Canon Law Scholar Eileen Jaramillo Announces Forthcoming Guide on Discerning Charism in Emerging Religious Communities

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Eileen Jaramillo

A new scholarly work examines how the Catholic Church discerns authentic charisms in the founding of institutes of consecrated life.
UNITED STATES - Feb. 18, 2026 - As religious communities across the United States and other parts of the world continue to evolve, theologian and canon law scholar Eileen Jaramillo [https://dreileencjaramillo.academia.edu/] has announced the forthcoming publication of a new scholarly work examining how the Catholic Church discerns authentic charisms in the founding of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.

Her book, Discerning Charism: The Key to Founding Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, offers an in-depth analysis of the theological, canonical, and practical processes involved in recognizing and establishing new religious communities within the Church.

Drawing on decades of experience in canon law, ecclesial leadership, and academic teaching, Jaramillo presents discernment as a communal and ecclesial responsibility grounded in prayer, structure, and accountability. The book traces key papal teachings on discernment from Pope John XXIII through more recent developments, highlighting the evolving understanding of charism in contemporary Church life.

In addition to theological and scriptural foundations, the work provides detailed explanations of canonical procedures governing institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life under the Code of Canon Law. It also includes statistical research from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), documenting the development of new religious communities in the United States since 1965.

"Many communities experience a genuine call to mission but lack clarity about how that call can take ecclesial form," Jaramillo said. "Discernment is not solely a private process. It requires communal reflection and responsible engagement with Church authority to ensure the authenticity of a charism."

The book is intended for communities in formation, bishops and diocesan leadership, canon lawyers, theologians, and readers seeking to better understand current developments in consecrated life.

Discerning Charism is scheduled for release in paperback and eBook formats through Amazon.

About Eileen Jaramillo

Eileen Jaramillo holds degrees in education, theology, divinity, and canon law, including a Licentiate in Canon Law, a Master of Canon Law, and a Doctorate in Ministry. She has served in parish leadership within the Archdiocese of Detroit, as a diocesan religious education consultant in Cleveland, and for 25 years as a canon law judge for the Diocese of Columbus and the Diocese of Lansing.

Dr. Jaramillo has taught at universities and seminaries, served on the Canon Law Society of America (CLSA) Board of Governors, chaired multiple CLSA committees, and co-edited the CLSA handbook Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Her previous books include Evolving into a Vibrant Religious Institute and Envisioning the Future of Consecrated Life. She currently provides consultative services to bishops and religious institutes worldwide.

Website: https://dreileencjaramillo.academia.edu/ [https://dreileencjaramillo.academia.edu/]

Disclaimer

Discerning Charism: The Key to Founding Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content reflects scholarly research, theological analysis, and canonical interpretation and does not constitute official ecclesiastical directives or legal counsel.

Readers and communities are encouraged to consult appropriate Church authorities and qualified canon law professionals regarding specific canonical matters. Statements within this release represent the author's academic and pastoral perspective and do not necessarily reflect the positions of dioceses, religious institutes, or affiliated institutions.
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Website: https://dreileencjaramillo.academia.edu/

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