ONGOING PROGRAM OF FORMATION FOR STAFF OF ECCLESIASTICAL TRIBUNALS

5th Renewal Course of Marriage Law and Canonical Procedure

Holistic Pedagogical Approach: Interactive Lectures, Open Discussions, Case Studies

Rome, September 16-20, 2013

“It follows that the interpretation of canonical law must take place within the Church. This is not a matter of mere external circumstance, subject to the environs: it is a calling to the same humus of Canon Law and the reality regulated by it. Sentire cum Ecclesia takes on meaning also within the discipline, by reason of the doctrinal foundations that are always present and operative within the legal norms of the Church. In this manner, is also applied to Canon Law that hermeneutics of renewal in continuity of which I spoke in reference to the Second Vatican Council, so closely bound to the current canonical legislation. Christian maturity leads one to love the law ever more and want to understand it and to apply it faithfully” (BENEDICT XVI, Address to the Roman Rota, January 21, 2012).

“In order to exercise their respective functions properly, judges, defenders of the bond and promoters of justice are to be diligent in continuing to deepen their knowledge of matrimonial and procedural law. With particular reason it is necessary that they study the jurisprudence of the Roman Rota, since it is responsible to promote the unity of jurisprudence and, through its own sentences, to be of assistance to lower tribunals (cf. Pastor bonus, art.126)” (art. 35 §§ 2 and 3 of the Instruction Dignitas connubii).

The aim of the fifth edition of the renewal Course is to present to ministers and professionals of the ecclesiastical fora throughout the world the normative principle , doctrinal, and jurisprudential developments which have come to light in recent years surrounding the process of the declaration of matrimonial nullity and other issues pertaining to sectors of tribunal activity. The methodology of this course is practical-theoretical, and is committed to joining the scientific exposition of canonical innovations and the grounds for nullity that often emerge as problematic in ecclesiastical tribunals with the identification, analysis, and discussion of case studies distributed to all participants beforehand.

The sessions consisting of lectures in theory will be conducted in Italian. There will be simultaneous translation provided in both English and Spanish.

To facilitate a more direct and interactive discussion of each case study, the participants will be divided according to linguistic groups (Italian, English, or Spanish). The particular cases to be dealt with in these small groups will be sent electronically to participants two months prior to the course to ensure time for appropriate study and to facilitate a more thorough consideration and discussion of the material.

The didactic approach composed of in-depth lectures on the substance of the material,   enough time for debate, and practical scenarios renders a firm grasp of the knowledge and particular competency involved. The environment of sharing and cordial interaction of this course encourages, beyond its critical aspects, an exchange of experience among participants as well as open dialogue with the speakers.