Most US Bishops Secular Men? per JReducation

[falcogreg]

In the link below, JReducation makes the statement that most US bishops are secular men. What exactly does he mean by that? It would be good if he explained that here. Any thoughts by others?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[FCEGM]

In the link below, JReducation makes the statement that most US bishops are secular men. What exactly does he mean by that? It would be good if he explained that here. Any thoughts by others?

Thanks,
Greg

Greg, I’m not sure which link you’re referring to, but no doubt JReducation means bishops who are not members of one of the religious orders of the Church, e.g., Dominican, Benedictine, Society of Jesus, etc… - most bishops in the U.S. having come from the ranks of diocesan priests.

 

[Ocarm]

no doubt JReducation means bishops who are not members of one of the religious orders of the Church, e.g., Dominican, Benedictine, Society of Jesus, etc… - most bishops in the U.S. having come from the ranks of diocesan priests.

Just to add to that, Greg - diocesan priests who are not members of a religious order or society are often referred to as ‘secular’ priests, hence JR’s use of the term ‘secular men’.

They are secular in the sense that although they make promises of celibacy and obedience, they do not take vows. Members of orders, whether priests or not, do take vows, and it is this difference that makes them ‘religious’ instead of secular.

Hope that’s clear.

 

[falcogreg]

First off, forgot to post the link so here it is below. Secondly, in addition to celibacy and obedience, I thought they all took other vows. I realize they all don’t take the vow of poverty (I only learned this recently), but I thought there were quite a few other vows they did take. If not, then what vows do these religious orders take that these “secular” priests do not?

Thanks,
Greg

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=5217081&postcount=61

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

First off, forgot to post the link so here it is below. Secondly, in addition to celibacy and obedience, I thought they all took other vows. I realize they all don’t take the vow of poverty (I only learned this recently), but I thought there were quite a few other vows they did take. If not, then what vows do these religious orders take that these “secular” priests do not?

Thanks,
Greg

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=5217081&postcount=61

The vows that religious take are the Evangelical Counsels, Poverty, Obedience, and Celibacy. Secular clergy do not take vows but make promises of celibacy and obedience.

Some religious take an additional vow which is spelled out in their constitutions.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I misspoke there, the third vow is the vow of Chastity not celibacy. We take the vow to life a chaste life and since we do not marry that also means being celibate.

All celibacy means is that one may not marry.

 

[Cluny]

The vows that religious take are the Evangelical Counsels, Poverty, Obedience, and Celibacy. Secular clergy do not take vows but make promises of celibacy and obedience.

Except for the Benedictines and their offshoots, who take vows of Obedience, Stability, and Conversion of Manners.

And don’t even ask about Eastern Churches; this is a whole different issue.

 

[Toribus]

Priests who are members of religious orders are dispensed from their vows of poverty and obedience to superiors within their order on elevation to episcopate. This is to give them the freedom necessary for their office (eg bishops need to be able to manage finances and assets, while typically religious will not have assets or accounts of their own).

Edit: See Canons 705-707 (on Religious raised to the Episcopate)

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Except for the Benedictines and their offshoots, who take vows of Obedience, Stability, and Conversion of Manners.

And don’t even ask about Eastern Churches; this is a whole different issue.

Correct, some Benedictines, as well as some other orders, also take a fourth vow but Canon Law only covers the standard Poverty, Obedience, and Chastity, which when you look at it, the vows the Benedictines take fits into them.

Priests who are members of religious orders are dispensed from their vows of poverty and obedience to superiors within their order on elevation to episcopate. This is to give them the freedom necessary for their office (eg bishops need to be able to manage finances and assets, while typically religious will not have assets or accounts of their own).

Edit: See Canons 705-707 (on Religious raised to the Episcopate)

Religious raised to the episcopate really cease being “official” members of their orders and become honorary members. They are freed of their vows but they also loose active and passive voice within the order, that is they have no vote in the Chapter and they can not be voted for.