New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law (Study Edition)

The Canons, as legal rules in the Church, evolved through theology, and as such they must continue to evolve from the growing faith and experience of the Church. In the forewords of this book, Ladislas M. Orsy, SJ gives an exposition on "Theology and Canon Law" and Fredrick R. McManus gives us "A Canonical Overview of Canon Law" since 1983. These two works by universally respected canonist-professors, justify purchasing this book. They are timeless works to read and reread, without even opening the other eighteen hundred pages. Pope John Paul II, in his Papal Allocutions to the Roman Rota, has emphasized repeatedly that "In effect, juridical-canonical work is pastoral by its very nature." In 1985, The Canon Law Society of America produced the first Commentary on the current Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1983. This was an extremely brave undertaking for any group. Nothing went before and the responsibility of producing such a maiden work was huge. That first edition became an indispensable tool to canonists universally. It provoked thought and discussion beyond any expectation. This is not a second edition. It is a whole new work with mostly new authors. In the spirit of the instruction of Pope John Paul II, this Commentary brings a veritiable treasure trove of priceless experience and thought. The many contributors to this Commentary include university professors, Tribuanl professionals, administrators of religious institutes, and parish priests. In the years since the 1983 Code was promulgated, there has certainly been change. There have been many documents and official interpretations. The Pontifical Council on the Interpretation of Legislative Texts has issued dozens of authoritative interpretations of the canons. There have been numerous decisions by ecclesial Tribunals all over the world, which have contributed to the meaning of particular canons. In addition there were such important documents as the 1988 Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia; the 1990 Ritual for the Celebration of Marriage; the 1993 Directory on Ecumenism; the 1996 Apostolic Constitution on Papal Elections; the 1998 Motu Propio on Episcopal Conferences; and the 1990 Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. In addition to their consideration of these new documents and decisions, the contributors here bring many varied, lived experiences. And the life experiences of some of these authors is awesome. Two of the authors, also contributors to the first Commnetary, were Professors James H. Provost and Bertram F. Griffin. Both of these men were renowned canonists and their contributions are the last great works we have from these men before their deaths. Their work here proves how greatly they are missed. Contributor Lawrence G. Wrenn has long been an expert on American Catholic jurisprudential thought on marriage annulment. As usual, he excels here. On the other end of the spectrum, this Commentary shows the depth of some new canonists. Barbara Anne Cusack, Diane L. Barr, John M. Huels, OSM, Rose M. McDermott, SSJ, Robert Geisinger, SJ, and Craig A. Cox, among many others, show that there is still much coming to provoke both thought and canonical action in the Church. The format of this book has each contributor presenting a canon, the state of related issue, and then, his or her own view in the ongoing debates. A commentary is not an authoritative text in the way the Pope is infalible. It is never meant to be. A reader of this type of text is of such a caliber intellectually that any explanation in a vacuum would make the work useless, even insulting. The intended reader is the challenged reader. Challenged to read, to think and to act, with the truest sense of justice, and on the most pastoral path of Christianity.

The commentary was very helpful and creative when trying to apply Canon law to our particular circumstances. Highly recommended for religious communities.

Every Catholic needs this book if they want to learn more specific about all the Canons in Canon Law

This is an excellent companion for my class text INTRODUCTION TO CANON LAW. This book made my homework a breeze not to mention that it is an excellent reference for my role as a lay minister.

Book exceeded my expectations and has proven useful in class. I expect the book to be a valuable resource in the future.

As a canon law student this book helps immensely in my studies and I'm sure will be invaluable in my career.

I just ordered this book a few days ago. It already arrived today! It's for my husband. He's been looking for a book like this for some time now. He dove into it within seconds of opening the box. At last, something to keep him away from the television!

This has been needed for a long time to keep up with the ever-changing exigencies of Canon Law and its practical application in the US.Purchase and delivery made very easy by Amazon.

Very happy with the product I received and was in a much better condition than expected.Many thanks.

This book severed well as a reference and intro in Canon Law. If you plan to work in the area worth the price. If you don't plan on using canon law then probably can just find stuff online instead and save your money.

It is a very good book with commentaries and explanations. A worth having by all teachers and students of Canon Law.

I am a student of Theology and I have to study Canon Law. I found this book very helpful for my studies as it explains the Canons very simply and profoundly.

Great commentary on the Code of Canon Law.