Vita Consecrata

On the Consecrated Life and Its Mission in the Church and in the World

St. John Paul II1996-03-25Current

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Overview

Explains consecrated life through Trinitarian communion, the evangelical counsels, holiness, mission, and ecclesial service.

Why This Document Matters

It is the principal post-Vatican II papal synthesis of the theology and mission of consecrated life.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John Paul II in 1996, this apostolic exhortation addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Apostolic Exhortation
Authority class: Papal apostolic exhortation
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1996-03-25

Authoritative papal pastoral and magisterial guidance; any cited definitive teaching retains its own proper authority.

Key Points

Consecrated LifeEcclesiologySpirituality & Prayer

Major Themes

Consecrated LifeEcclesiologySpirituality & Prayer

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Vita Consecrata

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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