Lay vows?

[DarkLight]

So from the research I’ve done the church does recognize private vows as binding, and in some sense virtuous. My first question is, could someone clarify what are the requirements for a private vow to be binding? Second, what benefit is there to taking a formal vow as opposed to merely performing the same actions without the vow?

 

[Bookcat]

Catechism:

2102 “A vow is a deliberate and free promise made to God concerning a possible and better good which must be fulfilled by reason of the virtue of religion,” A vow is an act of devotion in which the Christian dedicates himself to God or promises him some good work. By fulfilling his vows he renders to God what has been promised and consecrated to Him. The Acts of the Apostles shows us St. Paul concerned to fulfill the vows he had made.

scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c1a1.htm#2102

Canon Law

Can. 1191 §1. A vow, that is, a deliberate and free promise made to God about a possible and better good, must be fulfilled by reason of the virtue of religion.

§2. Unless they are prohibited by law, all who possess suitable use of reason are capable of making a vow.

(Intratext -Vatican Copyright)

---

The making of and the living of a vow offers worship to God. They also add the merit of the virtue of religion and add further moral responsibility depending on what one vows (under the virtue of religion).

Vows out to be well considered and perhaps even direction sought from ones confessor-spiritual director. One may seek a dispensation from ones Pastor (et al) of private vows.