Canonical development

3. The Code of Canon Law (1983) specifies and defines the Council's determinations concerning community life.

When it speaks of "common life", it is necessary to distinguish clearly two aspects.

While the 1917 Code(⁹) could have given the impression of concentrating on exterior elements and uniformity of life-style, Vatican II(¹⁰) and the new Code(¹¹) insist explicitly on the spiritual dimension and on the bond of fraternity which must unite all members in charity. The new Code has synthesised these two elements in speaking of "living a fraternal life in common".(¹²)

Thus, in community life, two elements of union and of unity among the members can be distinguished:

- one, the more spiritual: "fraternity" or "fraternal communion", which arises from hearts animated by charity. It underlines "communion of life" and interpersonal relationships;(¹³) - the other, more visible: "life in common" or "community life", which consists of "living in one's own lawfully constituted religious house" and in "leading a common life" through fidelity to the same norms, taking part in common acts, and collaboration in common services.(¹⁴)

All of this is lived "in their own special manner"(¹⁵) in the various communities, according to the charism and proper law of the institute.(¹⁶) From this arises the importance of proper law which must apply to community life the patrimony of every institute and the means for doing this.(¹⁷)

It is clear that "fraternal life" will not automatically be achieved by observance of the norms which regulate common life; but it is evident that common life is designed to favour fraternal life greatly.