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Asociety of apostolic life is a group of men or women within theCatholic Church who have come together for a specific purpose and live fraternally. It is regarded as a form ofconsecrated (or "religious") life.
This type of organization is defined in the1983 Code of Canon Law under Canons 731–746. Under the1917 Code of Canon Law, which preceded the current one, this manner of life was referred to as asociety of common life.
Members of apostolic societies prioritize mission over community life.[1] According to the Vincentian priest Robert P. Maloney, community life should be strong enough to be supportive to those who have pledged to pursue the same apostolic purpose, and flexible enough to allow members to respond to the urgent needs of those they serve. In community, apostolic societies must maintain a balance between prayer and active works.[2]
Apostolic societies vary widely in their missions and areas of focus. Some emphasize preaching, teaching, healthcare, seminary formation, foreign missions, retreats, or advocacy for justice, among other goals. Most were founded in response to a specific need recognized by their founders. Today, many continue to center their work on one or more of the corporal and spiritualworks of mercy.[2]
A number of apostolic societies, such as theDaughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, profess vows or similar commitments defined in their constitutions to live out the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. TheCongregation of the Mission and theDaughters of Charity, both founded by St. Vincent de Paul, are part of a group of societies established in the 16th and 17th centuries in response to growing poverty inFrance.[3] Vincent de Paul chose not to establish the Daughters of Charity as a religious order because at that time women religious were "enclosed" (cloistered), and that state was "not compatible with the duties of their vocation."[2]
A community needs the written approval of abishop to operate within hisdiocese.Clerics of a society of apostolic life usually areincardinated into the society and not a diocese, unless specified otherwise in its constitutions (for example, theSulpicians, who are members of both their society and dioceses). Each community has a right to its ownoratory.
Members of a society of apostolic life are allowed to own personal property, but normally must live in community together.[citation needed]
Canon 731 speaks of such societies as being "comparable to institutes ofconsecrated life". They are regulated by theDicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
A society of apostolic right can be approved by the Pope.
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The diocesan bishop must consent to the "erection of a house and establishment of a local community", and must also be consulted concerning its suppression.[6]
Can. 733 §1. The competent authority of the society erects a house and establishes a local community with the previous written consent of the diocesan bishop, who must also be consulted concerning its suppression.
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