Media Release
Bengaluru, May 16: In a significant contribution to the life and governance of Religious and Secular Institutes and Societies of Apostlice Life, the Canon Law Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) officially released the scientific comprehensive guidebook 'Canon Law for Consecrated Life' during the 99th Executive Committee Meeting of the CCBI held in Bengaluru on May 5.
The first copies of the volume were ceremonially released by cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao and Cardinal Anthony Poola. The copies were received by archbishop S Antonysamy, chairman of the Canon Law Commission and archbishop of Madurai, together with other CCBI officials. The publication is scholarlz edited by Prof Merlin Rengith Ambrose, secretary of the Commission.
The book is the fruit of extensive scholarly deliberations and practical canonical reflections presented during the National Conference for superiors general, provincials, and councillors held in Bengaluru from November 13–15, 2025. Bringing together the theoretical and practical expertise of canon law scholars and Bishops, the volume offers a clear and practical guide to the canonical foundations governing Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
The publication addresses several crucial aspects of consecrated life, including religious leadership, governance structures, administration of temporal goods in Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, formation of candidates, synodality in authority, juridical establishment of institutes, and canonical procedures concerning separation of members, such as canonical issues leave of absence, exclaustration, transfer of members, departure and dismissal from institutes, and relationships between bishops and religious congregations.
Rooted in theological reflection and canonical precision, the work emphasises the delicate balance between law, charism, accountability, and pastoral care within the Church’s mission. It aims to equip major superiors and members of consecrated life with practical, relevant, and responsible canonical guidance for contemporary ecclesial realities.
Designed as both an academic reference and a practical manual, the volume is expected to serve provincials, superiors general, councillors, seminarians, canon lawyers, formators, and members of religious and secular institutes across India and beyond.
Published by the CCBI and distributed by ATC Publishers, the book carries a foreword by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, who highlights the publication’s relevance for strengthening governance, communion, and service within consecrated life today.
Book ordering information
Copies of Canon Law for Consecrated Life may be ordered through:
Website: https://joyofgifting.com/product/canon-law-for-consecrated-life-pb/
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