much, or when denial would without doubt cause damage. It is forbidden to accept foundations connected with burdens of more than 20 years duration. For any acceptance of a foundation, the consent of the Major Superior and his Council is required. (D 284) CM 556, 581 Liquidating Debts 300If the Congregation, a Province, a Vicariate, or a house has contracted any debts or obligations, it alone is responsible for them. If some member has contracted debts or obligations without permission from his Superiors, he himself is responsible for them and not the Congregation, Province, Vicariate, or house. CIC, can. 638; CM 577 Prudence and Diligence 301Mindful that the goods of the Congregation are the goods of the Church, the Superiors and their Council members and treasurers shall, in the administration of these goods, use the greatest diligence and faithfulness. When necessary, they are also to seek the counsel of men who are honest and skillful in these matters. They are to be assiduously vigilant that the goods entrusted to their care should not perish, suffer damage, or be dissipated and that money not be spent for superfluous, useless, or excessively expensive things. They should be on their guard lest burdens be imposed on the Congregation, the Province, or the house that they are unable to sustain. Let them indeed be concerned that, by using material things well and in a way appropriate to religious life, all the confreres may give before the world both a personal—as well as a collective—witness of charity and poverty. CIC, cann. 635; 640; CM 564 Structure and Government 175
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