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Chapter 8 Separation from the Institute
Difficulties, Discernment
115. Aware of the worth of our vocation, we give ourselves to it without turning back. The difficulties and temptations that arise in the course of life are not in themselves a reason to doubt our vocation. The Brother who faces up to them with faith and generosity, and who makes use of suitable means to overcome them, can find in them a way of strengthening his vocation and of renewing his fidelity.
If his efforts do not succeed, however, the Brother should turn to discernment, helped by his Superiors and other competent people. This discernment is to be made with deep respect for the Brother's person and for the call of God. If, from the discernment, it emerges that there are good grounds for leaving the Institute, the Brother can make the request to do so in peace and in abandonment to the Lord.
Leaving the Institute
116. Once the time of his profession has expired, a Brother in temporary vows is free to leave the Institute. He should do so only after due prayer and reflection1.
If, during the time of his temporary profession, a Brother asks to leave the Institute for some serious reason, he can obtain an indult to leave from the Brother Superior General, with the consent of his Council2.
The Brother Provincial, after consulting his Council, can, for just reasons, exclude a Brother from making a subsequent profession on the completion of a temporary profession3.
A Brother in perpetual profession must not ask for a dispensation except for very grave reasons that have been maturely thought over in the presence of the Lord. He then makes his request to the Brother Superior General, who passes it on to the Holy See4, with his advice and that of his council. (cf 137.2)
116.1 A Brother who has reached the point of wanting to leave the Institute, will arrange matters through his Brother Provincial.
116.2 An indult to leave, legitimately granted and notified to the Brother, carries with it, by virtue of the law itself, the dispensation from vows and from all obligations arising from profession, unless it be rejected by the Brother at the time of notification. (c 692)
Other Cases of Separation
117. In matters concerning separation from the Institute, we follow the prescriptions of Canon Law. The separation may be by transfer to another Institute1, by exclaustration2, by leaving, or by being sent away3.
117.1 An exclaustrated Brother provides for his own needs. If difficulties arise, he should make his situation known to the Brother Provincial, who, with his Council, decides on how the Province can help.
117.2 The Institute should not overlook its duty of charity towards those who have left us. Although such Brothers cannot ask for any recompense for the services they have given, the Institute will help them, materially and spiritually, to establish themselves in some other way of life. We should maintain bonds of friendship with former members of the Institute. (c 702)
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