Solemn Vows is Public religious vows that the Church formally recognizes as solemn according to the law of the institute and the competent ecclesiastical authority.[1]
Canonical classification
A vow is public when a legitimate superior accepts it in the Church's name; it is solemn when the Church recognizes it as solemn. All other vows are simple. Thus public and solemn are not interchangeable: a simple vow can also be public and can bind perpetually.
Solemn profession is characteristic of many ancient monastic, canonical, and mendicant institutes. Its specific juridical effects are determined by universal and proper law, especially in matters such as ownership and administration of goods.[2]
Spiritual meaning
Solemn describes canonical form, not a measurement of personal holiness. Both solemnly and simply professed religious undertake chastity, poverty, and obedience as a total response to God's call within their institute.
References
- 1.Code of Canon Law, canons 1191–1204 — Norms on vows, including public, private, solemn, and simple vows
- 2.Code of Canon Law, canons 607–709 — Latin Church norms on religious institutes, formation, profession, and governance