The Growth of Secular institutes - Diocesan and Pontifical
"Vocation for the New Millennium"

"The members of Secular Institutes are, by vocation and mission, the point of encounter between the initiative of God and the expectation of creation; the initiative of God which they bring into the world through love and initiate union with God; the expectation of creation, which they share in the dally and secular condition of life with others." -- Pope John Paul II, Feb 1, 1997 Audience

On February 2, 1947, Pope Pius XII declared a new form of consecrated life in the Church when he issued the Apostolic Constitution for secular institutes, Provida Mater Ecclesia. The Motu Proprio, Primo Feliceter, in 1948, by Pius XII expanded upon the church’s position regarding the institutes’ secular nature. Paul VI, m major addresses to General Directors of institutes at a World Conference of Secular Institutes, emphasized the synthesis of member’s consecration and secularity. The 1983 Code of Canon Law provided an updated juridic presentation of the institutes. Recently, John Paul II has emphasized the present role of secular institutes in consecrated life in the apostolic exhortation Vita Consecrata. (1996) From 1947 to the present time there has been a steady increase worldwide in the number of canonically erected institutes and membership to them.

Each secular institute has a specific charism, spirituality, constitution, admission policies, structured formation program, administration, and apostolates. These apostolates are individual and pluralistic. The formation process for spiritual and secular life tends to be developed amid such daily activities.

During the formation program and following a special consecration/dedication, institute members strive for the perfection of charity or holiness, and the salvation of the world while remaining in a secular lifestyle, and pursuing an occupation, and other social and political activities. Members radicalize their baptismal consecration at their consecration/ dedication in an evangelical commitment by vows, or vow and promises, of celibate chastity, poverty, and obedience. The most important basis for the member's spiritual life is the practice of charity which is developed through a personal relationship with God, and a deep prayer life enhanced by daily participation in the Eucharistic liturgy.

Although characteristically there are a small number of similarities e.g., in secular institutes and religious institutes, each differs canonically, as well as in their lifestyle’s purpose. Each of these institutes are independent of the other. A secular institute is a form of consecrated life, not religious life, nor a third order, a secular order or a personal prelature. Members of secular institutes are to be known to their diocesan ordinary and other Church officials even though in a few institutes, the characteristic of a discretion/reserve is practiced. This latter characteristic allows a member who canonically is fully lay and fully consecrated to be identified with other lay people without revealing to them a consecrated lifestyle. However, all members of institutes are expected to make the vocation known.

While members usually reside alone, there are contacts with other members periodically locally, regionally and nationally. Among the institutes there is a strong sense of communion. Individually members provide for their own living expenses, including health insurance, taxes, retirement and a donation to their institute. Their attire is like other lay people and no distinctive symbol is worn. Clerics remain in their sacerdotal ministry, and usually have expenses taken care of within a diocese.

The United States Conference of Secular Institutes, canonically erected as of its 1976 statutes, meets regionally and has an annual national meeting. Purposes of the conference are to make the vocation known, to share information, to assist groups aspiring to be a secular institute, and to do research.

Source:

United States Conference of Secular Institutes
P.O. Box 4556; Washington, DC 20017

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