CCC 927

All religious, whether exempt or not, take their place among the collaborators of the diocesan bishop in his pastoral duty.⁴⁶⁷ Cf. CD 33-35; CIC, can. 591. From the outset of the work of evangelization, the missionary "planting" and expansion of the Church require the presence of the religious life in all its forms.⁴⁶⁸ Cf. AG 18; 40. "History witnesses to the outstanding service rendered by religious families in the propagation of the faith and in the formation of new Churches: from the ancient monastic institutions to the medieval orders, all the way to the more recent congregations."⁴⁶⁹ John Paul II, RMiss 69.