Secular Institutes are the newest form of consecrated life in the Church. Unlike
religious, members of Secular Institutes live entirely in the world. Like all other
lay people they share the responsibility to live gospel values and attitudes in
family and social relationships and the work place whether it be the office,
factory, shop, hospital, school etc. Like religious they are called to live their
commitment through the vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience.
Although in the early 1900's there were groups living a secular institute lifestyle
it was not until 1947 when Pope Pius X11 issued the Apostolic Constitution
Provida Mater Ecclesia that some groups were canonically raised to be secular
institutes of pontifical right.
Forecourt & Shrine at Aylesford Priory.
What is a Secular Institute?
