Legislative determination of nullity of acts is very important because it helps the Church avoid arbitrariness that undermines the efficacy of juridical acts and the celebration of sacraments, thereby hindering the faithful’s journey of holiness.
The 1983 Code derives from one and the same intention, the renewal of Christian living. From such an intention, in fact, the entire work of the council drew its norms and its direction
The presumption of innocence aligns with the spirituality of canon law, as it relieves the burdened conscience of those falsely accused of wrongdoing.
“Charity demands that the Church’s pastors resort to the penal system whenever it is required, keeping in mind the three aims that make it necessary in the ecclesial community: the restoration of the demands of justice, the correction of the guilty party and the repair of scandals” – Pope Francis
Canonists emphasise the need to continue imposing automatic penalties, given the peculiarity of the penal canonical law system, which requires that crimes of extreme gravity, of deep wickedness, of widespread scandal be punished immediately.
The Church considers penal canonical law as intrinsically connected to its proper nature and history.
Even with the place of origin law in Nigeria, one who does not live in one’s place of origin cannot claim to have a domicile or quasi-domicile in that territory in the strict canonical sense.
Since the purpose of canon law is to help the faithful in their journey of holiness (spirituality of canon law), one who decides to participate in the sacraments in another parish does not commit an offence.
The principle of territoriality is foundational in the organisation and governance of the Catholic Church.
The protection of subjective rights fits into the spirituality of canon law because when subjective rights are protected it improves respect for human dignity and vocation, increases access to pastoral care and sacramental support, deepens one’s relationship with God, and ultimately, improves the journey of holiness.
