Decree on the Doctrine and Customs of the Association "Opus Angelorum"
by Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
In a letter sent to the Holy See — dated 1st December 1977 — Cardinal Joseph Hoffner, Archbishop of Cologne and President of the German Episcopal Conference, requested an examination of the Association called "Opus Angelorum" (Engelwerk) and of its particular doctrines and practices arising from the private revelations alleged to have been received by Mrs. Gabriele Bitterlich.
After finishing this examination, particularly in regard to the written works containing the aforementioned teaching, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — in a letter of 24th September, 1983 - communicated to His Eminence the following decisions already approved by the sovereign Pontiff in an Audience of 1st July [cf. AAS 76 119841, pp.175-176):
1. In promoting devotion to the Holy Angels, "Opus Angelorum" must open the Teaching of the Church and of the Holy Father and Doctors. In particular, it will not disseminate among its members and the faithful that veneration of the Angels which makes use of 'names' learned from an alleged private revelation (attributed to Mrs. Gabriele Bitterlich). The Community's use of these same names in any prayer will not be permitted.
2. "Opus Angelorum" will not require of its members, nor propose to them the so-called 'promise of silence' (Schweige-Versprechen), although it is legitimate to maintain the proper discretion regarding the internal affairs of "Opus Angelorum" which befits members of he Church's institutions. "Opus Angelorum" and its members will rigorously observe all liturgical norms, especially those regarding the Eucharist. This particularly applies to the so-called 'Communion of Reparation'.
3. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was later able to examine other writings from the same source and was informed that a correct interpretation and implementation of its preceding decisions were not taking place.
An examination of these writings continued the judgement on which the preceding decisions had been based — namely, that the angelology peculiar to "Opus Angelorum" and certain practices arising from it were foreign to Sacred Scripture and Tradition and, therefore, cannot serve as a basis for the spirituality and activity of associations approved by the Church.
Therefore, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has considered it necessary to again publish these decisions, together with the following complementary norms:
1. The theories arising from the revelations alleged to have been received by Mrs. Gabriele Bitterlich about the world of the Angels, their personal names, their groupings and functions, can neither be taught, nor made use of in any way — explicitly or implicitly — in the organization and working structure (Baugerust of "Opus Angelorum", as well as in worship, prayers, spiritual formation, public and private spirituality, in ministry and the apostolate. The same provision applies to any other Institute or Association recognized by the Church.
The use and dissemination of books or the writings containing the aforementioned theories, either inside or outside the Association, is forbidden.
2. The various forms of Consecration to the Angels (Engelweihen) practiced in "Opus Angelorum" are prohibited. (See footnote)
3. In addition, the so-called remote administration of the Sacraments (Fernspendung) is prohibited, as well as the insertion of prayers or rituals which, directly or indirectly, refer to these theories into the Eucharistic Liturgy or the Liturgy of the Hours.
4. Exorcisms may be practized only according to the Church Norms and Discipline in this regard, with the Formulas She has approved.
5. A Delegate with special faculties, appointed by the Holy See, will verify and insist, in consultation with the Bishops, on the application of the Norms laid down above. He will see to it that the relations between "Opus Angelorum" and the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross are clarified and regularized.
The Sovereign Pontiff — John Paul II — at the audience granted the undersigned Cardinal Prefect, approved this Decree, adopted in the ordinary meeting of this congregation, and ordered its publication.
Rome, at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 6th June, 1992
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger,
Prefect
Alberto Bovone
Titular Archbishop of Caesarea in Numidia, Secretary
Decree on the doctrine and customs of the Association "Opus Angelorum" (Decretum de doctrina et usibus particularibus consociationis cui nomen "Opus Angelorum") (6 June 1992), ORE, 24 June 1992, p. 12; AAS 84 (1992) 805-806.
Footnote On May 31, 2000, the Holy See approved this consecration:
Consecration to the Holy Angels
O Holy Angels of God, Here in the presence of the Triune God and in the love of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer, I, N.N., poor sinner, want to make a covenant with you, who are His servants, so that in union with you, I might work with humility and fortitude for the glory of God and the coming of His Kingdom.
Therefore I implore you to assist me, especially.
- in the adoration of God and of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar,
- in the contemplation of the word and the salvific works of God,
- in the imitation of Christ and in the love of His Cross in a spirit of expiation
- in the faithful fulfillment of my mission within the Church, serving humbly after the example of Mary, my heavenly Mother, your Queen.
And you, my good Guardian Angel, who continually behold the face of our Father in heaven, God entrusted me to you from the beginning of my life. I thank you with all my heart for your loving cam I commit myself to you and promise you my love and fidelity.
I beg you protect me against my own weakness and against the attacks of the wicked spirits; enlighten my mind and my heart so that I may always know and accomplish the will of God; and lead me to union with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The signature on the document presented to Catholic Culture reads, in Latin: "Concordat cum originale a Sede Apostolica adprobato. P. Benoit Duroux, Delegato, 16-IX-2000."
This item 7938 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
