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The adaptation and renewal of the religious life includes both the
constant return to the sources of all Christian life and to the
original spirit of the institutes and their adaptation to the changed
conditions of our time. This renewal, under the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Church, must be advanced
according to the following principles:
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a) Since the ultimate norm of the religious life is the following of
Christ set forth in the Gospels, let this be held by all institutes
as the highest rule.
b) It redounds to the good of the Church that institutes have their
own particular characteristics and work. Therefore let their
founders' spirit and special aims they set before them as well as their
sound traditions-all of which make up the patrimony of each
institute-be faithfully held in honor.
c) All institutes should share in the life of the Church, adapting
as their own and implementing in accordance with their own
characteristics the Church's undertakings and aims in matters
biblical, liturgical, dogmatic, pastoral, ecumenical, missionary
and social.
d) Institutes should promote among their members an adequate knowledge
of the social conditions of the times they live in and of the needs of
the Church. In such a way, judging current events wisely in the
light of faith and burning with apostolic zeal, they may be able to
assist men more effectively.
e ) The purpose of the religious life is to help the members follow
Christ and be united to God through the profession of the evangelical
counsels. It should be constantly kept in mind, therefore, that even
the best adjustments made in accordance with the needs of our age will
be ineffectual unless they are animated by a renewal of spirit. This
must take precedence over even the active ministry.
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