Page 31 - SJC Constitution

co-redemptrix. Thereby he made himself a vessel of divine
grace and an instrument of transmission for Godís
compassionate love, which he himself had experienced to
the full in Jesus. These are the two important fruits that we,
his spiritual daughters, are to derive by participating in St.
Josephís life of obedience.

41 Those communities, where there are true sisterliness, co-
responsibility and co-operation between superiors and
members, will be resorts where God can, with greater
freedom and ease, reveal and execute his plans.
42 Conversation with mutual trust and openness between Superiors
and members; community dialogues conducted with readiness
of soul, openness of heart, mutual respect and reverence for
authority with a view to discerning and executing the will of
God; common discussions - all these will, in a special way,
help and dispose the community to discover the will of God
and execute it. However, it is up to the superior, who represents
Jesus the head in the community, to discern the will of God and
intimate the final decision to the community.

43 Each one is bound to obey the Constitutions, orders of the
superiors and decisions of the community. 44

44 In matters grave or scandalous to the community or people
of God, the superiors can, in view of the individual or
community, prudently take punitive actions. In such cases,
superiors should particularly attend to listening to the
individual concerned and observe norms of justice and love
in corrections and punishments. Those who are subjected to
corrective or punitive actions should accept them with
submission and faith, knowing that they are for their own good.

45 A sister disobeying an order given in writing by the legitimate
Superior ëin virtue of the vow of obedienceí gravely violates
her vow of obedience. Superiors may give such orders, only

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