PART TWO

DIRECTIVES AND NORMS

The experience of recent years has, in the light of the above principles, led to the formulation of some directives and norms dealing especially with the practical aspects of life. From this it will undoubtedly follow that the mutual relations between bishops and religious will be further facilitated to the advantage of the building up of the Body of Christ.

We shall present these directives, which are mutually complementary, under three distinct headings, namely:

a) the formative aspect,

b) the operative aspects,

c) the organizational aspect.

The text presupposes the juridical prescriptions already in force, and at times makes reference to these; it does not therefore derogate from any of the prescriptions of preceding documents of the Holy See still in force in this matter.