfection
for all the members of the diocese (cf. CD 12; 15; 35, 2; LG 25; 45) to be
the guardians likewise of fidelity to the religious vocation in the spirit of
each institute. In carrying out this pastoral obligation, bishops in open
communion of doctrine and intent with the Supreme Pontiff and the offices
of the Holy See, and with the other bishops and local Ordinaries, should
strive to promote relations with superiors, to whom the religious are subject
in the spirit of faith (cf. PC 14).
Bishops, along with their clergy, should be convinced advocates of the
consecrated life, defenders of religious communities, promotors of
vocations, firm guardians of the specific character of each religious family
both in the spiritual and in the apostolic field.
29. Bishops and religious superiors, each according to his specific
competency, should zealously foster knowledge of the doctrine of the
Council and of the pontifical pronouncements on the episcopacy, on
religious life and on the local Church, and also on the mutual relationships
existing among them. To this end the following initiatives are desirable:
a) meetings of bishops and religious superiors to study these topics
together;
b) special courses for diocesan priests, for religious and for the laity
engaged in the active apostolate, in order to arrive at new and more
appropriate adaptations;
c) studies and experiments especially appropriate for the formation of lay
religious men and religious women;
d) the preparation of suitable pastoral documents for the diocese, the region
or the nation, that present these subjects in a challenging way for the
reflection of the faithful.
Care must be taken, however, lest this formation remain limited to only a
few. All should have the possibility to benefit by it, and it should become a
common effort of all the members.
It seems opportune, moreover, that this doctrinal study be also given
sufficient publicity through the press, other means of social communication,

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conferences, exhortations, etc.
30. Right from the initial stages of both ecclesiastical and religious
formation, the systematic study of the mystery of Christ, of the sacramental
nature of the Church, of the ministry of bishops and of religious life in the
Church should be programmed. Therefore:
a) religious from the novitiate on should be brought to a fuller awareness
and concern for the local church, while at the same time growing in fidelity
to their own vocation;
b) bishops should see to it that the diocesan clergy understand well the
current problems of religious life and the urgent missionary needs, and that
certain chosen priests be prepared to be able to help religious in their
spiritual progress (cf. OT 10; AG 39), though generally it is preferable that
this task be entrusted to prudently chosen religious priests (cf. n. 36).
31. Greater maturity of the priestly and religious vocation depends also, and
to a decisive degree, on the doctrinal formation given usually in centers of
study on the university level or in institutes of higher studies or in other
institutes specially adapted to this purpose.
Bishops and religious superiors involved in this work should offer effective
collaboration for the upkeep of these centers of study and their proper
functioning, especially when such centers are at the service of one or more
dioceses and religious congregations, and guarantee both the excellence of
the teaching and the presence of teachers and of all others who, duly
prepared, are able to meet the requirements of formation. They should,
moreover, assure the most effective use of personnel and facilities.
In preparing, reforming and implementing the statutes of these study
centers, the rights and duties of each participant, the obligations which by
virtue of his very ministry belong to the bishop or bishops, ways of
operating and the measure of responsibility of religious superiors who have
a shared interest, should be clearly defined. In this way an objective and
complete presentation of doctrine, structured in harmony with the Church's
Magisterium, can be fostered. On the basis, then, of the general criteria of
competency and responsibility and according to the statutes, the activity
and initiatives of these centers should be diligently followed up. And in all
this delicate and important discipline, the norms and directives of the Holy
See should always be observed.
32. An adequate renewal of pastoral methods in the diocese requires a
deeper knowledge of whatever concretely affects the local human and
religious life, so that from this source can flow objective and appropriate
theological reflection, priorities in the field of action can be established, a
plan of pastoral action can be formed and, finally, what has been realized
can be examined periodically. This work may require that bishops, with the
help of competent persons, chosen also from among religious, create and
maintain study commissions and research centers. Such undertakings
appear more and more necessary not only to offer people a more updated
formation but also to give pastoral activities a rational structure.

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33. Religious have the special and delicate obligation of being attentive and
docile to the Magisterium of the Hierarchy and of facilitating for the
bishops the exercise of the ministry of authentic teachers and witnesses of
the divine and catholic truth (cf. LG 25), in the fulfillment of their
responsibility for the doctrinal teaching of faith both in the centers where its
study is promoted and in the use of means to transmit it.
a) As to the publication of books and documents, edited by publishing
houses of religious or by organizations under their care, the norms given by
the S. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (March 19, 1975)
regarding the competent authority for the approval of texts of Sacred
Scripture and their translation, liturgical books, prayer books and
catechisms or any other type of work containing topics which are connected
in a special way with religion and morals are to be observed. Disregard of
these norms, at times speciously and cleverly contrived, can cause serious
harm to the faithful. This must be avoided at all costs and with sincerity,
especially by religious.
b) The necessary understanding with the competent Ordinaries is always to
be safeguarded, even in the case of documents and editorial initiatives of
religious institutes, local or national, which, although not destined for
public consumption, can nevertheless exert a certain influence in the
pastoral sphere of activity, as, for example, texts dealing with the new and
serious problems on social, economic and political questions connected in
one way or another with faith and the religious life.
c) Bishops, taking into careful consideration the special mission of some
institutes, should encourage and support religious who are engaged in the
important apostolic field of the written word and social communications. In
this regard, they should foster wider apostolic collaboration, especially on
the national level; likewise they should be concerned about the formation of
specialized personnel for this activity, not only as regards their technical
competency but also and especially as regards their sense of ecclesial
responsibility.
34. It would be a serious mistake to make the two realities -- religious life
and ecclesial structures -- independent one of the other, or to oppose one to
the other as if they could subsist as two distant entities, one charismatic, the
other institutional. Both elements, namely the spiritual gifts and the
ecclesial structures form one, even though complex reality (cf. LG 8).
Wherefore religious, even while showing a particular spirit of enterprise
and foresight for the future (cf. Part I, ch. III), should be intensely loyal to
the intention and spirit of their institute, in full obedience and adherence to
the authority of the hierarchy (cf. PC 2; LG 12).
35. The bishop, as Shepherd of the diocese, and religious superiors
inasmuch as they are responsible for their institute, should promote the
participation of men and women religious in the life of the local Church
and in their knowledge of the directives and ecclesiastical rules. Likewise,
they (especially the superiors) should strive to increase supra-national unity
within their own institute and docility to their superiors general (cf. Part I,

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ch. IV).
CHAPTER VI
COMMITMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE FIELD
OF ACTION
The Church lives in the Spirit and rests on the foundation of Peter and the
Apostles and their successors, so that the episcopal ministry is in fact the
guiding principle of the pastoral dynamism of the entire People of God.
Consequently the Church works in harmony both with the Holy Spirit who
is her soul and with the Head operative in the Body (cf. Part I, ch. II). This
evidently has well determined consequences for bishops and religious in the
carrying out of their initiatives and activities, even though they are vested
with a specific competency, each according to his own role.
The practical directives set forth here refer to two kinds of needs in the field
of action: namely, the pastoral and the religious.
Requirements of pastoral mission
36. The Council affirms that "members, too, of religious institutes, both
men and women, also belong in a special sense to the diocesan family and
render valuable help to the sacred hierarchy, and in view of the growing
needs of the apostolate they can and should constantly increase the aid they
give" (CD
34).
In places where there are more than one rite, religious, when carrying out
activities on behalf of the faithful of rites different from their own, should
follow the norms regulating the relationships between themselves and
bishops of other rites (cf. Eccl. Sanctae I, 23).
It is important that such criteria be applied, not only in the final stages but
also in determining and elaborating a plan of action, without prejudice,
however, to the role proper to the bishop of making the decisions.
Religious priests, by virtue of the very unity of the priesthood (cf. LG 28;
CD 28; 11) and inasrnuch as they share in the care of souls, "may be said,
in a certain sense, to belong to the diocesan clergy" (CD 34); therefore, in
the field of activity, they can and should serve to unite and coordinate
religious men and women with the local clergy and bishop.
37. Efforts should be made to renew the bonds of fraternity and cooperation
between the diocesan clergy and communities of religious (cf. CD 35, 5).
Great importance should therefore be placed on all those means, even
though simple and informal, which serve to increase mutual trust, apostolic
solidarity and fraternal harmony (cf. ES I, 28). This will indeed serve not
only to strengthen genuine awareness of the local Church, but also to
encourage each one to render and request help joyfully, to foster the desire
for cooperation, and also to love the human and ecclesial community, in

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whose life each one finds himself a part, almost as if it were the fatherland
of his own vocation.
38. Major superiors will take great care not only to have a knowledge of the
talents and possibilities of their religious but also of the apostolic needs of
the dioceses where their institute is called to work. Wherefore it is desirable
that a concrete and global dialog be carried on between the bishop and the
superiors of the various institutes present in the diocese, so that, especially
in view of certain precarious situations and the persistent vocational crisis,
religious personnel can be more evenly and fruitfully distributed.
39. Pastoral commitment for vocational recruitment is to be considered a
privileged area for cooperation between bishops and religious (cf. PO 11;
PC 24; OT 2). Such pastoral commitment consists in a united effort on the
part of the Christian community for all vocations, in such a way that the
Church is built up according to the fullness of Christ and according to the
variety of charisms of His Spirit.
Regarding vocations, this above all else must be kept in mind, namely that
the Holy Spirit, who "breathes where He wills" (Jn 3:8) calls the faithful to
various offices and states for the greater good of the Church. It is evident
that no obstacles should be placed in the way of such divine action; on the
contrary, each one should be enabled to respond to his calling with the
greatest freedom. For that matter, history itself can testify to the fact that
the diversity of vocations, and particularly the coexistence and
collaboration of secular and religious clergy are not detrimental to dioceses
but rather enrich them with new spiritual treasures and increase notably
their apostolic vitality.
Wherefore, it is fitting that the various initiatives be wisely coordinated
under the bishops --according, that is, to the duties proper to parents and
educators, to men and women religious, to diocesan priests and to all others
who work in the pastoral field. This commitment will have to be carried out
harmoniously and with the full dedication of each one. And the bishop
himself should direct the efforts of all, causing them to converge toward the
self-same purpose, always mindful that such efforts are basically inspired
by the Holy Spirit. In consideration of this fact, therefore, the promotion of
frequent prayer initiatives is also urgently necessary.
40. In renewing pastoral methods and updating apostolic works, the
profound upheavals which have taken place in our modern world (cf. GS
43; 44) are to be taken seriously into consideration. Wherefore at times it is
necessary to confront situations which are quite difficult, especially, "to
help in the ministry in its various forms in the dioceses or regions where the
urgent needs of the Church or shortage of clergy require it" (Eccl. Sanctae
I, 36).
Bishops, in dialog with religious superiors and with all who work in the
pastoral sector of the diocese, should try to discern what the Spirit wills and
should study ways to provide new apostolic presences, so as to be able to
deal with the difficulties which have arisen within the diocese. The search,
however, for this renewal must not in the least lead to a depreciation of the

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still actually valid forms of apostolate, which are properly traditional, such
as that of the school (cf. S. Congregation for Catholic Education, The
Catholic School, March 19, 1977), of the missions, of effective presence in
hospitals, social services, etc. All these traditional forms, moreover, must
be, without delay, suitably updated according to the norms and guidelines
of the Council and the needs of the times.
41. Apostolic innovations, which are later to be undertaken, should be
planned with careful study. On the one hand, it is the duty of the bishops
through their office not indeed to extinguish the Spirit, but to test all things
and hold fast to what is good (cf. 1 Thes 5:12 and 19-21; LG 12), in such a
way however, "that the spontaneous zeal of those who engage in this work
may be safeguarded and fostered" (AG 30); religious superiors, on their
part, should cooperate actively and dialog with the bishops in seeking
solutions, in arranging the programming of choices made, in launching
experiments, even completely new ones, always acting in view of the most
urgent needs of the Church and in conformity with the norms and directives
of the Magisterium and according to the nature of their institute.
42. The commitment to a mutual exchange of help between bishops and
superiors in appraising objectively and judging with equity experiments
already undertaken should never be disregarded. In this way, not only
evasions and frustrations but also the dangers of crises and deviations will
be avoided.
Periodically, therefore, such undertakings should be reviewed; and if the
endeavor has not been successful (cf. Evang. nunt. 58), humility and at the
same time the necessary firmness should be exercised to correct, suspend or
direct more adequately the experiment examined.
43. Great harm is done to the faithful by the fact that too much tolerance is
granted to certain unsound initiatives or to certain accomplished facts
which are ambiguous. Consequently bishops and superiors, in a spirit of
mutual trust, in fulfillment of the obligations incumbent upon each and in
keeping with the exercise of each one's responsibility, should see to it with
the greatest concern that such errors are forestalled and corrected with
evident decisiveness and clear dispositions, always in the spirit of charity
but also with due resoluteness.
Especially in the field of liturgy there is urgent need to remedy not a few
abuses introduced under pretexts at variance one with another. Bishops as
the authentic liturgists of the local Church (cf SC 22; 41; LG 26;CD 15; cf.
Part I, ch. II), and religious superiors in what concerns their members
should be vigilant and see that adequate renewal of worship is brought
about, and they should intervene early in order to correct or remove any
deviations and abuses in this sector, which is so important and central (cf.
SC 10). Religious, too, should remember that they are obliged to abide by
the laws and directives of the Holy See, as well as the decrees of the local
Ordinary, in what concerns the exercise of public worship (cf. Eccl.
Sanctae I, 26; 37; 38).
Requirements of Religious Life

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44. With regard to the pastoral activities of religious, the Council expressly
declares: "All religious, whether exempt or non-exempt, are subject to the
authority of the local ordinary in the following matters: public worship,
without prejudice, however, to the diversity of rites; the care of souls;
preaching to the people; the religious and moral education, catechetical
instruction and liturgical formation of the faithful, especially of children.
They are also subject to diocesan rules regarding the comportment proper
to the clerical state and also the various activities relating to the exercise of
their sacred apostolate. Catholic schools conducted by religious are also
subject to the local ordinaries as regards their general policy and
supervision without prejudice, however, to the right of the religious to
manage them. Likewise, religious are obliged to observe all those
prescriptions which episcopal councils or conferences legitimately decree
as binding on all" (CD 35, 4; Eccl. Sanctae I, 39).
45. In order that the relations between bishops and superiors produce
increasingly more fruitful results, they must be developed in cordial respect
for persons and institutes, in the conviction that religious must give witness
of docility towards the Magisterium and of obedience to their superiors, and
with the mutual understanding to act in such a way that neither transgresses
the limits of competency of the other.
46. As to religious who engage in apostolic activities beyond the works of
their own institute, their participation in the life of the community and their
fidelity to their rule and constitutions must be safeguarded -- "bishops
should not fail for their part to insist on this obligation" (CD 35, 2). No
apostolic commitment should be an occasion to deviate from one's
vocation.
Regarding the situation of certain religious who would like to withdraw
from the authority of their superior and have recourse to that of the bishop,
each case should be studied objectively. It is necessary, however, that after
suitable exchange of views and a sincere search for solutions, the bishop
support the provision made by the competent superior, unless it is evident
to him that some injustice is involved.
47. Bishops and their immediate collaborators should see to it not only that
they have an exact idea of the distinctive nature of each institute but that
they keep abreast of their actual situation and of their criteria for renewal.
Religious superiors, in turn, in addition to acquiring a more updated
doctrinal vision of the particular Church, should also strive to keep
themselves factually informed with respect to the current situation of
pastoral activity and the apostolic program adopted in the diocese in which
they are to offer their services.
In case an institute finds itself in the situation of being unable to carry on a
given undertaking, its superiors should in good time and with confidence
make known the factors hindering its continuance, at least in its actual
form, especially if this is due to a lack of personnel. For his part, the local
Ordinary should consider sympathetically the request to withdraw from the
undertaking (cf. Eccl. Sanctae I, 34, 3) and in common accord with the
superiors seek a suitable solution.

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48. A deeply felt need, rich in promises also for the activities and apostolic
dynamism of the local Church, is that of fostering, with concerned
commitment, exchanges of information and better understanding among the
various religious institutes working in a given diocese. To this end,
superiors should do their part to bring about this dialog in suitable ways and
at regular times. This will certainly serve to increase trust, esteem, mutual
exchange of aids, in-depth study of problems and the mutual
communication of experiences, so that as a consequence, the common
profession of the evangelical counsels may be more clearly expressed.
49. In the vast pastoral field of the Church, a new and very important place
has been accorded to women. Once zealous helpers of the Apostles (cf.
Acts 18:26; Rom 16:1 ff.), women should contribute their apostolic activity
today in the ecclesial community realizing faithfully the mystery of their
created and revealed identity (cf. Gen 2; Eph 5; 1 Tim 3 etc.) and taking
notice of their growing influence in civil society.
Religious women therefore, faithful to their vocation and in harmony with
their distinctive character as women, should seek out and propose new
apostolic forms of service in response to the concrete needs of the Church
and of the world.
After the example of Mary who in the Church holds the highest place of
charity among believers, and animated by that incomparably human trait of
sensitivity and concern which is so characteristic of them (cf. Paul
VI,Discourse to the National Congress of the Centro Italiano femminile,
Oss. Rom., December 6-7, 1976), in the light of a long history offering
outstanding witness to their undertakings in the development of apostolic
activity, women religious will be able more and more to be and to be seen
as a radiant sign of the Church, faithful, zealous and fruitful in her
preaching of the kingdom (cf. Declaration Inter Insigniores, S.
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, October 15, 1976).
50. Bishops, together with their collaborators in the pastoral field, and
superiors, both men and women, should see to it that the apostolic service
of women religious be better known, intensified and increased. They
should, therefore, in view not only of the number of religious women, but
especially of their importance in the life of the Church, do their utmost to
see that the principle of their greater ecclesial promotion be put into effect,
lest the People of God remain deprived of that special assistance, which
they alone, by virtue of the gifts conferred on them by God in their quality
of woman, can offer. Always, however, special attention is to be given to
this that religious women be held in high esteem and be justly and
deservedly appreciated primarily for the witness given by them as
consecrated women, and then for the useful and generous services they
offer.
51. In some regions there is noticeable a certain overabundance of
initiatives to found new religious institutes. Those who are responsible for
discerning the authenticity of each foundation should weigh with humility,
of course, but also objectively, constantly, and seeking to foresee clearly the
future possibilities -- every indication of a credible presence of the Holy

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Spirit, both to receive His gifts "with thanksgiving and consolation" (LG
12) and also to avoid that "institutes may be imprudently brought into being
which are useless or lacking in sufficient resources" (PC 19). In fact, when
judgment regarding the establishment of an institute is formulated only in
view of its usefulness and suitability in the field of action, or simply on the
basis of the comportment of some person who experiences devotional
phenomena, in themselves ambiguous, then indeed it becomes evident that
the genuine concept of religious life in the Church is in a certain manner
distorted (cf. Part I, ch. III).
To pronounce judgment on the authenticity of a charism, the following
characteristics are required:
a) its special origin from the Spirit, distinct, even though not separate, from
special personal talents, which become apparent in the sphere of activity
and organization;
b) a profound ardor of love to be conformed to Christ in order to give
witness to some aspect of His mystery;
c) a constructive love of the Church, which absolutely shrinks from causing
any discord in Her.
Moreover the genuine figure of the Founders entails men and women
whose proven virtue (cf. LG 45) demonstrates a real docility both to the
sacred hierarchy and to the following of that inspiration, which exists in
them as a gift of the Spirit.
When there is question, therefore, of new foundations, all who have a role
to play in passing judgment must express their opinions with great
prudence, patient appraisal and just demands. Above all, the bishops,
successors of the Apostles, "to whose authority the Spirit himself subjects
even those who are endowed with charisms" (LG 7), and who, in
communion with the Roman Pontiff, have the duty "to give a right
interpretation of the counsels, to regulate their practice, and also to set up
stable forms of living embodying them" (LG 43), should feel themselves
responsible for this.
CHAPTER VII
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUITABLE COORDINATION
The varied and fruitful vitality of the Churches necessitates a real
commitment to coordinating action in order to renew, create and perfect the
manifold pastoral means of service and animation. We shall consider some
of these according to their different levels: diocesan, national, universal.
On the diocesan level
52. In each diocese the bishop should strive to understand what the Spirit
wants to manifest, even through his flock and especially through the
individuals and religious families present in the diocese. This is why it is

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necessary for him to cultivate sincere and familiar relations with superiors,
in order the better to fulfill his ministry of Shepherd towards men and
women religious (cf. CD 15; 16). In fact, it is his specific office to defend
consecrated life, to foster and animate the fidelity and authenticity of
religious and to help them become part of the communion and of the
evangelizing action of his Church, according to their distinctive nature.
All this, of course, the bishop will have to realize in close collaboration
with the episcopal conference and in harmony with the voice of the Head of
the Apostolic College.
Religious, on the other hand, should consider the bishop not only as
Shepherd of the entire diocesan community, but also as the one who
guarantees fidelity to their vocation as they carry out their service for the
good of the local Church. Indeed they "should comply promptly and
faithfully with the requests or desires of the bishops when they are asked to
undertake a greater share in the ministry of salvation," due consideration
being given "to the character of the particular institute and to its
constitutions (CD 35, 1).
53. The following dispositions of the Apostolic Letter Ecclesiae Sanctae,
issued motu proprio, should always be kept in mind:
"1. All religious, even exempt, are bound by the laws, decrees and
ordinances laid down by the local ordinary affecting various works, in those
matters which concern the exercise of the sacred apostolate as well as the
pastoral and social activity prescribed or recommended by the local
ordinary.
"2. They are also bound by the laws, decrees and ordinances of the local
ordinary or the episcopal conference" -- or, according to the locality, the
patriarchal synod (cf. CD 35, 5) -- laws, that is, regarding various elements
referred to in them (ES I, 25, 1-2, a, b, c, d).
54. It is advisable that the office of episcopal vicar for religious be set up in
the diocese to render a service of collaboration, in this field, with the
pastoral ministry of the bishop. This office, however, does not assume any
role proper to the authority of superiors. It is up to each residential bishop
to determine clearly the specific competencies of such an office and, after
careful examination, entrust it to a competent person, well acquainted with
the religious life, who knows how to appreciate it and desires to see it
prosper.
As regards the discharge of such an office, it is strongly recommended that
the various categories of religious: namely priests, brothers and women
religious possessing the necessary qualities, have a part in it in a suitable
way (for example, as consultors or under some other similar title).
The mandate, then, of episcopal vicar for religious congregations consists
in helping accomplish a task which of its nature pertains exclusively to the
bishop, that is, watching over religious life in the diocese and integrating it
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desirable that bishops prudently consult religious on the choice of the
candidate.
55. In order that the diocesan presbyterium express due unity and that the
various ministries be better fostered, the bishop should with all solicitude
exhort the diocesan priests to recognize gratefully the fruitful contribution
made by religious to their Church and to approve willingly their nomination
to positions of greater responsibility, which are consonant with their
vocation and competency.
56. Provisions should be made for religious priests to be part, in due
proportion, of the Priests' Council; similarly religious priests, brothers and
sisters should be fairly represented on pastoral councils (cf. PR 7; CD 27;
ES I, 15 and 16). To define justly the suitability and proportions of
representation, the local ordinary should set the criteria and necessary
modalities.
57. In order to foster a certain stability in pastoral cooperation,
a) the difference existing between the distinctive works of an institute and
works entrusted to an institute should be kept in mind by the local ordinary.
In fact, the former depend on the religious superiors according to their
constitutions, even though in pastoral practice they are subject to the
jurisdiction of the local ordinary according to law (cf. ES 1, 29).
b) "Whenever a work of the apostolate is entrusted to any religious institute
by a local ordinary in accordance with the prescriptions of law, a written
agreement shall be made between the local ordinary and the competent
superior of the institute which will, among other things, set down precisely
all that concerns the work to be done, the members of the institute assigned
to it and the finances" (ES I, 30 §2).
c) "For works of this nature members of the religious institute who are
really suitable should be selected by the religious superior after discussion
with the local ordinary and, where an ecclesiastical office is to be conferred
on a member of the institute, the religious should be nominated by the local
ordinary himself for a definite time decided upon by mutual agreement, his
own superior presenting the candidate or at least assenting to the
nomination" (ES I, 30 §2).
58. Without infringing on the right of arranging situations differently or of
changing them in a way which is more in accord with the urgent needs of
renewal of institutes, it seems opportune to determine in advance and in
detail what works and especially what offices are to be entrusted to
individual religious, for whom a written convention may be deemed
necessary, as, for example, for pastors (cf. ES I, 33), deans, episcopal
vicars, assistants for catholic action groups, secretaries of pastoral action,
diocesan directors, Catholic university teachers, professional catechists,
directors of Catholic colleges, etc. in view both of the stability of those in
office and of the devolution of goods in case the undertaking should be
suppressed.

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If a religious is to be removed from an office entrusted to him, the
following dispositions should be recalled: "Any religious member of an
institute may for a grave cause be removed from an office entrusted to him
either at the wish of the authority who entrusted him with the office, who
should inform the religious superior, or by the superior, who should inform
the authority who entrusted the office; this by equal right, the consent of the
other party being required in neither case. Neither party is required to
reveal to the other the reasons for his action, much less to justify them.
There remains the right to appeal in devolutivo to the Apostolic See" (ES I,
92).
59. Associations of religious on the diocesan level have proved to be very
useful; therefore, with due consideration for their distinctive character and
goals, they should be encouraged,
a) both as organisms of mutual liaison and of promotion and renewal of
religious life in fidelity to the directives of the Magisterium and with
respect to the distinctive character of each institute;
b) and as organisms for the discussion of mixed problems between bishops
and superiors, as well as for coordinating the activities of religious families
with the pastoral action of the diocese under the direction of the bishop,
without prejudice to the relationship and negotiations, which will be carried
on directly by the bishop himself with each individual institute.
On the national, regional and ritual level
60. In episcopal conferences of a country or region (cf. CD 37) the bishops
themselves "exercise their pastoral office jointly in order to enhance the
Church's beneficial influence on all men" (CD 38). In the same way
patriarchal synods exercise their ministry for their own rite (cf. DE 9) and
inter-ritual Assemblies of Ordinaries for relations among various rites,
within the sphere of their particular situation (CD 38).
61. In many countries or regions, through the medium of the Sacred
Congregation for Religious and for Secular Institutes -- and in regions
dependent on the Sacred Congregations for the Evangelization of Peoples
and for Oriental Churches, with the consent of the respective Congregations
-- the Holy See has set up Councils or Conferences of Major Superiors
(both of men and women or mixed). Such Councils must be deeply
sensitive to the diversity of institutes, work to enhance common
consecration and to channel the energies of all dedicated to apostolic work
toward the pastoral coordination of the bishops (cf. n. 21).
Wherefore, in order that Councils of Major Superiors fulfill their purpose
with necessary effectiveness, it is highly useful that an opportune review of
their activity be made periodically and that, in harmony with the different
missions of institutes an equitable division of commissions or rather similar
groups, duly united with the Council of Major Superiors itself, be
organized.
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synod, and similarly, relations between the same councils of major
superiors and the episcopal conferences as well as inter-ritual assemblies,
should be regulated according to criteria which determine the rapport
between the individual institute and the local ordinary (cf. ES I, 23-25; 40);
therefore indicative guidelines should also be set up according to the
different needs of regions.
63. Since it is of utmost importance that the council of major superiors
collaborate diligently and in a spirit of trust with episcopal conferences (cf.
CD 35, 5; AG 33), "it is desirable that questions having reference to both
bishops and religious should be dealt with by mixed commissions
consisting of bishops and major religious superiors, men or women" (ES II,
43).
Such a mixed commission should be structured in such a way that even if
the right of ultimate decision making is to be always left to the councils or
conferences, according to the respective competencies, it can, as an
organism of mutual counsel, liaison, communication, study, and reflection,
achieve its purpose efficiently.
It is the competency, then, of the Shepherds to foster the coordination of all
apostolic undertakings and activities, each in his own diocese; the same
holds for the patriarchal synod and episcopal conferences for their
respective regions (cf. CD 36, 5).
In questions regarding religious, bishops, if the need or utility require it --
as in fact it has in many places -- should create a special commission within
the episcopal conference. Nevertheless, the presence of such a commission
not only does not hamper the operation of the mixed commission, but rather
postulates it.
64. Participation of major superiors, or, according to the statutes, of their
delegates, also in other various commissions of the episcopal conferences
or inter-ritual assemblies of local ordinaries (as, for example, in the
commission on education, health, justice and peace, social communications,
etc.), can be of great utility for the purposes of pastoral action.
65. The mutual presence by means of delegates both of episcopal
conferences and of the conferences or councils of major superiors in each
of the unions or assemblies of one and the other is recommended.
Evidently, the necessary norms must be established in advance whereby
each conference would treat by itself alone the matters of its exclusive
competency.
On the supra-national and universal level
66. Regarding the international, continental or infra-continental sphere,
among various countries united together, some form of coordination, both
for bishops as well as for major religious superiors, can be created with the
approval of the Holy See. A suitable liaison on this level of the individual
centers of service helps a great deal towards achieving an ordered and
harmonious action on the part of bishops and religious. In those areas

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where such forms of organization on the continental level already exist, this
task of cooperation can be profitably accomplished by the permanent
committees or councils themselves.
67. On the universal level, the successor of Peter exercises a ministry
specifically his own on behalf of the entire Church; however "in exercising
his supreme, full and immediate authority over the universal Church the
Roman Pontiff employs the various departments of the Roman Curia" (CD
9).
The Roman Pontiff himself has promoted some forms of cooperation of
religious with the Holy See, by approving the council of the union of both
men and women superiors general at the Sacred Congregation for Religious
and for Secular Institutes (cf. ES II, 42) and by allowing the introduction of
representatives of religious at the Sacred Congregation for the
Evangelization of Peoples (cf. ES II, 16) .
CONCLUSION
Dialog and collaboration are already a reality on various levels. There is no
doubt, however, that they have to be developed further, so that they produce
more abundant fruit. The need therefore is evident to remember that in the
work of collaboration, a real efficacious thrust will be had only when the
leaders are convinced that such a thrust originates first of all in their own
persuasion and formation. Indeed, everything will progress better if they are
deeply convinced of the necessity and of the nature and importance of such
cooperation, of mutual trust, of respect for the role of each individual, of
mutual consultation in determining and organizing undertakings on every
level. Then indeed the mutual relations between bishops and religious,
carried on sincerely and readily, will be of great value in achieving in the
most suitable and adequate way the dynamic vitality of the Church-
Sacrament in its admirable mission of salvation.
The Apostle Paul, "prisoner in the Lord," writing to the Ephesians from
Rome, thus counseled them: "I... exhort you to walk in a manner worthy of
the calling with which you were called, with all humility and meekness,
with patience, bearing with one another in love, careful to preserve the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:1-3).
The foregoing was submitted for the examination of the Holy Father, who,
on April 23, 1978, benevolently approved it and mandated its publication.
Rome, Sacred Congregation for Religious and for Secular Institutes, May
14, 1978, Solemnity of Pentecost.
SEBASTIAN Card. BAGGIO
Prefect of the Sacred
Congregation for Bishops
EDUARDO Card. PIRONIO
Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for

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Religious and for Secular Institutes
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
PART I: SOME DOCTRINAL POINTS
Chapter I: The Church as a "New" People
Not according to the flesh, but in the Spirit
"One body and, as parts of it, we belong to each other"
Called together to make up a "visible Sacrament"
Destined to witness and announce the Gospel
Chapter II: The Ministry of the Bishops within Organic Ecclesial
Communion
The communion proper to the People of God and its excellence
Christ the Head is present in the Episcopal ministry
The indivisibility of the ministry of the Bishops
The duty of the sacred hierarchy with respect to religious life
Some consequences
CHAPTER III: Religious Life within Ecclesial Communion
The "ecclesial" nature of Religious Institutes
The distinctive character of every Institute
Some signs of a genuine "charism"
Service characteristic of religious authority
Some conclusions as guidelines
CHAPTER IV: Bishops and Religious Pursuing the Self-same Mission of
the People of God
Ecclesial mission flows from the "fountain of love"
The absolute necessity of union with God

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Different forms of apostolic commitment
Reciprocal influence between universal and particular values
Missionary duty and the spirit of initiative
Coordinating pastoral activity
Mutual collaboration among religious
The pastoral meaning of exemption
Some criteria for a just ordering of pastoral activity
PART II: DIRECTIVES AND NORMS
CHAPTER V: Some Points regarding the Formative Aspect
CHAPTER VI: Commitments and Responsibilities in the Field of Action
Requirements of pastoral mission
Requirements of religious life
CHAPTER VII: The Importance of Suitable Coordination
On the diocesan level
On the national, regional and ritual level
On the supra-national and universal level
CONCLUSION