The General Chapter in a Religious Institute
The General Chapter in a Religious Institute

Author: Elizabeth M. Cotter

Publisher: Peter Lang

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 9783039114146

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This book examines the historical antecedents of the concept of general chapter, the supreme authority in an institute of consecrated life. This provides the basis for an examination of the contemporary understanding of the nature of its power and authority, as portrayed in the 1983 Code of Canon Law. The general chapter is analysed in terms of its juridic status, collegial nature, participative character and representative function as well as its dynamic aspects and faith dimension. The author applies the findings to one institute of consecrated life, Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Loreto Branch. This application provides an example of the challenges inherent in working participatively and collaboratively within a hierarchical structure. Because consecrated life has an inalienable ecclesial dimension, understanding authority and power and their exercise in institutes of consecrated life has relevance for understanding authority and its exercise in other organs of authority at all levels in the church.

Journey into Faith and Fidelity
Journey into Faith and Fidelity

Author: Nadine Foley

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 1999-01-10

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1441125280

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This book is a collection of related stories by members of the Adrian Dominican congregation that reflects the creative movement that has taken place in religious life as women have responded to the inspiration of Vatican Council II as well as to the impact of contemporary culture. While the impetus to renewal came directly from the Church authority, adaptation and change far exceeded what was originally envisioned by those who authorized the process, particularly when the institutes responded to the directive to "consult all the members".The contributors to this book trace the most critical influences that moved religious congregations toward a renewed religious life. They embraced a God who does not remain static but who moves in human history, a loving God who relates to us in care and compassion, a Holy Spirit who dwells within and inspires through discernment the decisions and directions that are to be taken, a sense of personal worth and empowerment as women baptized into gospel mission and ministry, a response to Church teaching that action on behalf of justice is constitutive of Gospel mission. In renewing their religious life, women have an important experience to offer the Church for ongoing renewal in the future, as reflection upon these essays and continuing dialogue will reveal.

Philosophy of John Duns Scotus
Philosophy of John Duns Scotus

Author: Antonie Vos

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Published: 2006-06-30

Total Pages: 672

ISBN-13: 0748627251

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John Duns Scotus is arguably one of the most significant philosopher theologians of the middle ages who has often been overlooked. This book serves to recover his rightful place in the history of Western philosophy revealing that he is in fact one of the great masters of our philosophical heritage. Among the fields to which Scotus has made an immense contribution are logic, metaphysics, philosophy of mind and action, and ethical theory.The Philosophy of John Duns Scotus provides a formidable yet comprehensive overview of the life and works of this Scottish-born philosopher. Vos has successfully combined his lifetime of dedicated study with the significant body of biographical literature, resulting in a unique look at the life and works of this philosopher theologian.