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  • I monasteri di monache associati a gli ordini mendicanti (Can. 614) by Claudio Durighetto
  • Sharon Holland IHM
I monasteri di monache associati a gli ordini mendicanti (Can. 614), by Claudio Durighetto. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2010. Pp. 5-344.

This book, fruit of the author's doctoral research, focuses on monasteries of nuns of the Mendicant Orders. As a Franciscan, and an official of the Vatican Office which handles matters pertaining to nuns, Durighetto is particularly qualified to present this study.

The specific object of the dissertation is those monasteries of nuns described in canon 614 as associated to an institute of men, but which maintain their own way of life and governance, according to constitutions. The definition of mutual rights and obligations in proper law is expected to result [End Page 687] in the spiritual good of both. From the outset, the author notes the uniqueness of placing those cloistered nuns in close relationship with apostolic mendicant friars. Three types of association are delineated: spiritual, spiritual-juridic, and juridic.

Chapter one provides an enlightening overview of the history of this relationship up to the l983 Code. The following chapter analyzes canon 614 throughout the revision process. A final chapter provides a detailed analysis of the association as it is defined in the constitutions of the nuns and of the mendicant friars of six orders. Detailed footnotes render the actual text interesting and readable despite the complexity of the topic. The extensive bibliography draws on canonical fonts, universal law, proper law and related literature.

The Orders studied are the Augustinians; the two Carmelite Orders (O. Carm. and OCD); the Order of St Clare (Poor Clares) as their particular monasteries, by history and constitution relate, to the Order of Friars Minor, the OFM Conventuals, or the OFM Capuchins; the Order of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (Conceptionists) associated with the Order of Friars Minor; and the nuns of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). The study was limited to constitutions which apply to at least fifty monasteries of nuns.

Beyond the value of the historical context and the careful analysis of the canon throughout the revision process, it is this third chapter which makes the most unique contribution. One single canon dealing with such relationships could give the impression of a great commonality for monasteries relating primarily to an Order of men rather than to the Diocesan Bishop (canon 615). However, the detailed analysis of the constitutions of each order of nuns demonstrates a diversity dictated by spirituality, history or tradition. The relationship of nuns with the Diocesan Bishop is not either/ or with reference to the Regular Superior. Rather, a sphere of authority is delineated for each in accordance with the Code and the Constitutions.

In the conclusion Durighetto notes that the relationship with the nuns enriches and creatively interprets the common ideal of the Order in a feminine, Marian, and cloistered manner. The Friars' apostolic way of life is completed by the presence of these women who contribute to the mission of the brothers, and to the restoration and reform of the Church through prayer, offering and sacrifice. [End Page 688]

Looking beyond, the author suggests that there is room for further study of the meaning and value of the autonomy of monasteries of nuns and what would be gained or lost by further centralization or the strengthening of federations. He also notes where the proper law of monasteries needs to be revised to reflect the changes from Venite Seorsum (1969) to Verbi Sponsa (1999).

Given the content of the work, its usefulness becomes evident for a variety of potential readers, as long as they can manage Italian. Scholars of Church history in general or of religious history in particular, will find much of interest, especially in the first chapter and bibliography. The evolution of the canonical norms will interest those studying the Code revision process. Above all, the work is invaluable for those who must apply the canons and constitutions when working with monasteries of nuns, associated with the Mendicant Orders, under canon 614. These would include the Prioresses themselves, and the respective Regular Superiors. Similarly, Bishops and their Vicars for Religious can be...

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