Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of
Religious Life
of
Perfectae Caritatis
[N.B. - This is the text quoted by Fr Kees
Braun
2. The adaptation and renewal of the
religious life includes both the constant return to the sources of all
Christian life and to the original spirit of the institutes and their
adaptation to the changed conditions of our time. This renewal, under the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Church, must be advanced
according to the following principles:
a) Since the ultimate norm of the religious
life is the following of Christ set forth in the Gospels, let this be held by
all institutes as the highest rule.
b) It redounds to the good of the Church
that institutes have their own particular characteristics and work. Therefore
let their founders' spirit and special aims they set before them as well as
their sound traditions-all of which make up the patrimony of each institute-be
faithfully held in honor.
c) All institutes should share in the life
of the Church, adapting as their own and implementing in accordance with their
own characteristics the Church's undertakings and aims in matters biblical,
liturgical, dogmatic, pastoral, ecumenical, missionary and social.
d) Institutes should promote among their
members an adequate knowledge of the social conditions of the times they live
in and of the needs of the Church. In such a way, judging current events wisely
in the light of faith and burning with apostolic zeal, they may be able to
assist men more effectively.
e ) The purpose of the religious life is to help the
members follow Christ and be united to God through the profession of the
evangelical counsels. It should be constantly kept in mind, therefore, that
even the best adjustments made in accordance with the needs of our age will be
ineffectual unless they are animated by a renewal of spirit. This must take
precedence over even the active ministry.