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.
Canon law safeguards rights through a three‑fold approach: defining the rights of the faithful, establishing procedural guarantees, and reinforcing the exercise of authority as service.
The sixth principle contributes to the spirituality of canon law by safeguarding the rights of Christ’s faithful, reinforcing the exercise of authority as service in facilitating the journey of holiness, and avoiding abuses that undermine it, ultimately promoting the salvation of souls.
When there is no decree on a matter, “the competence of each diocesan bishop remains intact, nor is a conference or its president able to act in the name of all the bishops unless each and every bishop has given consent” (Can. 455 §4).
Delegation is a manifestation of the spirituality of canon law because it ensures that suitable persons govern the Church, thereby protecting the integrity of sacraments, maintaining governance within the Church, promoting justice, and ultimately, safeguarding and promoting the relationship of the faithful with God.
Subsidiarity is connected to the spirituality of canon law because it promotes the participation of the entire faithful and prevents unnecessary centralisation.
The principle of subsidiarity also applies to Church governance because the Church is a society structured in layers—parish, diocese, province, and episcopal conference.
The main function of a pontifical legate is “to continually make stronger and more effective the bonds of unity which exist between the Apostolic See and particular churches” (Can. 364).
