A RELIGIOUS HOUSE is the smallest part of an Order, Congregation or religious society which exists as a community; in canon law it is commonly called a c.r. (Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 488, n. 5). Other more usual names for such a community are: monastery (generally a c.r. of monks or nuns), convent (especially in mendicant Orders), cenobium, and other titles proper to each Religion.
The constitutions proper to each Religion determine which organs of the internal régime (Chapters, superiors) are competent to erect a new c.r.; these organs, however, for such erection must always have the licence of the local Ordinary, and in certain cases also the approval of the Holy See. Similarly, for the suppression of a c.r. the consent respectively of the local Ordinary or of the Holy See is required (can. 495-98).
Legally, c.r. are usually distinguished into those “formed” and those “not formed.” To have a c.r. “formed” it is necessary that it be composed permanently of at least six religious, of whom at least four are priests if it is a clerical religion (can. 488, n. 5). Even the houses “not formed” are true c.r. and true communities with their own superior, but in certain respects they do not have the same juridical position as the formed houses.
For common canon law, c.r. are juridical persons (cf. can. 536 § 1), and may more properly be considered as associations, though some regard them as foundations. They also have the capacity to acquire and possess property, subject to and within the limits in which the rules or constitutions do not otherwise dispose (can. 531).
The c.r. is governed by the local superior, who is called differently according to the various Religions: superior, prior, abbot, guardian, rector, etc. In the government of the house he is assisted by his Council, whose consent, or at least opinion, he needs in matters of greater importance.