Which statement best describes the relationship of religious institutes to the Holy See?

• A. They operate independently of the Holy See.
• B. They are communities of consecrated life guided by their constitutions and the Holy See; they take vows and live under Church norms.
• C. They are secular organizations with no vows.
• D. They answer only to local bishops.

Answer: (B)

Religious institutes are communities of consecrated life whose way of life is fixed by their own constitutions and under the oversight of the Holy See. Members profess the evangelical counsels through permanent vows and live in accord with Church norms, with the Holy See approving their constitutions and guiding their formation and governance. While local bishops have responsibility for the diocesan church and can oversee matters within their territory, they do not alone determine the institute’s status or life; the Holy See remains the ultimate authority over institutes of consecrated life.