| In this work, the author explores the origins, development, understanding and praxis of the common life in apostolic religious institutes of women, and the evolution of related legislation. The dissertation attempts to bring together an understanding of the evolution of the common life, its place and meaning for apostolic religious institutes of women, the legislation regarding the common life, and the cultural and societal influences on the legislation and the life of the institutes.;The first chapter presents an historical overview of the legislation regarding the common life, from the early days of the Church until and including the 1917 Code of Canon Law.;The teachings of the Second Vatican Council constitute the heart of chapter two which analyzes the current legislation relevant to the common life, as well as its formulation, especially as it pertains to apostolic institutes of women. Particular attention is paid to Perfectae caritatis, section 15 (common life) and no. 8 (nature of apostolic institutes), and to selected canons addressing both these issues.;Chapter three analyzes and interprets the response of North American apostolic women religious to the conciliar invitation to return to the sources. It traces the most salient efforts at both adaptation and renewal in the areas of the apostolate and the common life. It also points out certain trends which have affected both the understanding and the praxis of the common life.;The fourth and last chapter analyzes and interprets implications for the future, in relation to balancing the requirement of the common life, the apostolic thrust of the institute, and the situations regarding membership which are affecting many institutes at present, and no doubt will continue to do so in the future. It recognizes the impact of societal and cultural attitudes, past and present, on both religious life and on ecclesiastical legislation. This chapter focuses on an interpretation of the common life more appropriate to the times and to the nature of apostolic institutes. Finally, some tentative revisions of certain canons are suggested. |
