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PROGRAM OF ONGOING FORMATION
FOR OPERATORS OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL TRIBUNALS
7th Renewal Course of
Marriage Law and
Canonical Procedure
Rome, September 16-20, 2019
“Regarding those spouses who experience serious problems in their relationship and who find themselves in a situation of crisis, it is important to help them revive their faith and rediscover the grace of the Sacrament; and, in certain cases — to be evaluated with honesty and interior freedom — to offer appropriate advice to undertake a process of annulment. May those who have come to realize that their union is not in fact a true sacramental marriage, and who wish to exit this situation, be able to find in the Bishops, priests and pastoral workers the necessary accompaniment expressed, not only in the communication of juridical norms, but first and foremost in an attitude of listening and understanding. In this regard, the regulations on the new marriage process are a valid instrument which must be applied concretely and without distinction by all, at all ecclesial levels, since its ultimate reason is the salus animarum!” (Francis, Address to Participants at the Formation Course Provided by the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, 27 September 2018).
“The implementation of these documents is therefore a great responsibility for Ordinaries in dioceses, who are called upon to judge some cases themselves and, in every case, to ensure the faithful an easier access to justice. This involves preparing a sufficient staff, composed of clerical and lay persons, who dedicate themselves a priore to this ecclesial service” (Final Report of the Synod of Bishops to the Holy Father Pope Francis, 24 October 2015, n. 82).
This renewal course, now in its 7th edition, primarily seeks to form ministers and professionals working in ecclesiastical forums throughout the world regarding the main normative, doctrinal and jurisprudential developments that have arisen in these first years of application of the 2015 Motu Proprio Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus and Mitis et Misericors Iesus, in addition to studying other issues relevant to the activities of ecclesiastical tribunals.
Course methodology is both theoretical and practical, and intends to marry the scientific exposition of canonical developments and grounds of nullity, which may often be problematic in ecclesiastical tribunals, with the identification, examination and discussion of practical cases provided beforehand to all course participants.
Theoretical sessions are conducted in Italian, with simultaneous translation provided in English and Spanish.
The discussion of practical cases is carried out in language-based groups (Italian, English and Spanish) for the purpose of ease and accessibility. All documentation regarding the species facti of practical cases will be sent to participants electronically approximately two months prior to the Course, to facilitate their study and prompt greater depth in discussion.
The Course’s integration of a pedagogical system that includes lectures, moments of debate and the discussion of practical cases allows participants to acquire both critical knowledge and specific skills. The spirit of cordiality and sharing that animates the Course also encourages participants to exchange experiences, both among themselves and in dialogue with presenters.
Principal Course Objectives:
Forming ecclesiastical tribunal personnel in doctrinal and jurisprudential developments.
Presenting and providing an in-depth focus on debated issues.
Promoting professional competency and ethical sensibility.
Applying knowledge to the resolution of practical cases.
Fostering discussion and the sharing of experiences among professionals and instructors.
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