Which is an example of an institute of consecrated life?

• A. Monks
• B. Diocesan priests
• C. Secular institute members
• D. Parish council members

Answer: (A)

In canon law, institutes of consecrated life are groups whose members profess the evangelical counsels and live a life dedicated to God. Monks fit as an example because they belong to a religious institute that follows a specific monastic rule, lives in a monastery, and takes vowed religious commitments such as poverty, chastity, and obedience. Diocesan priests are part of the secular clergy serving in a diocese, not a religious institute, so they don’t illustrate an institute of consecrated life. Parish council members are lay and not consecrated; they don’t belong to a religious institute. While secular institute members are themselves part of an institute of consecrated life, the option refers to the members rather than the institute itself, so monks serve as the clearest example here.