Canon 563

1. A secular institute is a society in which the members: (1)

strive to dedicate themselves totally to God by profession of the

three evangelical counsels according to the statutes, strengthened by some sacred bond recognized by the Church; (2) exercise an apostolic activity as a leaven in the world and of the

world so that everything is inspired with evangelical spirit for

the strengthening and increase of the Body of Christ; (3) do not

imitate the manner of life of religious, but lead a life of communion among themselves according to their statutes; (4) clerics

or lay persons, in respect to all canonical effects, remain each

in their own state. 2. Secular institutes are of pontifical,

patriarchal or eparchial right, in accordance with can. 505, 2.