Canon 554

1. An institute in which the members profess the evangelical

counsels by some sacred bond but not by religious vows, and imitate the manner of life of the religious state, under the governance of superiors in accordance with approved statutes, is a

society of common life according to the manner of religious. 2.

Such a society is of pontifical, patriarchal or eparchial right,

in accordance with the norm of can. 505, 2; it is clerical, according to norm of can. 505, 3; dependent on the ecclesiastical

authority as congregations are, in accordance with the norm of

cann. 413-415, 419, 420, 3 and with due regard to particular law

established by the Apostolic See, can. 418, 2. 3. Members of

these societies are equivalent to religious in what pertains to

the canonical effects unless the law provides otherwise or it is

apparent from the nature of the matter.