O discernimento vocacional e a legislação canônica

Abstract

Vocational discernment that the Ordinary (the diocesan bishop or major superior) should hold for admission to the diocesan seminary or religious life is a requirement of canon law. We consider four basic requirements: moral character, physical health with proper medical evidence, sufficient qualities of maturity, and a certain intellectual capacity adequate to the state of life that one is commencing. The goal of the Ordinary is moral certainty, without harming the good reputation and the intimacy of the candidate. In this respect, we see the role of psychological expertise, when needed, and the criteria to be used.