Simple Vows
Simple Vows are vows not recognized by the Church as solemn, including the public temporary or perpetual vows professed in many religious institutes.[1]
Not private or lesser
Simple concerns a vow's canonical classification, not its sincerity or seriousness. A simple vow is public when accepted by a legitimate superior in the Church's name, and it may be temporary or perpetual. Private vows, by contrast, are not received in the Church's name.
Many institutes historically called congregations profess simple vows. Their members are fully religious and are incorporated into their institute through profession under the same general law governing religious institutes.[2]
Effects
Universal and proper law determine the effects of simple profession, including the member's use and administration of property. Differences from solemn profession are juridical and do not create two levels of evangelical consecration.
References
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law, canons 1191–1204 — Norms on vows, including public, private, solemn, and simple vows.
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law, canons 607–709 — Latin Church norms on religious institutes, formation, profession, and governance.