The Catholic Voyage: African Journal of Consecrated Life
Vol. 18. No.2 2021Published on: October 21, 2021
Abstract
The religious superior is a physical person appointed or elected from other members to preside over a community or an institute. He or she represents the community/institute in legal matters, and as well governs the community according to the universal law and proper law see that things work out and also ensure that peace always reigns in the community/ institute. The religious superior, as the father or mother of a religious family, should accommodate every member of his or her family, embrace them with joy and love, always see them happy, know when things are not right and give correction when necessary...
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Introduction One may accept the office of the religious superior without knowing what it entails. Some think that it is an office of honour or recognition or an office of intimidation or a position to show off. Anyone who accepts this office makes him or herself a servant to others. He or she has chosen to wash the hands and feet of the subjects entrusted in his or her care, to serve and not to be served. The person is called not to waste his or her time in redundancy but called to suffer and work for the common good of the members, the community/institute and the church. Therefore, the religious superior as a representative of God, the guardian of the members is the mirror through which the members of the community or institute witness. The members look at the superior’s behaviour to measure up to his or her own. He or she is the visible sign of unity in the community or institute entrusted to him or her. As a result, he or she should do everything possible to keep the community/ institute moving. 1. The Concept of the Religious Superior A religious superior is a person who presides over a religious community. Even though the code does not provide its definition, it does speak generally of superior(s). The term “superior” is not applied only to the