The Consecrated Life: Cases, Commentary, Documents, Readings by Rose McDermott, SSJ (review)

can dedicate themselves to the apostolic works of a personal prelature. Furthermore, this is seen as an organic cooperation. Is that the same as membership? Allen does not mention this, and he certainly does not give the answer. He is also clearly confused about the personal prelature and the priestly society of the Holy Cross. Members of the latter remain incardinated in their respective dioceses or religious institute, but share in the spirituality of Opus Dei. Allen sometimes gives the impression that members of the priestly society of the Holy Cross are also members of Opus Dei, and thus incardinated in the prelature. The author offers an overview of the struggle of Opus Dei in obtaining its juridical status. He seems to assume that the personal prelature is the best juridical form. In the light of the previous remarks, he might have come to another conclusion. Perhaps the current Code of Canon Law lacks an organizational form that really fulfills the needs of Opus Dei. There are other canonical errors in this book. The author states that there is no place for priests in a lay association (p. 38). Elsewhere, he addresses Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne as the Cardinal of Lima. That is clearly incorrect. Thorne is theArchbishop of Lima, and a member of the Sacred College of Cardinals. Opus Dei is, at first sight, very impressive. However, it should be read carefully, bearing in mind the author’s position as a Vatican observer and journalist. Allen is neither a canon lawyer nor an expert in ecclesiology. Kurt Martens School of Canon Law The Catholic University of America Washington, D.C. THE CONSECRATED LIFE: CASES, COMMENTARY, DOCUMENTS , READINGS by Rose McDermott, SSJ. Alexandria, VA: Canon Law Society of America, 2006. Regarding consecrated life and the importance it has not only in the codes but also in the life of the entire Church, relatively little scientific study is being done to examine thoroughly the many issues that the canons on religious can raise. For that reason alone this work makes a significant contribution to the subject. From her writings and expert work experience for over twenty-five years, the author has gleaned fortybook reviews 549 550 the jurist five case studies that concern a good variety of canonical questions she has addressed in the context of Latin rite religious institutes and their members. The book does not contain case studies regarding the canons on consecrated life in the Eastern Code, nor does it deal with any interritual issues that might affect, for example, Eastern Catholics who belong to Latin rite religious institutes. The collection of case studies is divided into two parts: I) the authority of the Holy See and the diocesan bishop over institutes of consecrated life, and II) the authority of major superiors and chapters in institutes of consecrated life. In each case, after succinctly stating the issue, the author poses a number of questions and cites the pertinent canons before offering a helpful commentary followed by further reading references. While some might argue that the many questions are sometimes unnecessary or irrelevant, often it is precisely that extra question which can not only nuance a question but radically change the issue under consideration . Furthermore, given the purpose of the questions, it is clear that the author has successfully added a very pastoral approach to a purely canonical analysis of the issues. Adding to the usefulness of the work, the author has included many sample documents and a general index of the topics treated. The occasional typographical error, especially regarding numbers (see pp. 1, 104, 108 and 173), can be confusing but, then again, no human work is perfect. Besides being a worthy addition to any canonist’s library, this book will be an invaluable aid to chancery officials (especially vicars for religious ), diocesan bishops and, of course, all members and leaders of religious institutes. Jobe Abbass, O.F.M. CONV. Professor of Canon Law St. Paul University Ottawa, Canada ...