The Canonesses Regular of the Lateran date back to the patristic age, among the virgins who, publicly consecrated by the Bishop, surrendered themselves totally to the Lord in continence and the service of the primitive Church.

The Fathers of the Church, and especially Saint Augustine, promoted the communal life of these women consecrated to God, and supported them in the Apostolic Life. The Sisters lived closely united “with one heart and one soul”, bearing witness to love for the Church and placing themselves at the service of the priestly ministry.

During the Middle Ages, like the Canons Regular, they adopted the Rule of Saint Augustine.

The Canonesses are contemplatives. Their day is punctuated by times of prayer, so necessary for a soul who seeks God. But it is the liturgical life which takes prime place in the life of a Canoness, as the liturgy is nothing less than the prolongation of the priestly function of Christ to whom they are consecrated.

Another characteristic of the Canonesses Regular is their fraternal life. They share material and spiritual goods in a radical way; they share their talents of mind and heart, and faith, hope, love, time, enthusiasm…

The Canonesses are strongly bound to the diocesan Churches. By their constant prayer, they help the Bishop and his priests to accomplish their ministry. They bear in their hearts all the intentions of the Church, the Pope and the Bishop of the diocese where they live.

Today, throughout the world, 16 monasteries of Canonesses Regular of the Lateran (9 in Spain, 3 in Italy, 4 in the Philippines and 1 in Poland) irrigate the Church with their canonical life, through their contemplative prayer and apostolate, thus bearing witness to the love they receive from Jesus.

For more information, and vocation enquiries:   chanoines.crl@gmail.com