Recourses against Decisions Made by Superiors. A Re of Relevant Rules in the Specific Law Governing Religious Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life

Of the approximately 70 religious institutes and societies of apostolic life examined, about half deal in their proper law with the possibility of having recourse against the decisions of superiors. The respective norms in the constitutions or other documents of their proper law vary greatly. With a few exceptions, they do not contradict the provisions of the CIC on hierarchical recourses (canons 1732-1739), but often go into specific details. Overall, however, this issue is neglected in the proper law of most institutes; there is still much room for improvement.

Keywords: religious institutes; superiors; hierarchical recourses.

Responsibility of the ecclesial government towards the People of God

In the light of n. 95-102 of the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the article examines the responsibility of ecclesial governance towards the People of God as realised through transparency, accountability and evaluation. Starting from the meaning of the concept of responsibility as found in secular and ecclesial law, it affirms that the foundation of the responsibility of ecclesial authorities is found in the communion and sensus fidei of the entire People of God, which in a special way make sacred pastors responsible for carrying out the mission entrusted by the Lord to his Church.

Keywords: responsibility; sensus fidei; transparency; accountability; evaluation.

Ministerial Public Juridic Persons: Challenges and Opportunities

This essay offers a canonical reflection on ministerial public juridic persons, a type of juridic person that has recently gained prominence in canon law, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. It examines their structure and underlying principles, as well as the complexities that shape their existence. The analysis is framed around their establishment, mission or purpose, governance, and eventual extinction, while also addressing the emerging challenges and opportunities associated with this evolving juridical entity.

Keywords: Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (MPJS); mission; apostolate; governance; Religious Institutes; Societies of Apostolic Life.

The pontificate of Benedict XVI was marked by an acute concern for the sacred liturgy. In his eucharistic and liturgical documents, certain juridical themes may be identified. By means of analogy between theological and canonical principles, this essay discusses Benedict XVI’s approach to liturgical reform and the principle of continuity, liturgical diversity and the principle of subsidiarity, and the role of liturgical law in the worship of the Church today.

Keywords: Benedict XVI; Joseph Ratzinger; liturgical law; liturgical reform; liturgical diversity.