what is "Pontifical Right"? and "Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate"

[water]

I have two questions and it is related to "Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate", and I hope you can help me.

- what is "Pontifical Right"? is it a good thing?

The Franciscans of the Immaculate was established by Pope John Paul II in 1990 as a diocesan institute.
The Institute was erected as a pontifical institute of religious life by His Holiness John Paul II in January 1, 1998, Solemnity of the Mother of God.

My next question is: could you tell me something you think I should know about the "Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate" religious order.

Thank you very much!

[Trishie]

Institutes or Pontifical Right are not under the authority of the Bishop, but directly responsible to the Holy See. The Institute rmust have a decree of Pontifical Right through the Congregation for Relgious and Secular Institutes. Institute constitutions are submitted directly to the Holy See for approval, and other matters of law such as perpetual vows or promises, and dispensations, mst be submitted to the Holy See for approval.

[water]

Originally Posted by Trishie

Institutes or Pontifical Right are not under the authority of the Bishop, but directly responsible to the Holy See. The Institute rmust have a decree of Pontifical Right through the Congregation for Relgious and Secular Institutes. Institute constitutions are submitted directly to the Holy See for approval, and other matters of law such as perpetual vows or promises, and dispensations, mst be submitted to the Holy See for approval.

Thanks, Trishie. Being not under the authority of the Bishop is a good thing?

[Poor Clare tobe]

Originally Posted by water

Thanks, Trishie. Being not under the authority of the Bishop is a good thing?

It can be some times[ a good thing to report directly to the Pope .. on the other hands many new orders come into being because a Bishop sees a need ,and decides to give a new group a chance, by allowing them to form in His Diocese.

I am sure that many members of orders could speak to this a bit more.. and hope that they do... I am sorry I am not more aware of the Franciscan Friars.. am thinking they may have a website you can check for information???

Hope this helps a little bit???

Blessings of Peace and All Good!

[Sister MM]

Being of pontifical rite makes the order more stable. A diocesan rite order is under the more direct authority of the local bishop, and as we know there are bishops who tend to be more liberal and those who tend to be more conservative. An order of diocesan rite, being under the direction of the bishop, can be "asked" to make changes - to their habit, charism, way of life, etc. A pontifical order, however, comes into a diocese at the bishop's invitation (which they can ask for) with the bishop knowing what he is getting, and that he will not be able to change things.

Yes, it is a good thing for the community, generally speaking. Since any changes to the constitutions have to be approved by Rome, there is not as much temptation for each superior to make over the community into his or her own image.

[water]

Originally Posted by Sister MM

Being of pontifical rite makes the order more stable. A diocesan rite order is under the more direct authority of the local bishop, and as we know there are bishops who tend to be more liberal and those who tend to be more conservative. An order of diocesan rite, being under the direction of the bishop, can be "asked" to make changes - to their habit, charism, way of life, etc. A pontifical order, however, comes into a diocese at the bishop's invitation (which they can ask for) with the bishop knowing what he is getting, and that he will not be able to change things.

Yes, it is a good thing for the community, generally speaking. Since any changes to the constitutions have to be approved by Rome, there is not as much temptation for each superior to make over the community into his or her own image.

Thank you, Poor Clare tobe and Sister MM!

Sister MM, that is a very good thing to know about the pontifical order.

God bless!