28. The Federation, insofar as it is at the service of monasteries, must respect their juridical autonomy, does not have governing power over them, and therefore cannot decide all matters that refer to the monasteries; nor is it representative of the Order.

Federated monasteries live their fraternal communion in a way that corresponds to their cloistered vocation, not by multiplying meetings and shared experiences, but by their reciprocal support and their promptness in replying to requests for help, contributing according to their possibilities and respecting one another's independence.

In the spirit of evangelical service, Federations are meant to respond to the practical and real needs of Communities, fostering their dedication to the search for God alone, regular observance and the dynamics of internal unity.The help which Federations can offer in solving shared problems chiefly concerns: the appropriate renewal and reorganization of monasteries, formation both initial and continuing, and mutual financial support. (⁸⁸)

The forms of collaboration between monasteries and the Federation are proposed and determined by the Assembly of the Superiors of the monasteries, who, on the basis of the approved Statutes, indicate the tasks that the Federation should undertake in order to benefit and help the monasteries.

The Holy See usually names a religious Assistant to whom it can delegate, as far as considered necessary or in particular cases, certain faculties and tasks. It is the Assistant's charge: to ensure that the Order's genuine spirit of life entirely dedicated to contemplation is preserved and increased within the Federation; in a spirit of fraternal service to help in the running of the Federation and in economic problems of greater importance; to contribute to the solid formation of novices and professed members.